2006 BUICK LUCERNE height

Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into its
sidewall. The examples below show a typical passenger
vehicle tire and a compact spare tire sidewall.
(A) Tire Size:The tire size is a combination of letters
and numbers used to dene a particular tire’s width,
height, aspect ratio, construction type, and service
description. See the “Tire Size” illustration later in this
section for more detail.(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specication):Original equipment tires designed to
GM’s specic tire performance criteria have a TPC
specication code molded onto the sidewall. GM’s TPC
specications meet or exceed all federal safety
guidelines.
(C) DOT (Department of Transportation):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 Identication Number (TIN):The letters and
numbers following DOT (Department of Transportation)
code is the Tire Identication 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.
(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 5-68.
(G) Maximum Cold Ination Load Limit:Maximum
load that can be carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
5-57

(A) Temporary Use Only:The compact spare tire or
temporary use tire has a tread life of approximately
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and should not be driven
at speeds over 65 mph (105 km/h). The compact spare
tire is for emergency use when a regular road tire
has lost air and gone at. If your vehicle has a compact
spare tire, seeCompact Spare Tire on page 5-82
andIf a Tire Goes Flat on page 5-72.
(B) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord and number of
plies in the sidewall and under the tread.(C) Tire Identication Number (TIN):The letters and
numbers following the DOT (Department of
Transportation) code is the Tire Identication 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.
(D) Maximum Cold Ination Load Limit:Maximum
load that can be carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load.
(E) Tire Ination:The temporary use tire or compact
spare tire should be inated to 60 psi (420 kPa).
For more information on tire pressure and ination see
Ination - Tire Pressure on page 5-62.
(F) Tire Size:A combination of letters and numbers
dene a tire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction
type and service description. The letter T as the
rst character in the tire size means the tire is for
temporary use only.
(G) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specication):Original equipment tires designed to
GM’s specic tire performance criteria have a TPC
specication code molded onto the sidewall. GM’s TPC
specications meet or exceed all federal safety
guidelines. Compact Spare Tire Example
5-58

Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a typical
passenger 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 certied
to carry. The load index can range from 1 to 279. The
speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is certied
to carry a load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
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.
5-59

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 Ination 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. SeeInation - 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 (DOT) motor vehicle
safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identication Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production
plant, brand and date of production.GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Ination Pressure:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire may be inated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible ination pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of curb
weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight;
and production options weight.
5-60

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The tires and wheels on your vehicle were aligned and
balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest
tire life and best overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing will not be necessary
on a regular basis. However, if you notice unusual tire
wear or your vehicle pulling to one side or the other, the
alignment may need to be checked. If you notice your
vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth road, your
tires and wheels may need to be rebalanced. See your
dealer for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired).
See your dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset and be mounted
the same way as the one it replaces.If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new GM
original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to
have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts
for your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel
bolts, or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of your vehicle, make your tires lose
air and make you lose control. You could have
a collision in which you or others could be
injured. Always use the correct wheel, wheel
bolts and wheel nuts for replacement.
Notice:The wrong wheel can also cause problems
with bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-72for more
information.
5-70

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-22
Right Front Passenger Position, Safety Belts......1-23
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-28
Running the Engine While Parked.....................2-32
S
Safety Belt
Passenger Reminder Light............................3-36
Pretensioners..............................................1-29
Reminder Light............................................3-35
Safety Belts
Care of ......................................................5-86
Center Front Passenger Position....................1-24
Driver Position............................................1-16
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly................1-16
Questions and Answers About Safety Belts.....1-15
Rear Safety Belt Comfort Guides...................1-27
Rear Seat Passengers.................................1-25
Right Front Passenger Position......................1-23
Safety Belt Extender....................................1-30
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy.................1-23
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................1-10
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster........................1-22
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iiiScheduled Maintenance..................................... 6-4
Seats
Center Seat................................................1-10
Head Restraints............................................ 1-9
Heated and Cooled Seats.............................. 1-5
Heated Seats............................................... 1-4
Manual Passenger......................................... 1-2
Memory .....................................................2-47
Power Lumbar .............................................. 1-3
Power Seats................................................. 1-2
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-6
Securing a Child Restraint
Center Front Seat Position............................1-48
Rear Seat Position......................................1-46
Right Front Seat Position..............................1-49
Security Light.................................................3-48
Service........................................................... 5-3
Accessories and Modications......................... 5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.............................................. 5-5
California Proposition 65 Warning.................... 5-3
Doing Your Own Work................................... 5-4
Engine Soon Light.......................................3-44
Publications Ordering Information...................7-14
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............1-67
Setting the Time.....................................3-75, 3-76
Sheet Metal Damage.......................................5-89
11

Shifting Into Park (P).......................................2-29
Shifting Out of Park (P)...................................2-30
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster...........................1-22
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 3-7
Spare Tire
Compact....................................................5-82
Installing....................................................5-75
Removing...................................................5-74
Storing.......................................................5-81
Specications, Capacities...............................5-101
Speedometer..................................................3-35
StabiliTrak
®System.........................................4-10
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light................................3-42
Starting Your Engine.......................................2-23
Steering........................................................4-11
Steering Wheel Controls, Audio.........................3-99
Steering Wheel, Tilt Wheel................................. 3-6
Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-45
Center Flex Storage Unit..............................2-45
Convenience Net.........................................2-46
Cupholder(s)...............................................2-44
Front Storage Area......................................2-44
Glove Box..................................................2-44
Rear Seat Armrest.......................................2-46
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow......................4-28
Sun Visors.....................................................2-18
Sunroof.........................................................2-46
T
Tachometer....................................................3-35
Taillamps
Back-Up Lamps...........................................5-54
Turn Signal, Stoplamps and Sidemarker
Lamps ....................................................5-52
TCS Warning Light..........................................3-41
Theater Dimming............................................3-17
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-98
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-18
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-19
PASS-Key®III+ Operation.............................2-20
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-44
Tires.............................................................5-56
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning.................................................5-88
Buying New Tires........................................5-66
Chains.......................................................5-71
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-72
Check Tire Pressure System.........................5-63
Cleaning....................................................5-89
Compact Spare Tire.....................................5-82
Different Size..............................................5-68
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-72
12