
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on the
tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum
section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by
treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This
applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
5-67

Do not use any of these unless this manual says you
can. In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
•Alcohol
•Laundry Soap
•Bleach
•Reducing Agents
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and
loose dirt. Wipe vinyl, leather, plastic and painted
surfaces with a clean, damp cloth.
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet
Your dealer has cleaners for the cleaning of fabric
and carpet. They will clean normal spots and stains
very well.
You can get GM-approved cleaning products from your
dealer. SeeVehicle Care/Appearance Materials on
page 5-90.Here are some cleaning tips:
•Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
•Clean up stains as soon as you can – before
they set.
•Carefully scrape off any excess stain.
•Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean
area often. A soft brush may be used if stains are
stubborn.
•If a ring forms on fabric after spot cleaning, clean
the entire area immediately or it will set.
Cleaning Coated Moldings
These moldings are around the hatch opening in the
rear area.
•When lightly soiled, wipe with a sponge or soft
lint-free cloth dampened with water.
•When heavily soiled, use warm soapy water.
5-83

Cleaning the Convertible Top
Your convertible top should be cleaned often. If you use
an automatic car wash, use one with water jets and
hanging cloths. High pressure car washes may cause
water to enter your vehicle.
When you hand wash the top, do it in partial shade. Use
a mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft sponge. A
chamois or cloth may leave lint on the top, and a brush
can chafe the threads in the top fabric. Do not use
detergents, harsh cleaners, solvents or bleaching agents.
Wet the entire vehicle and wash the top evenly to avoid
spots or rings. Let the soap remain on the fabric for
a few minutes. When the top is really dirty, use a mild
foam-type cleaner. Your dealer has a Convertible
Top Cleaner and Water Repellent. Thoroughly rinse the
entire vehicle, then let the top dry in direct sunlight.
To protect the convertible top:
•After you wash the vehicle, make sure the top is
completely dry before you lower it.
•Do not get any cleaner on the vehicle’s painted
finish; it could leave streaks.
•If you decide to go through an automatic car wash,
ask the manager if the equipment could damage
your top.
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because you could damage the surface. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Do not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
Cleaning Tires
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.
Notice:Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on your vehicle may damage the paint
nish and/or tires. When applying a tire dressing,
always wipe off any overspray from all painted
surfaces on your vehicle.
5-88

Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the
finish should be repaired right away.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
materials avaliable from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer’s body and paint shop.
Carbon Fiber Hood
(Z06 Commemorative Edition
Model Only)
The hood on the Z06 Commemorative Edition model is
made from an advanced carbon fiber composite.
Under certain lighting conditions, the carbon fiber has a
faint woven appearance and can be seen through
the paint, but not felt. It is most obvious when viewing
the reflection of an object in the surface of the hood. The
edges of the object in the reflection will appear slightly
jagged, due to the woven carbon fiber material. This
is normal. No special care is needed.
Magnesium Wheel Finish
Notice:Improper paint repair or re nishing can
cause corrosion damage to a magnesium wheel. See
your dealer if a magnesium wheel needs paint
repair or re nishing.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can develop on the
underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan and
exhaust system even though they have corrosion
protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and debris can collect. Dirt packed in close areas of
the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can
do this for you.
Titanium Exhaust System
(Z06 Only)
Time and high performance driving conditions can
cause a color change in titanium exhaust system parts.
This is normal for a titanium surface.
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Description Usage
Swirl Remover PolishRemoves swirl marks, fine
scratches and other light
surface contamination.
Cleaner WaxRemoves light scratches
and protects finish.
Foaming Tire Shine Low
GlossCleans, shines and
protects in one easy step,
no wiping necessary.
Wash Wax ConcentrateMedium foaming
shampoo. Cleans and
lightly waxes.
Biodegradable and
phosphate free.
Spot LifterQuickly and easily
removes spots and stains
from carpets, vinyl and
cloth upholstery.
Odor EliminatorOdorless spray odor
eliminator used on fabrics,
vinyl, leather and carpet.
See your General Motors parts department for these
products. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-11.Vehicle Identi cation
Vehicle Identi cation Number (VIN)
This is the legal identifier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on
the driver’s side. You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identi cation
The 8th character in your VIN is the engine code. This
code will help you identify your engine, specifications
and replacement parts.
5-91

Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of maxi-fuses, mini-fuses
and circuit breakers. This greatly reduces the chance
of fires caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical
size and rating.
If you ever have a problem on the road and do not have
a spare fuse, you can borrow one that has the same
amperage. Just pick some feature of your vehicle
that you can get along without – like the radio or
cigarette lighter – and use its fuse, if it is the correct
amperage. Replace it as soon as you can.
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
The instrument panel fuse
block is located on the
passenger’s side of
the vehicle, under the
instrument panel and
under the toe-board.
Remove the carpet and toe-board covering to access
the fuse block by pulling at the top of each corner of the
panel. Then turn the fuse block door knob
counterclockwise and pull the door to access the fuses.
5-93

Fuse Usage
1 Console Cigarette Lighter
2Monitored (Inadvertent) Load
Control
3 Lumbar Seat
4 Driver Seat Control Module
5 Radio, Compact Disc Player
Fuse Usage
6 Parking Lamps, Taillamps
7 Cigarette Lighter
8 Stoplamp, Hazard Flashers
9 Body Control Module
10 Windshield Wiper/Washer
11 Accessory Power
12 Blank
13 Body Control Module – Ignition 1
14 Crank
15 Hazard/Turn Signal
16 Air Bag
17 Tonneau Release
18 HVAC Controls
19 Instrument Panel Control
20 Cruise Control
21Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System and Inside Rearview
Mirror
5-94

Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, cha ng, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
cha ng, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all
pipes, ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts
as needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure
test of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning
the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser
is recommended at least once a year.(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders and body door
hinges.Lubricate all hinges and latches, including those
for the hood, rear compartment, console door and
any folding seat hardware. More frequent lubrication
may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better and not stick or squeak.
(g)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
6-7