Page 446 of 540

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.
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
Page 449 of 540

CAUTION: (Continued)
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, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and
do not spin your vehicle’s wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the rear tires.
Notice:If you have a tire size other than
P265/75R16, LT265/75R16, P265/70R16, P265/70R17,
or P275/55R20 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
rear tires only.Do not use chains on the front tires.
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.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your vehicle’s tires properly.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if you should ever have a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake
to a stop well out of the traffic lane.
5-75
Page 539 of 540

Tires (cont.)
Cleaning...................................................5-103
Different Size..............................................5-71
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-75
In ation -- Tire Pressure...............................5-63
Inspection and Rotation................................5-68
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-81
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-64
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-81
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-78
Secondary Latch System..............................5-88
Spare Tire..................................................5-95
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-92
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-58
Tire Terminology and De nitions....................5-61
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-72
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-73
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-73
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-69
Tow/Haul Mode...............................................2-25
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-50
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-56
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-60
Your Vehicle...............................................4-56
Traction
StabiliTrak
®System....................................... 4-9
Trailer
Recommendations.......................................4-77Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-22
Temperature Gage.......................................3-44
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-23
Trip Odometer................................................3-37
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-133
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-72
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-52
Operation...................................................2-53
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-46
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Customization, DIC..............................3-67
Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders...........................................7-10
Vehicle Identi cation
Number (VIN)............................................5-105
Service Parts Identi cation Label..................5-105
13
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