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Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger (p-metric) vehicle 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 60, as shown in item C of
the illustration, it would mean that the tire’s sidewall is
60 percent 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 speed rating of the tire. The load
index represents the load carry capacity a tire is certi ed
to carry. The load index can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is certi ed
to carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
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Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) System on your vehicle,
uses radio and sensor technology to check tire pressure
levels. Sensors, mounted on each tire and wheel
assembly transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle. The TPM sensors transmit tire
pressure readings once every 60 seconds while the
vehicle is being driven and once every 60 minutes when
the vehicle is stationary for more than 15 minutes. Using
the Driver Information Center (DIC), tire pressure levels
can be viewed by the driver. The TPM system also uses
the DIC to warn the driver when air pressure, in one or
more tires, falls below 25 psi (172 kPa) or is above
42 psi (290 kPa). For additional information and details
about the DIC operation and displays seeDIC Controls
and Displays on page 3-61andDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-64.
A low tire warning light also appears on the instrument
panel cluster when a low tire condition exists. The
DIC message, CHECK TIRE PRESSURE and the low
tire pressure warning light will be shown each time
the engine is started and stay on until the low tire
condition is corrected.When the tire pressure
monitoring system warning
light is lit, one or more
of your tires is signi cantly
under-in ated.
You should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and in ate them to the proper pressure as
indicated on the vehicle’s tire information placard.
Driving on a signi cantly under-in ated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-in ation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stopping ability. Each
tire, including the spare, should be checked monthly
when cold and set to the recommended in ation pressure
as speci ed in the vehicle placard and owner’s manual.
The Tire and Loading Information Label (tire information
placard) is on the rear edge of the driver’s door, below the
door latch. This label shows the size of your vehicle’s
original tires and the correct in ation pressure for your
vehicle’s tires when they are cold. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 5-30.
Your vehicle’s TPM system can alert you about a low or
high tire pressure condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6-57
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{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.
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.
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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
{CAUTION:
Do not use tire chains. There is 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
vehicle, drive slowly, re-adjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your wheels. If you do nd traction
devices that will t, install them on the
rear tires.
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