Page 361 of 468
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear and cracking. SeeWiper
Blade CheckunderScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
Replacement blades come in different types and are
removed in different ways. For proper type and length,
see
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts on
page 6-15. Here's how to remove the shephard's
hook type.To replace the windshield wiper blade assembly do the
following:
1. Lift the wiper arm and turn the blade until it is
facing away from the windshield.
2. Push the release lever and slide the wiper assembly
toward the driver's side of the vehicle.
3. Install a new blade by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
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Page 362 of 468

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service,
see your GM Warranty booklet for details. For additional
information refer to the tire manufacturer's booklet
included with your vehicle's Owner's Manual.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
·Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much
friction. You could have an air-out and a
serious accident. See ªLoading Your
Vehicleº in the Index.
·Underin¯ated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
·
Overin¯ated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact Ð such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
·Worn, old tires can cause accidents.
If your tread is badly worn, or if your tires
have been damaged, replace them.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into the
sidewall. The following illustrations are examples of a
typical P-Metric and a LT-Metric tire sidewall.
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(A) Tire Size Code:The tire size code is a combination
of letters and numbers used to de®ne a particular
tire's width, height, aspect ratio, construction type and
service description. See the ªTire Size Codeº illustration
later in this section for more detail.
(B) Tire Performance Criteria Speci®cation (TPC
Spec):Original equipment tires designed to GM's
speci®c tire performance criteria have a TPC
speci®cation code molded onto the sidewall. GM's TPC
speci®cations meet or exceed all federal safety
guidelines.
(C) Department of Transportation (DOT):The
Department of Transportation (DOT) code indicates that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of
Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
(D) Tire Identi®cation Number (TIN):The letters and
numbers following DOT code are the Tire Identi®cation
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date the tire was
manufactured. The TIN is molded onto both sides of the
tire, although only one side may have the date of
manufacture.
P-Metric Tire
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Page 364 of 468
(E) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord and number of
plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG):Tire
manufacturers are required to grade tires based on three
performance factors: treadwear, traction and
temperature resistance. For more information, see
Uniform Tire Quality Grading on page 5-69.
(G) Maximum Cold In¯ation Load Limit:Maximum
load that can be carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load. For information on
recommended tire pressure see
In¯ation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-62andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-44.
LT-Metric Tire
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Page 365 of 468

(A) Tire Size:The tire size code is a combination of
letters and numbers used to de®ne a particular
tire's width, height, aspect ratio, construction type and
service description. See the ªTire Sizeº illustration
later in this section for more detail.
(B) Tire Performance Criteria Speci®cation (TPC
Spec):Original equipment tires designed to GM's
speci®c tire performance criteria have a TPC
speci®cation code molded onto the sidewall. GM's TPC
speci®cations meet or exceed all federal safety
guidelines.
(C) Dual Tire Maximum Load:Maximum load that can
be carried and the maximum pressure needed to
support that load when used in a dual con®guration.
For information on recommended tire pressure see
In¯ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-62andLoading Your
Vehicle on page 4-44.
(D) Department of Transportation (DOT):The
Department of Transportation (DOT) code indicates that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of
Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.(E) Tire Identi®cation Number (TIN):The letters and
numbers following DOT code are the Tire Identi®cation
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date the tire was
manufactured. The TIN is molded onto both sides of the
tire, although only one side may have the date of
manufacture.
(F) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord and number of
plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(G) Single Tire Maximum Load:Maximum load that
can be carried and the maximum pressure needed
to support that load when used as a single. For
information on recommended tire pressure see
In¯ation
- Tire Pressure on page 5-62andLoading Your
Vehicle on page 4-44.
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Page 366 of 468

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 ªPº 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 ª75,º as shown in item ªCº 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
ªRº means radial ply construction; the letter ªDº means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter ªBº
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 ªAº to ªZº. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
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Page 367 of 468

(A) Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter ªLTº 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 ª75,º as shown in item ªCº 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
ªRº means radial ply construction; the letter ªDº means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter ªBº
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 ªAº to ªZº. The light truck tire size example
above shows dual or single tire con®gurations. Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
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Page 368 of 468

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.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.Cold In¯ation Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeIn¯ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-62.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identi®cation
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, see
Loading
Your Vehicle on page 4-44.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-44.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-44.
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