Page 262 of 342

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.
5-68
ProCarManuals.com
Page 266 of 342

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
Do not use tire chains. 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. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, re-adjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your wheels. If you do nd traction
devices that will t, install them on the
rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
Your vehicle has a tire sealant and compressor kit.
SeeTire Sealant and Compressor Kit on page 5-74.
There is 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. See
Tires on page 5-50. If air goes out of a tire, it is much
more likely to leak out slowly. But, if you should
ever have a blow out, 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.
5-72
ProCarManuals.com
Page 341 of 342

T
Tachometer....................................................3-22
Taillamps
Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps...................................5-46
Theft-Deterrent, Radio.....................................3-70
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-12
Content Theft-Deterrent................................2-12
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-14
PASS-Key®III+ Operation.............................2-14
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Time, Setting..................................................3-51
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-31
Tires.............................................................5-50
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning.................................................5-90
Buying New Tires........................................5-66
Chains.......................................................5-72
Cleaning....................................................5-91
Different Size..............................................5-67
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-72
In ation - Tire Pressure................................5-56
Inspection and Rotation................................5-63
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-59
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-58Tires (cont.)
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit...................5-74
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-52
Tire Terminology and De nitions....................5-54
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-68
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-69
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-70
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-65
Winter Tires................................................5-51
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-28
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-28
Your Vehicle...............................................4-28
Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-6
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.................................... 4-8
Traction Control System...................................3-29
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-23
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-23
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-20
Transmission Operation, Manual........................
2-23
Trunk.............................................................. 2-8
Trunk Ajar Light..............................................3-36
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
11
ProCarManuals.com