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.
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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.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate
heat when tested under controlled conditions on a
speci ed indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a level of performance
which all passenger car tires must meet under
the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
{WARNING:
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly
in ated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, under-in ation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat buildup
and possible tire failure.
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If a Tire Goes Flat
Your vehicle has no spare tire, no tire changing
equipment, and no place to store a tire.
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air
goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. SeeTires on page 5-58for additional
information.
Your vehicle, when new, had run- at tires. This type of
tire can operate effectively with no air pressure, so you
will not need to stop on the side of the road to change a
at tire. You can just keep on driving. The shorter the
distance you drive and the slower the speed, the greater
the chance that the run- at tire will not have to be
replaced. Run- at tires perform so well without any air
that a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is used to
alert you if a tire has lost pressure. SeeRun-Flat Tires on
page 5-64andTire Pressure Monitor System on
page 5-68.{CAUTION:
Special tools and procedures are required to
service a run- at tire. 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.
Notice:Using liquid sealants can damage the tire
valves and tire pressure monitor sensors in your
vehicle’s run- at tires. This damage would not
be covered by warranty. Do not use liquid sealants
in your vehicle’s run- at tires.
To order a service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-17.
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Customer Assistance and
Information
Customer Satisfaction Procedure
Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your
dealer and to Chevrolet. Normally, any concerns with the
sales transaction or the operation of the vehicle will be
resolved by the dealer’s sales or service departments.
Sometimes, however, despite the best intentions of all
concerned, misunderstandings can occur. If your concern
has not been resolved to your satisfaction, the following
steps should be taken:
STEP ONE:Discuss your concern with a member of
dealership management. Normally, concerns can
be quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has
already been reviewed with the sales, service, or parts
manager, contact the owner of the dealership or the
general manager.STEP TWO:If after contacting a member of dealership
management, it appears your concern cannot be
resolved by the dealership without further help, in the
U.S., call the Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
at 1-800-222-1020. In Canada, call General Motors
of Canada Customer Communication Centre at
1-800-263-3777 (English), or 1-800-263-7854 (French).
We encourage you to call the toll-free number in
order to give your inquiry prompt attention. Have the
following information available to give the Customer
Assistance Representative:
Vehicle Identi cation Number (VIN). This is
available from the vehicle registration or title, or the
plate at the top left of the instrument panel and
visible through the windshield.
Dealership name and location.
Vehicle delivery date and present mileage.
When contacting Chevrolet, remember that your concern
will likely be resolved at a dealer’s facility. That is why we
suggest following Step One rst.
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