Tread:The portion of a tire that comes into contact
with the road.
Treadwear Indicators:Narrow bands, sometimes
called wear bars, that show across the tread of a tire
when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread remains.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-69.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards):
A tire information system that provides consumers
with ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers
using government testing procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the tire. SeeUniform
Tire Quality Grading on page 5-72.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus
the rated cargo load. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-33.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:Load on an
individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight,
occupant weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard:A label permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the vehicle’s capacity weight and
the original equipment tire size and recommended
in ation pressure. See “Tire and Loading Information
Label” underLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-33.Extended Mobility Tires
Your vehicle, when new, had Goodyear Extended
Mobility Tires (EMT). There’s no spare tire, no tire
changing equipment and no place to store a tire in
the vehicle. Extended Mobility Tires perform so well
without any air that a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) is
used to alert you if a tire has lost pressure.
If a tire goes at, you won’t need to stop on the side of
the road to change the tire. You can just keep on
driving. The shorter the distance you drive and the
slower the speed, the greater the chance that the tire will
not have to be replaced. If you drive on a de ated
EMT for 25 miles (40 km) or less and at speeds
of 55 mph (90 km/h) or less, there is a good chance that
the tire can be repaired. The tire can operate effectively
with no air pressure for up to 100 miles (160 km) at
speeds up to 55 mph (90 km/h), but the tire would then
have to be replaced. When a tire is lled with air, it
provides a cushion between the road and the wheel.
Because you won’t have this cushion when driving on a
de ated tire, try to avoid potholes that could damage
your wheel and require replacement of it.
Some road hazards can damage a tire beyond repair.
This damage could occur even before you’ve driven on
the tire in a de ated condition.
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Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) 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 TPMS 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
TPMS also uses the DIC to warn the driver when air
pressure, in one or more of the tires, falls below 24 psi
(164 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 3-48
andDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-53.
A low tire pressure warning light also appears on the
instrument panel cluster when a low tire condition exists.
The low tire pressure warning light will be shown each
time the engine is started and stays on until the low tire
condition is corrected.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and in ated to the in ation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire in ation pressure label.(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire in ation pressure
label, you should determine the proper in ation pressure
for those tires.)
As an added safety
feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a
tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that
illuminates a low tire
pressure telltale when one
or more of your tires is
signi cantly under-in ated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and in ate them to the proper
pressure. 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.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-in ation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
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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 (NHTSA), 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 (UTQG) 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.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on
the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a speci ed government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1.5) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart signi cantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and
differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A,
B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on speci ed government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
Warning:The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does
not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or
peak traction characteristics.
5-72
If a Tire Goes Flat
Your Corvette has no spare tire, no tire changing
equipment and no place to store a tire.
It’s unusual for a tire to “blow out” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. SeeTires
on page 5-57. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much more likely
to leak out slowly.
Your vehicle has Extended Mobility Tires (EMT), so you
will not need to stop on the side of the road to change
a at tire. EMT tires can operate effectively with no
air pressure. If you drive on a de ated EMT for 25 miles
(80 km) or less and at speeds of 55 mph (90 km/h) or
less, there is a good chance that the tire can be
repaired. Contact the nearest authorized Chevrolet or
Goodyear EMT servicing facility, as soon as possible, to
have the at tire inspected and repaired or replaced.
For more information, seeExtended Mobility Tires
on page 5-62.{CAUTION:
Special tools and procedures are required
to service an Extended Mobility Tire (EMT).
If these special tools and procedures are not
used you or others could be injured and your
vehicle could be damaged. Always be sure the
proper tools and procedures, as described in
the service manual, are used.
To order a service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-14.
5-81
Removable Roof Panel
Notice:If you use a glass treatment and/or
conditioner that contains ethyl alcohol or ethyl
sulfate on the roof panel, you could damage
the panel. The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Only use a GM-approved glass cleaner
on the roof panel.
Special care is necessary when cleaning, removing,
and/or storing the roof panel.
Flush with water to remove dust and dirt, then dry
the panel.
Clean a transparent roof panel with GM Glass
Cleaner. Leave the cleaner on the panel for
one minute, then wipe the panel with a soft,
lint-free cloth. Do not use glass cleaner on a painted
roof panel.
Do not use abrasive cleaning materials on either
type of panel.
If water drops are frequently allowed to dry on the roof
panel, impurities in the water will adhere to the top.
These impurities may etch or mar the nish. When the
panel gets wet, dry it off.
Convertible Top
The vehicle’s convertible top should be cleaned often.
However, high pressure car washes may cause water to
enter your vehicle.
When you hand wash the top, do it in partial shade.
Use a mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft sponge.
A chamois or cloth may leave lint on the top, and
a brush can chafe the threads in the top fabric. Do not
use detergents, harsh cleaners, solvents or bleaching
agents.
Wet the entire vehicle and wash the top evenly to avoid
spots or rings. Let the soap remain on the fabric for
a few minutes. When the top is really dirty, use a mild
foam-type cleaner. Thoroughly rinse the entire
vehicle, then let the top dry in direct sunlight.
To protect the convertible top:
After you wash the vehicle, make sure the top is
completely dry before you lower it.
Do not get any cleaner on the vehicle’s painted
nish; it could leave streaks.
If you decide to go through an automatic car wash,
ask the manager if the equipment could damage
your top.
5-88
Roadside Assistance Program
As the owner of a new Chevrolet vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Chevrolet Roadside
Assistance program. This value-added service is
intended to provide you with peace of mind as you drive
in the city or travel the open road. Call Chevrolet’s
Roadside Assistance at1-800-CHEV-USA,
(1-800-243-8872)24 hours a day, 365 days a year to
speak with a Chevrolet Roadside Assistance
representative.
We will provide the following services during the
Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period, at no expense
to you:
Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel
($5 maximum) for the customer to get to the
nearest service station.
Lock-out Service (identi cation required):
Replacement keys or locksmith service will
be covered at no charge if you are unable to gain
entry into your vehicle. Delivery of the replacement
key will be covered within 10 miles (16 km).
Emergency Tow:Tow to the nearest dealership
for warranty service or in the event of a
vehicle-disabling accident. Assistance provided
when the vehicle is mired in sand, mud, or snow.
Flat Tire Change:Installation of a spare tire will be
covered at no charge. The customer is responsible
for the repair or replacement of the tire if not
covered by a warrantable failure.
Jump Start:No-start occurrences which require a
battery jump start will be covered at no charge.
Dealer Locator Service
In many instances, mechanical failures are covered
under Chevrolet’s Bumper-to-Bumper warranty.
However, when other services are utilized, our Roadside
Assistance Representatives will explain any payment
obligations you might incur.
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling, please
provide the following to the Roadside Assistance
Representative:
Your name, home address, and home telephone
number.
Telephone number of your location.
Location of the vehicle.
Model, year, color, and license plate number.
Mileage, Vehicle Identi cation Number (VIN), and
delivery date of the vehicle.
Description of the problem.
7-6