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6-40
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket
-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out
dirt and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated at 5,000 miles (8 000 km) and
then every 10,000 miles (16 000 km) thereafter. Any
time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as soon
as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels. See ªWhen It's Time for
New Tiresº and ªWheel Replacementº later in this
section for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first
rotation is the most important. See ªScheduled
Maintenance Servicesº in the Maintenance Schedule
booklet for scheduled rotation intervals.When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here. Don't include the spare tire in your
tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel bolts
are properly tightened. See ªWheel Bolt Torqueº in
the Index.
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6-41
CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel studs become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if
you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off.
See ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index.
When It's Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it's
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires have
only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or
less of tread remaining.
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire's rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep
enough to show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can't be repaired well because of the size or location
of the damage.
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6-44
Temperature -- A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance
on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not
needed. However, if you notice unusual tire wear or
your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the alignment
may need to be reset. If you notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your wheels
may need to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel bolts keep coming loose, the wheel
and wheel bolts should be replaced. If the wheel leaks
air, replace it (except some aluminum wheels, which can
sometimes be repaired). See your dealer if any of these
conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
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6-45
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels or wheel
bolts, replace them only with new GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel and wheel bolts for your vehicle.
CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels and wheel
bolts on your vehicle can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling of your vehicle,
make your tires lose air and make you lose
control. You could have a collision in which you
or others could be injured. Always use the correct
wheel and wheel bolts for replacement.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index for
more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can't know how it's been used or
how far it's been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause an accident. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.
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7-6
Each technician travels with a specially equipped
service vehicle complete with the necessary Catera parts
and tools required to handle most roadside repairs.
Cadillac Roadside Service can be reached by dialing
1
-800-882-1112, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
This service is provided at no charge for any
warranty
-covered situation and for a nominal
charge if the Catera is no longer under warranty.
Roadside Service is available only in the United
States and Canada.
Cadillac Owner Privileges
Roadside Service provides several Cadillac Owner
Privileges at ªno charge,º throughout your 2001
Cadillac Warranty Period
-- 48 months/50,000 miles
(80 000 km).Emergency Road Service is performed on site for the
following situations:
Towing Service
Battery Jump Starting
Lock Out Assistance
Fuel Delivery
Flat Tire Change (Covers change only)
Trip Interruption
-- If your trip is interrupted due to a
warranty failure, incidental expenses may be reimbursed
during the 48 months/50,000 miles (80 000 km) warranty
period. Items covered are hotel, meals and rental car.
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