2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO VAN wheel size

Tire Size
The following examples show the different parts
of a tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter “P” as
the rst 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 “75,” as shown in item “C” of
the illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall is
75% 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:The service description
indicates the load range and speed rating of a tire. The
load index can range from 1 to 279. Speed ratings
range from “A” to “Z”. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
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(A) Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter “LT” as
the rst two characters in the tire size means a light
truck 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 “75,” as shown in item “C” of
the illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall
is 75% 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:The service description
indicates the load range and speed rating of a tire. The
load index can range from 1 to 279. Speed ratings
range from “A” to “Z”. The light truck tire size example
above shows dual or single tire congurations. Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
5-63

When you install dual wheels, be sure that vent holes in
the inner and outer wheels on each side are lined up.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear ination pressures as shown on the
Certication/Tire label of the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-33. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” underCapacities
and Specications on page 5-106.
{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. Some
commercial truck tires may
not have treadwear
indicators.
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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Buying New Tires
To nd out what kind and size of tires you need, look at
the Certication/Tire label or the Tire and Loading
Information label. For examples of these labels and their
location on your vehicle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-33.
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had
a Tire Performance Criteria Specication (TPC Spec)
number on each tire’s sidewall. When you get new tires,
General Motors recommends that you get tires with
that same TPC Spec number. That way your vehicle will
continue to have tires that are designed to give proper
endurance, handling, speed rating, load range, traction,
ride and other things during normal service on your
vehicle. If your tires have an all-season tread design, the
TPC number will be followed by an “MS” (for mud
and snow).
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type (bias,
bias-belted or radial) as your original 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:
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.
5-70

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has dual wheels or P235/75R16 or
LT245/75R16 size tires, do not use tire chains.
They can damage your vehicle because there’s
not enough clearance. Tire chains used on a
vehicle without the proper amount of clearance
can cause damage to the brakes, suspension or
other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle and you or others may be injured
in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the rear tires.
Notice:If your vehicle does not have dual wheels
and is equipped with a tire size other than
P235/75R16 or LT245/75R16, use tire chains only
where legal and only when you must. Use chains
that are the proper size for your tires. Install them on
the tires of the rear axle. Do not use chains on the
tires of the front axle. 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.
5-74

Turn the ratchet counterclockwise to lower the spare tire
to the ground. If the spare tire does not lower to the
ground, the secondary latch is engaged causing the tire
not to lower. See “Secondary Latch System” later in
this section.When the tire has been lowered, pull the tire toward you
so you can reach the tire retainer and pull it up
through the wheel opening.
If you have a vehicle which was completed from a cab
and chassis, refer to the information from the body
supplier/installer.
The spare tire is a full-size tire, like the other tires on
your vehicle.
Notice:If you drive away before the spare tire or
secondary latch system cable has been reinstalled,
you could damage your vehicle. Always reinstall
this cable before driving your vehicle.
5-79

Setting the Time
Radios with Radio Data Systems (RDS).........3-43
Radios without Radio Data Systems (RDS).....3-43
Setting the Tone (Bass/Treble) . . 3-44, 3-47, 3-52, 3-63
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-98
Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-27
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-29
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster...........................1-17
Single Stage Air Bags.....................................1-74
Skidding........................................................4-15
Sliding Side Door............................................2-11
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips.......................4-20
Special Fabric Cleaning Problems.....................5-93
Specications, Capacities...............................5-106
Speedometer..................................................3-26
Stabilitrak
®System........................................... 4-9
Stabilitrak®System Operation...........................4-10
Stabilitrak®Indicator Light.................................3-33
Stabilitrak®Not Ready Light..............................3-33
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-21
Steering........................................................4-11
Steering in Emergencies..................................4-12
Steering Tips..................................................4-11
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-7
Storage Areas................................................2-36
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...............5-90
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-31
Sun Visors.....................................................2-18
Swing-Out Side Door, 60/40.............................2-13
Swing-Out Windows........................................2-18
T
Taillamps.......................................................5-54
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-72
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-19
Passlock
®...................................................2-19
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-7
Tire Sidewall Labeling......................................5-58
Tire Size.......................................................5-62
Tire Terminology and Denitions........................5-64
Tires.............................................................5-58
Buying New Tires........................................5-70
Chains.......................................................5-74
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-76
Dual Tire Operation.....................................5-67
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-75
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-66
Inspection and Rotation................................5-68
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-71
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-72
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-72
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-69
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-23
Top Strap......................................................1-50
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-51
Torque Lock...................................................2-29
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-45
Tow/Haul Mode...............................................4-39
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-40
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