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.
354
Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P205/55R16, P205/
50R17 or 215/45R18 size tires, do not use
tire chains. They can damage your vehicle
because 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.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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 front tires.
Notice:If your vehicle has a tire size other
than P205/55R16, P205/50R17 or 215/45R18 size
tires, use tire chains only where legal and only
when you must. Use only SAE Class S-type
chains that are the proper size for your tires.
Install them on the front tires and 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.
357
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall................................. 340
Lamps
Dome....................................................... 155
Mirror Reading......................................... 155
LATCH System
Child Restraints......................................... 53
License Plate Lamps................................... 336
Light
Airbag Readiness..................................... 167
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning............. 172
Brake System Warning............................. 171
Charging System..................................... 170
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning....... 174
Enhanced Traction System (ETS)
Warning Light....................................... 173
Fog Lamp................................................ 179
Highbeam On.......................................... 179
Malfunction Indicator................................ 174
Oil Pressure............................................. 178
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator............ 168
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder.............. 167
Safety Belt Reminder............................... 166Light (cont.)
Security................................................... 179
Up-Shift................................................... 171
Lighting
Entry/Exit................................................. 155
Lights.......................................................... 152
Flash-to-Pass........................................... 146
High/Low Beam Changer ......................... 146
On Reminder........................................... 153
Limited-Slip Differential................................ 235
Loading Your Vehicle................................... 259
Lockout Protection....................................... 101
Locks
Automatic Door Lock................................ 100
Delayed Locking........................................ 99
Door.......................................................... 98
Lockout Protection................................... 101
Power Door............................................... 99
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock..... 100
Rear Door Security Locks........................ 100
Loss of Control........................................... 241
Lumbar
Manual Controls......................................... 10
442
