2006 PONTIAC GTO tire pressure

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 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.
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.
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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. See
In¯ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-58.
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
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 4-29.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
see
Loading 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 In¯ation Pressure:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire may be in¯ated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible in¯ation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of curb
weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight;
and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The number of occupants a
vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg).
See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
Occupant Distribution:Designated seating positions.
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Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire
that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering, or
bears manufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding
that is higher or deeper than the same moldings on
the other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used on passenger
cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose
vehicles.
Recommended In¯ation Pressure:Vehicle
manufacturer's recommended tire in¯ation pressure and
shown on the tire placard. See
In¯ation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-58andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
Radial Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim:A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Sidewall:The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
Speed Rating:An alphanumeric code assigned to a
tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire
can operate.
Traction:The friction between the tire and the road
surface. The amount of grip provided.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.
See
When It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-62.
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. See
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-64.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus
the rated cargo load. See
Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-29.
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 ªTire and Loading Information
Labelº under
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-29.
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In¯ation - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate
effectively.
Notice:Do not let anyone tell you that
under-in¯ation or over-in¯ation is all right. It is not.
If your tires do not have enough air (under-in¯ation),
you can get the following:
·Too much ¯exing
·Too much heat
·Tire overloading
·Premature or irregular wear
·Poor handling
·Reduced fuel economyIf your tires have too much air (over-in¯ation), you
can get the following:
·Unusual wear
·Poor handling
·Rough ride
·Needless damage from road hazards
A Tire and Loading Information label is attached to your
vehicle's center pillar, below the driver's door latch.
This label lists your vehicle's original equipment
tires and their recommended cold tire in¯ation pressures.
The recommended cold tire in¯ation pressure, shown
on the label, is the minimum amount of air pressure
needed to support your vehicle's maximum load carrying
capacity. For more information regarding how much
weight your vehicle can carry, see
Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-29.
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How you load your vehicle affects vehicle handling and ride comfort. When driving with less than the maximum load
capacity allowed for your vehicle, you can set tire in¯ation pressure to the recommended amounts shown in the
following chart. Never load your vehicle with more weight than it was designed to carry.
Tire SizeRecommended Cold Tire In¯ation
Occupant and Cargo Weight:
470 lbs (210 kg) or LessOccupant and Cargo Weight:
Up to 740 lbs (330 kg)
(Vehicle Capacity Weight)
Front Tires Rear Tires Front Tires Rear Tires
245/45ZR17 95W 30 psi (210 kPa) 30 psi (210 kPa) 35 psi (240 kPa) 35 psi (240 kPa)
235/40ZR18 91W 33 psi (230 kPa) 33 psi (230 kPa) 33 psi (230 kPa) 39 psi (270 kPa)
T145/70R17 96M
(Compact Spare)60 psi (420 kPa) 60 psi (420 kPa) 60 psi (420 kPa) 60 psi (420 kPa)
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Do not forget your compact spare tire. It should be at
60 psi (420 kPa). For more information about your
vehicle's compact spare tire, see
Compact Spare Tire
on page 5-76.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly in¯ated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly in¯ated even when they're underin¯ated. Check
the tire's in¯ation pressure when the tires are cold.
Cold means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press
the tire gage ®rmly onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire in¯ation pressure matches
the recommended pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information label, no further adjustment is necessary. If
the in¯ation pressure is low, add air until you reach
the recommended amount.
If you over®ll the tire, release air by pushing on the
metal stem in the center of the tire valve. Recheck the
tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and
moisture.
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High Speed Operation
{CAUTION:
Driving at high speeds, 100 mph (160 km/h) or
higher, puts an additional strain on tires.
Sustained high-speed driving causes
excessive heat build up and can cause sudden
tire failure. You could have a crash and you or
others could be killed. Some high-speed rated
tires require in¯ation pressure adjustment for
high speed operation. When speed limits and
road conditions are such that a vehicle can be
driven at high speeds, make sure the tires are
rated for high speed operation, in excellent
condition, and set to the correct cold tire
in¯ation pressure for the vehicle load.Vehicles equipped with 245/45ZR17 95W size tires, do
not require additional air pressure for high-speed
operation. If your vehicle has 235/40ZR18 91W size
tires, use the following chart to determine the cold tire
in¯ation pressure when operating your vehicle under
high-speed conditions.Tire Size: 235/40ZR18 91W Recommended Cold
Tire In¯ation Pressure for High Speed Operation
Occupant and Cargo
Weight:
470 lbs (210 kg) or lessOccupant and Cargo
Weight:
Up to 740 lbs (330 kg)
(Vehicle Capacity
Weight)
Front
TiresRear Tires Front Tires Rear Tires
36 psi
(250 kPa)36 psi
(250 kPa)39 psi
(270 kPa)44 psi
(300 kPa)
When you end high-speed driving, return the tires to the
cold in¯ation pressure shown on the tire and loading
information label.
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After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear in¯ation pressures as shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. Make certain that all wheel
nuts are properly tightened. See ªWheel Nut Torqueº
under
Capacities and Speci®cations on page 5-90.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all
the rust or dirt off. See
Changing a Flat Tire on
page 5-69
.
When It Is Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it is
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires
have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of tread
remaining.
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
·You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
·You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire's rubber.
·The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut, or snagged
deep enough to show cord or fabric.
·The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
·The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
cannot be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.
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Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully in¯ated when
the vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time.
Check the in¯ation pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 kPa).
After installing the compact spare on the vehicle, stop
as soon as possible and make sure the spare tire
is correctly in¯ated. The compact spare is made to
perform well at speeds up to 65 mph (105 km/h)
for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can
®nish your trip and have the full-size tire repaired or
replaced at your convenience. Of course, it is best
to replace the spare with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. The spare tire will last longer and be in good
shape in case it is needed again.
Notice:When the compact spare is installed, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact spare can get
caught on the rails. That can damage the tire and
wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other vehicles.
And do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel with
other wheels or tires. They will not ®t. Keep the
spare tire and its wheel together.
Notice:Tire chains will not ®t your compact spare.
Using them can damage your vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Do not use tire chains on
your compact spare.
Appearance Care
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Your vehicle's interior will continue to look its best if
it is cleaned often. Although not always visible, dust and
dirt can accumulate on your upholstery. Dirt can
damage carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces.
Regular vacuuming is recommended to remove particles
from your upholstery. It is important to keep your
upholstery from becoming and remaining heavily soiled.
Soils should be removed as quickly as possible. Your
vehicle's interior may experience extremes of heat
that could cause stains to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require more frequent
cleaning. Use care because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to your home furnishings may also
transfer color to your vehicle's interior.
When cleaning your vehicle's interior, only use cleaners
speci®cally designed for the surfaces being cleaned.
Permanent damage may result from using cleaners on
surfaces for which they were not intended. Use glass
cleaner only on glass. Remove any accidental over-spray
from other surfaces immediately. To prevent over-spray,
apply cleaner directly to the cleaning cloth.
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