Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on page 358
andWheel Replacement on page 362for
more information.
Make sure the spare tire is stored securely. Push,
pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it
moves, use the ratchet/wheel wrench to tighten the
cable. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 366.
If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, also see
Dual Tire Operation on page 355.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The
first rotation is the most important. SeeScheduled
Maintenance (Gasoline Engine) on page 405.If your vehicle has single rear wheels, always use
the correct rotation patterns shown here when
rotating your vehicle’s tires. Do not include
the spare tire in the tire rotation, if the spare
tire/wheel assembly does not match your vehicle’s
road tires and wheels in size and type.
Single Rear Wheels
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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.
Some commercial truck
tires may not have
treadwear indicators.
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.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific tires
for your vehicle. The original equipment tires
installed on your vehicle, when it was new,
were designed to meet General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria Specification (TPC spec)
system rating. If you need replacement tires,
GM strongly recommends that you get tires with
the same TPC Spec rating. This way, your vehicle
will continue to have tires that are designed to
give the same performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the original tires.
GM’s exclusive TPC Spec system considers over
a dozen critical specifications that impact the
overall performance of your vehicle, including
brake system performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire pressure monitoring
performance. GM’s TPC Spec number is molded
onto the tire’s sidewall by the tire manufacturer.
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If the tires have an all-season tread design,
the TPC spec number will be followed by a MS,
for mud and snow. SeeTire Sidewall Labeling
on page 347for additional information.
{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose
control while driving. If you mix tires of
different sizes, brands, or types (radial
and bias-belted tires) the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a
crash. Using tires of different sizes,
brands, or types may also cause damage
to your vehicle. Be sure to use the correct
size, brand, and type of tires on your
vehicle’s wheels.
{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle,
the wheel rim anges could develop
cracks after many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail suddenly, causing
a crash. Use only radial-ply tires with the
wheels on your vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s tires with
those that do not have a TPC Spec number,
make sure they are the same size, load range,
speed rating, and construction type (radial
and bias-belted tires) as your vehicle’s
original tires.
Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are listed
on the Tire and Loading Information label.
This label is attached to the vehicle’s center pillar
(B-pillar). SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 261,
for more information about the Tire and Loading
Information label.
359
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size
than your original equipment wheels and tires,
this may affect the way your vehicle performs,
including its braking, ride and handling
characteristics, stability, and resistance to
rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle has electronic
systems such as, anti-lock brakes, traction
control, and electronic stability control, the
performance of these systems can be affected.{CAUTION:
If you add different sized wheels, your
vehicle may not provide an acceptable
level of performance and safety if tires
not recommended for those wheels are
selected. You may increase the chance
that you will crash and suffer serious
injury. Only use GM speci c wheel and
tire systems developed for your vehicle,
and have them properly installed by a
GM certi ed technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 358and
Accessories and Modi cations on page 290for
additional information.
360
Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has dual wheels or
P245/75R16 or LT245/75R16 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 the vehicle’s wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the rear tires.
Notice:If your vehicle does not have
dual wheels and has a tire size other than
P245/75R16 or LT245/75R16, 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 tires of the rear axle.
Do not use chains on the tires of the front axle.
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.
364
4. When the tire has been lowered, pull the tire
toward you so you can reach the tire retainer
and pull it up through the wheel opening.
If you have a vehicle which was completed from
a cab and chassis, refer to the information from
the body supplier/installer.
The spare tire is a full-size tire, like the other tires
on your vehicle.
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
If your vehicle has plastic wheel nut caps,
loosen them by turning the wheel wrench
counterclockwise. The wheel nut caps are
designed to remain with the center cap.
Remove the center cap.
If the wheel has a smooth center piece, place
the chisel end of the wheel wrench in the slot
on the wheel and gently pry it out.
1. Do a safety check before proceeding.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 366
for more information.
2. With the DOWN side facing you, use the
ratchet and wheel wrench to loosen all the
wheel nuts. Do not remove them yet.
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