The vehicle needs 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 the vehicle has one. Multiple
conditions affect how fast this aging
takes place, including temperatures,
loading conditions, and inflationpressure maintenance. With proper
care and maintenance tires typically
wear out before they degrade due to
age. If you are unsure about the
need to replace the tires as they get
older, consult the tire manufacturer
for more information.
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 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 9-49for 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.
Vehicle Care 9-63
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are
a different size than your original
equipment wheels and tires, this
could 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, rollover airbags, traction
control, and electronic stability
control, the performance of these
systems can be affected.
{WARNING
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
specific wheel and tire systems
developed for your vehicle, and
have them properly installed by
a GM certified technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 9-63
andAccessories and Modi cations
on page 9-3for 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.
Vehicle Care 9-65
If you need to replace any of the
wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) sensors, replace them only
with new GM original equipment
parts. This way, you will be sure to
have the right wheel, wheel bolts,
wheel nuts, and TPMS sensors for
the vehicle.
{WARNING
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts on your vehicle can be
dangerous. It could affect the
braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose
air and make you lose control.
You could have a collision in
which you or others could be
injured. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.Notice:The wrong wheel can
also cause problems with bearing
life, brake cooling, speedometer
or odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, rear differential, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance,
and tire or tire chain clearance to
the body and chassis.
SeeIf a Tire Goes Flat on page 9-69
for more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{WARNING
Putting a used wheel on the
vehicle is dangerous. You cannot
know how it has been used or how
far it has been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. If you
have to replace a wheel, use a
new GM original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{WARNING
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 the 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 the
vehicle and tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer’s instructions.
(Continued)
9-68 Vehicle Care
WARNING (Continued)
To help avoid damage to the
vehicle, drive slowly, re-adjust
or remove the device if it is
contacting the vehicle, and do not
spin the wheels. If you do find
traction devices that will fit, install
them on the rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while you are driving, especially if
you maintain your vehicle’s tires
properly. 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 flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. 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
would 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.
{WARNING
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the appropriate
safety equipment and training. If a
jack is provided with the vehicle, it
is designed only for changing a
flat tire. If it is used for anything
else, you or others could be badly
injured or killed if the vehicle slips
off the jack. If a jack is provided
with the vehicle, only use it for
changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further
tire and wheel damage by
driving slowly to a level place.
Vehicle Care 9-69
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
SeeHazard Warning Flashers on
page 5-4.
{WARNING
Changing a tire can be dangerous.
The vehicle can slip off the jack
and roll over or fall on you or other
people. You and they could be
badly injured or even killed. Find
a level place to change your tire.
To help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic
transmission shift lever in
P (Park), or shift a manual
transmission to 1 (First) or
R (Reverse).
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
3. Turn off the engine and do
not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to
remain in the vehicle.
To be certain the vehicle will not
move, put blocks at the front and
rear of the tire farthest away from
the one being changed. That
would be the tire on the other side,
at the opposite end of the vehicle.
This vehicle may come with a jack
and spare tire or a tire sealant
and compressor kit. To use the jack
and spare tire, follow the instructions
below. To use the tire sealant and
compressor kit, seeTire Sealant and
Compressor Kit on page 9-71.When the vehicle has a flat tire (B),
use the following example as a
guide to assist you in the placement
of wheel blocks (A).
A. Wheel Block
B. Flat Tire
The following information explains
how to repair or change a tire.
9-70 Vehicle Care
12. Lower the vehicle by turning the
jack handle counterclockwise.
Lower the jack completely.
13. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in
a crisscross sequence, as
shown.{WARNING
Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause
the wheels to become loose or
come off. The wheel nuts should
be tightened with a torque wrench
to the proper torque specification
after replacing. Follow the torque
specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when
using accessory locking wheel
nuts. SeeCapacities and
Speci cations on page 11-2for
original equipment wheel nut
torque specifications.
Notice:Improperly tightened
wheel nuts can lead to brake
pulsation and rotor damage.
To avoid expensive brake repairs,
evenly tighten the wheel nuts
in the proper sequence and to
the proper torque speci cation.
SeeCapacities and Specifications
on page 11-2for the wheel nut
torque speci cation.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{WARNING
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
To store a flat or spare tire
and tools:
1. Replace the jack and tools.
2. Replace the spare tire cover.
3. Turn the retainer nut clockwise to
tighten.
4. Replace the rear trunk carpet.
5. Place the flat tire face up on the
load floor.
9-82 Vehicle Care
The positive jump start connection
is covered by a red cap. Remove to
expose the terminal.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must
have a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s
system is not a 12-volt system
with a negative ground, both
vehicles can be damaged. Only
use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump
start your vehicle.
2. Position the two vehicles so that
they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly and
put the shift lever in P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park on
page 8-21.Notice:If you leave the radio or
other accessories on during the
jump starting procedure, they
could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the
warranty. Always turn off the
radio and other accessories
when jump starting the vehicle.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF
and switch off all lights and
accessories in both vehicles,
except the hazard warning
flashers if needed.
{WARNING
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{WARNING
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded. Use
a flashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough
water. You do not need to add
water to the battery installed in
your new vehicle. But if a battery
has filler caps, be sure the right
amount of fluid is there. If it is
low, add water to take care of
that first. If you don’t, explosive
gas could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
Vehicle Care 9-85
MaintenanceI
•
Change engine oil and filter.
SeeEngine Oil on page 9-10.
An Emission Control Service.
•Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 9-19.
•Windshield washer fluid level
check. SeeWasher Fluid on
page 9-26.
•Tire inflation check. SeeTire
Pressure on page 9-54.
•Tire wear inspection. SeeTire
Inspection on page 9-61.
•If tire rotation is recommended
for the vehicle, rotate tires.
SeeTire Rotation on page 9-61.
•Fluids visual leak check (or every
12 months, whichever occurs
first). A leak in any system must
be repaired and the fluid level
checked.
•Engine air cleaner filter
inspection (vehicles driven
in dusty conditions only).
SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter
on page 9-16.
•Brake system inspection (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first).
MaintenanceII
•
Perform all services described in
MaintenanceI.
•Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection
for damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
•Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection of
hoses, pipes, fittings, and clamps
and replacement, if needed.
•Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking, or
contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. SeeExterior
Care on page 9-88. Worn
or damaged wiper blade
replacement. SeeWiper Blade
Replacement on page 9-33.
•Body hinges and latches,
key lock cylinders, folding
seat hardware, and sunroof
(if equipped) lubrication.
SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 10-7.
More frequent lubrication may be
required when vehicle is exposed
to a corrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth
makes them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
Service and Maintenance 10-3