2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX spare tire

You have two minutes to match each tire and wheel
position. If it takes longer than two minutes to match any
tire and wheel position, the matching process stops and
you need to start over.
The TPMS matching process is outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON/RUN with the
engine off.
3. Press the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter’s
LOCK and UNLOCK buttons at the same time for
approximately ve seconds. The horn sounds twice
to signal the receiver is in relearn mode.
4. Start with the driver side front tire.
5. Remove the valve cap from the tire’s valve stem.
Activate the TPMS sensor by increasing or
decreasing the tire’s air pressure for 10 seconds, or
until a horn chirp sounds. The horn chirp, which
may take up to 30 seconds to sound, conrms that
the sensor identication code has been matched to
the tire/wheel position.
6. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.8. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 5. The horn sounds two times to
indicate the sensor identication code has been
matched to the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS
sensor matching process is no longer active.
9. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.
10. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure
level as indicated on the tire and loading
information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle’s tires, including the spare tire, for signs of
wear or damage. SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 5-77for more information.
Tire rotation is not recommended if your vehicle is
a GXP model equipped with P255/45R18 size tires
on the front wheels and P225/50R18 size tires on
the rear wheels. Different tire sizes front to rear
should not be rotated.
Tire rotation is recommended if the original
equipment tires installed on your vehicle are of the
same size and type on all four tire/wheel positions.
Original equipment tires of the same size and type
should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km). SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.
5-75

The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achieve
a uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. This will
ensure that your vehicle continues to perform most
like it did when the tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
vehicle’s tires as soon as possible and check the
wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires
or wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on
page 5-77andWheel Replacement on page 5-82
for more information.
The correct rotation pattern shown here is only for
non-GXP tires.
Do not include a compact spare tire, if your
vehicle has one, in the vehicle’s tire rotation.After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear ination pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label, and reset the Tire
Pressure Monitor System. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 5-71for additional
information.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-128.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after 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.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-96.
Rotation Pattern for Non-GXP Tires Only
5-76

When It Is Time for New Tires
Various factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions
inuence when you need 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 new tires 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.
The rubber in tires degrades over time, even if they are
not being used. This is also true for the spare tire, if
your vehicle has one. Multiple conditions affect how fast
this aging takes place, including temperatures, loading
conditions, and ination pressure maintenance. With
proper care and maintenance tires will typically wear out
before they degrade due to age. If you are unsure about
the need to replace your tires as they get older, consult
the tire manufacturer for more information.
5-77

Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specic 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
Specication (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 specications 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 near the tire size. If the tires have an
all-season tread design, the TPC Spec number will
be followed by an MS for mud and snow. SeeTire
Sidewall Labeling on page 5-63for additional
information.GM recommends replacing tires in sets of four.
This is because uniform tread depth on all tires will
help keep your vehicle performing most like it did
when the tires were new. Replacing less than a full
set of tires can affect the braking and handling
performance of your vehicle. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 5-75for information on
proper tire rotation.
{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose
control while driving. If you mix tires of
different sizes (other than those originally
installed on your vehicle), 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
(other than those originally installed on
your vehicle) may also cause damage to
your vehicle. Be sure to use the correct
size, brand, and type tires on all wheels.
If your vehicle has a compact spare tire, it
is all right to drive your vehicle with the
compact spare temporarily. It was
developed for use on your vehicle. See
Compact Spare Tire on page 5-109.
5-78

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
specic wheel and tire systems developed for
your vehicle, and have them properly installed
by a GM certied technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-78andAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3for additional information.
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.
5-80

If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. SeeTires
on page 5-62. 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.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.If a tire goes at, and your vehicle has a spare tire, see
Changing a Flat Tire on page 5-96. This information
shows you how to use your vehicle’s tire changing
equipment and how to change a at tire safely.
{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is
designed only for changing a at tire. If it is
used for anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
vehicle only for changing a at tire.
5-85

If a Tire Goes Flat (GXP)
GXP models have no spare tire, no tire changing
equipment, and no place for storing a spare or at tire.
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place and stopping.
Then do this:
1. Turn on the hazard warning ashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
2. Park your vehicle. Set the parking brake rmly and
put the shift lever in PARK (P). SeeShifting Into
PARK (P) on page 2-34for additional information.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Inspect the at tire.
If the tire has been separated from the wheel or has
damaged sidewalls or large tears that allow rapid air
loss, call a tire repair facility. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 7-6.
If the at tire is due to a slow leak caused by a nail or
other similar road hazard, the tire inator kit may be
used to temporarily repair the damaged tire. The kit uses
a liquid tire sealant to seal small punctures in the tread
area of the tire. The at tire is then inated to at least
30 psi (207 kPa) and driven to evenly distribute the tire
sealant. The tire pressure is checked after driving for a
maximum of ve miles (8.0 km) to see if the slow leak has
been stopped. If the tire pressure is 19 psi (131 kPa) or
more, inate the tire up to the standard operatingpressure as shown on the tire and loading information
label. This label is attached to the vehicle’s center-pillar
below the driver’s door latch. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-69.
Notice:If the tire pressure has dropped below
19 psi (131 kPa), the vehicle should not be driven.
Damage to the tire may be severe and the sealant
will not be effective. Contact Roadside Assistance,
seeRoadside Assistance Program on page 7-6.
You should have the damaged tire repaired as soon as
possible. The tire sealant is a temporary repair only.
If the tire has been lled with tire sealant, take the tire to
a GM dealer/retailer for inspection and repair. See
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (GXP) on page 5-86
for additional information.
Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit (GXP)
Your vehicle may have a tire inator kit. The kit uses a
liquid tire sealant and air at the same time to seal small
punctures in the tread area of the tire. Be sure to read
and follow all the tire inator kit instructions.
5-86

Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The equipment needed to change a tire is located in
the trunk.
1. Open the trunk. SeeTrunk on page 2-14for more
information.
2. Remove the convenience net, if equipped, by
removing the net hook attachments.
3. Lift up the carpet.4. Turn the center nut on
the compact spare tire
cover counterclockwise
to remove it.
5. Remove the cover.
6. Remove the compact spare tire. SeeCompact
Spare Tire on page 5-109for more information.
5-98