Starting and
Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice: Your vehicle does not
need an elaborate break-in. But it
will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines:
• Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
• During the first 600 miles
(1 000 km), avoid using
more than moderate
acceleration in lower gears and
avoid vehicle speeds above
68 mph (110 km/h).
• Between the first 600 miles
(1 000 km) and 3,000 miles
(5 000 km), heavy acceleration
in lower gears can be used.
Vehicle speeds above 68 mph
(110 km/h) should be limited
to five minutes per use.
• Avoid making hard stops for the
first 200 miles (322 km) or so.
During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings can
mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
• Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. See Towing a Trailer
on page 9-85 for the trailer
towing capabilities of your
vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
Notice: Using a tool to force the
key from the ignition switch
could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and
turn the key only with your hand.
Make sure the key is in all the
way. If none of this works,
then your vehicle needs service.
To shift out of P (Park), turn the
ignition to ON/RUN and apply
the brake pedal.
8-2 Driving and Operating
2008 - Pontiac G8 Owner Manual