
Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger car tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter “P” as
the first character in the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to standards set by the U. S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example, if
the tire size aspect ratio is “70,” as shown in item “C”
of the illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall
is 70% as high as it is wide.(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The letter
“R” means radial ply construction; the letter “D” means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter “B”
means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters represent
the load range and the speed rating of a tire. The load
range represents the load carry capacity a tire is certified
to carry. The speed rating is the maximum speed a tire
is certified to carry a load. Speed ratings range from
“A” to “Z”.
Tire Terminology and De nitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
5-50

Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time
for New Tires on page 5-55andWheel Replacement
on page 5-59for 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. SeePart A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services on page 6-4.When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
If your vehicle has a spare tire that does not match your
vehicle’s original road tires and wheels in size and
type, do not include the spare tire in the tire rotation.
5-54

After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the tire and loading
information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-85.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
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 “Changing
a Flat Tire” in the Index.
When It Is 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.
5-55

Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at
the Tire and Loading Information label. For an example
of this label and its location on your vehicle, see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
Make sure the replacement tires are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type (bias,
bias-belted or radial) as your vehicle’s original
equipment tires.
{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control
while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes
or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the
vehicle may not handle properly, and you could
have a crash. Using tires of different sizes may
also cause damage to your vehicle. Be sure to
use the same size and type tires on all wheels.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a different
size spare than the road tires (those originally
installed on your vehicle). When new, your
vehicle included a spare tire and wheel
assembly with a similar overall diameter as your
vehicle’s road tires and wheels, so it is all right
to drive on it. Because this spare was developed
for use on your vehicle, it will not affect vehicle
handling.
{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim anges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
5-56

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 a crash. If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
Notice:Use tire chains only where legal and only
when you must. Use only SAE Class “S” type chains
that are the proper size for your tires. Install them on
the front tires and tighten them as tightly as possible
with the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and
follow the chain manufacturer’s instructions. If you
can hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them. If the contact continues, slow down
until it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage your vehicle.
5-60

Storing the Spare Tire and Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision,
loose equipment could strike someone. Store
all these in the proper place.
Store the spare tire in the spare tire compartment. Place
the tire in the compartment, then secure the retainer.
Store the jack in its foam tray in the trunk. Store the tools
securely in the trunk. Replace the trim cover.
Spare Tire
Your vehicle, when new, had a fully inflated spare tire.
A spare tire may lose air over time, so check its
inflation pressure regularly. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-53and “Loading Your Vehicle” for information
regarding proper tire inflation and loading your vehicle.
For instruction on how to remove, install or store a spare
tire, seeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-62.After installing the spare tire on your vehicle, you should
stop as soon as possible and make sure the spare is
correctly inflated. Have the damaged or flat road
tire repaired or replaced as soon as you can and
installed back onto your vehicle. This way, a spare tire
will be available in case you need it again.
Your vehicle may have a different size spare tire than
the road tires that were originally installed on your
vehicle. This spare tire was developed for use on your
vehicle, so you can drive on it.
If your vehicle has a spare tire that does not match your
vehicle’s original road tires and wheels in size and
type, do not include the spare tire in the tire rotation.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-54.
Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flames if you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your
vehicle, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors or windows
when you are cleaning the inside.
5-68

T
Tachometer....................................................3-32
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps......5-46
TCS Active Light.............................................3-38
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-37
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-58
Theft-Deterrent System....................................2-15
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-15
Immobilizer.................................................2-17
Immobilizer Operation...................................2-17
Throttle System Inspection...............................6-23
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tire Inflation Check.........................................6-18
Tire Sidewall Labeling......................................5-48
Tire Size.......................................................5-50
Tire Terminology and Definitions........................5-50
Tires.............................................................5-48
Buying New Tires........................................5-56
Chains.......................................................5-60
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-62
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-61
Inflation - Tire Pressure................................5-53
Inspection and Rotation................................5-54
Spare Tire..................................................5-68
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-57
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-58Tires (cont.)
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-59
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-55
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-21
Top Strap......................................................1-37
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-39
Torque Lock...................................................2-28
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-29
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-35
Your Vehicle...............................................4-29
Traction
Control System Active Light..........................3-38
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-8
Control System Warning Light.......................3-37
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-19
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-22
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-12
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trip Odometer................................................3-32
Trunk............................................................2-11
Trunk Ajar Light..............................................3-47
Trunk Lamp...................................................3-16
Trunk-Mounted CD Changer.............................3-55
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
14