Saab 2001 9-3 - Manual (Page 190)

190 Starting and driving
Driving considerations
with compact spare
wheel/tire fitted
The following should be observed when the
compact spare wheel (T115/70 R16) is
installed:
The compact spare is light and easy to
handle when changing the wheel. Do not
drive farther than necessary with the com-
pact spare fitted – the maximum life of the
wheel is only just over 2000 miles
(3,500 km). Have the standard wheel
repaired and reinstalled as soon as possi-
ble.
Points to bear in mind when driving with a
compact spare wheel:
• The car’s ground clearance is reduced
with the compact spare fitted.
• Only one compact spare wheel may be
used at any time.
• Take care not to hit the curb.
• Do not fit snow chains.
• Leave the wheel cover off, so that the
warning text is readily visible.
For long trips
Before starting off on a long journey, it is
advisable to have your car inspected by
your Saab dealer.
Obtain a few important items to take along
on your journey such as spare bulbs, wiper
blades, fuses, a Poly-Vee-belt and the like.
You can check some points yourself before-
hand:
• Make sure that the engine is in good con-
dition.
• Check that no oil or fuel leaks out of the
engine or gearbox/transmission.
• Check the coolant and power steering
fluid levels. Check also for leaks.
• Inspect the Poly-Vee-belt and replace it if
it shows any signs of wear.
• Check the battery charge.
• Check the tires for tread pattern and air
pressure, including the compact spare
wheel.
• Take an extra car key/remote control and
keep it separate, see also page 36.
• Check the brakes.
• Check all bulbs.
• Check for the presence of the tool kit and
the jack in the car.
WARNING
Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) as the
tire can overheat and adversely affect the
handling of the car.
The tire should be inflated to 60 psi
(420 kPa).
NOTE
To avoid damaging a punctured alloy
wheel this can be placed outside up in the
spare-wheel well but only while driving to
the closest dealer.
A general rule is that all heavy loads must
be well secured in the luggage compart-
ment, see page 148.