2004 CHEVROLET CORVETTE tire pressure

If a Tire Goes Flat
Your Corvette has no spare tire, no tire changing
equipment and no place to store a tire.
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. See
Tires on page 5-55. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much
more likely to leak out slowly.
If your vehicle has Extended Mobility Tires (EMT), you
won’t need to stop on the side of the road to change
a flat tire. EMT tires can operate effectively with no air
pressure. If you drive on a deflated EMT for 50 miles
(80 km) or less and at speeds of 55 mph (90 km/h) or
less, there is a good chance that the tire can be
repaired. Contact the nearest authorized Chevrolet or
Goodyear EMT servicing facility, as soon as possible, to
have the flat tire inspected and repaired or replaced.
For more information, seeExtended Mobility Tires
(Except Z06) on page 5-61.{CAUTION:
Special tools and procedures are required to
service an Extended Mobility Tire (EMT). If
these special tools and procedures aren’t used
you or others could be injured and your
vehicle could be damaged. Always be sure the
proper tools and procedures, as described in
the service manual, are used.
To order a service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-11.
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Z06 models do not have Extended Mobility Tires. If a
Z06 model tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel
damage by driving slowly to a level place and stopping.
Then do this:
1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
2. Set the parking brake firmly.
3. Put the shift lever (manual transmission) in
REVERSE (R).
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Inspect the flat tire.
If the tire has been separated from the wheel or has
damaged sidewalls or large tears that allow rapid
air loss, call a tire repair facility. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 7-6.
If the flat tire is due to a slow leak caused by a nail or
other similar road hazard, the tire inflator kit may
be used to repair the damaged tire temporarily. The kit
uses a liquid tire sealant to seal small punctures inthe tread area of the tire. The flat tire is then inflated to
at least 26 psi (179 kPa) and driven to evenly distribute
the tire sealant. The tire pressure is checked after
driving for a maximum of 10 minutes to see if the slow
leak has been stopped. If the tire pressure is 19 psi
(131 kPa) or more, inflate the tire up to the standard
operating pressure as shown on the Tire Pressure Label
found on the rear edge of the driver’s door. See
Ination - Tire Pressure on page 5-62.
You should have the damaged tire repaired as soon as
possible. The tire sealant is a temporary repair only.
For more information regarding the tire inflator kit
see “Tire Inflator Kit (Z06 Only)” following this section.
Notice:If the tire pressure has dropped below
19 psi (131 kPa), the vehicle should not be driven
further. Damage to the tire may be severe and
the sealant will not be effective. Contact Roadside
Assistance. See “Roadside Assistance” in the Index.
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Tire Inator Kit (Z06 Only)
Every Z06 model with P295/35ZR18 and P265/40ZR17
tires, when new, was equipped with a tire inflator kit.
The repair kit contains a detailed instruction card
that outlines step by step the temporary repair
procedure. Be sure to read and follow all the tire inflator
kit instructions. The kit also includes:
A. Air Compressor
B. Tire Sealant
C. Sealant
Filling Hose
D. Air Compressor
Accessory Plug
E. Air Compressor
Inflator HoseF. Air Pressure Gage
G. Sealant Filling
Hose Plug
H. Valve Core
Remover
I. Spare Valve Core
J. 55-mph Label
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Tire Sealant
The kit contains a liquid sealant that when injected into
a flat tire, may temporarily repair nail holes or cuts
in the tread area of the tire. The tire sealant cannot
repair tire damage caused while driving on a flat tire or
a tire that has had a “blow out” or a tire that has
punctures in the sidewall areas. The tire sealant solution
is a one-time use application for one tire only. Check
the tire sealant expiration date; the sealant may not be
as effective beyond the expiration date. The tire
sealant can be peeled off easily after drying.
Notice:Do not use a tire sealant if your vehicle is
equipped with Extended Mobility Tires or tire
pressure monitors. The tire sealant can damage tire
pressure monitor sensors. See “Extended Mobility
Tires” in the Index.
Air Compressor
The air compressor included in the tire inflator kit, was
designed exclusively for the Z06 Model equipped
with P295/35ZR18 and P265/40ZR17 tires. After the
sealant has been injected into the flat tire, use the
air compressor to inflate the tire to at least 26 psi
(179 kPa). Instructions for connecting and using the air
compressor are located on the air compressor.
A. Inflating Hose
B. Air Pressure GageC. ON/OFF Switch
D. Air Compressor
Plug
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Notice:The car engine must be running to avoid
draining the battery while running the air
compressor.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeParking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission)
on page 2-35.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
with the engine running, if the shift lever is not
in NEUTRAL (N) with the parking brake rmly
set (manual transmission). Your vehicle can
roll or move suddenly even when on fairly
level ground. To be sure your vehicle won’t
move, always set your parking brake and move
the shift lever to NEUTRAL (N) when you start
or idle your engine.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine in a closed-in place or with
the climate control system off can cause
deadly carbon monoxide (CO). See “Engine
Exhaust” in the Index.
{CAUTION:
Inating something too much can make it
explode, and you or others could be injured.
Be sure to read the inator instructions, and
inate the tire to its recommended pressure.
Do not exceed 36 psi (248 kPa).
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Notice:If the air compressor runs for more than
six minutes, at a time, it may overheat. The
excessive heat could damage the compressor.
Always operate the compressor for six minutes or
less when inating a tire.
Notice:If 26 psi (179 kPa) tire pressure cannot be
reached after six minutes the vehicle should not
be driven further. Damage to the tire is severe and
the sealant will not be effective. Remove the air
compressor plug from the accessory power outlet
and unscrew the inating hose from the tire
valve. See “Roadside Assistance” in the Index.
If 26 psi (179 kPa) tire pressure is reached in six
minutes or less, disconnect the air compressor and
attach the enclosed maximum speed label to the inside
upper left corner of the windshield or to the face of
the radio/clock.The maximum speed label
reminds you to drive
cautiously and not to
exceed 55 mph (90 km/h)
until you have the
damaged tire inspected
and repaired.
Place the air compressor pump and accessories into the
inflator kit case and store in the hatch/trunk
compartment area of your vehicle.
5-80

High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle through an
automatic car wash that does not have enough
clearance for the undercarriage and/or wide rear
tires, you could damage your vehicle. Verify with the
manager of the car wash that your vehicle will t
before entering the car wash or use a touchless car
wash.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car
washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses.
Follow previous instructions under “Washing Your
Vehicle.”
Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle by
hand may be necessary to remove residue from the
paint finish. You can get GM-approved cleaning products
from your dealer. SeeVehicle Care/Appearance
Materials on page 5-90.
Your vehicle has a “basecoat/clearcoat” paint finish. The
clearcoat gives more depth and gloss to the colored
basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint finish.
Notice:Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint nish may
damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint nish on your vehicle.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc.,
can damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain
on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as
possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that
are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove
foreign matter.
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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.
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