Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................6-60
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................6-62
Tire Inspection and Rotation . ..........................6-65
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................6-67
Buying New Tires.........................................6-68
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................6-69
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................6-70
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................6-71
Wheel Replacement......................................6-71
Tire Chains . . . ...............................................6-73
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................6-74
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................6-75
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................6-76
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................6-77
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools................6-83
Compact Spare Tire......................................6-86
Appearance Care............................................6-87
Interior Cleaning...........................................6-87
Fabric/Carpet . ..............................................6-88
Leather.......................................................6-89
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces . . . ...............................................6-90
Care of Safety Belts......................................6-90Weatherstrips...............................................6-90
Washing Your Vehicle...................................6-91
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . ...................6-91
Finish Care..................................................6-92
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................6-92
Aluminum Wheels.........................................6-93
Tires...........................................................6-93
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................6-94
Finish Damage.............................................6-94
Underbody Maintenance................................6-94
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................6-94
Vehicle Identification......................................6-95
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).................6-95
Service Parts Identification Label . . ...................6-95
Electrical System............................................6-95
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................6-95
Headlamp Wiring..........................................6-96
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................6-96
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......6-96
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . .......................6-96
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................6-96
Underhood Fuse Block..................................6-97
Capacities and Specifications........................6-100
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-2
Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a
typical passenger vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:
The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P
as the first character in the tire size means a
passenger vehicle tire engineered to standards
set by the U.S. Tire and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width
:
The three-digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.(C) Aspect Ratio
:
A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as
shown in item C of the illustration, it would mean
that the tire’s sidewall is 60 percent as high as
it is wide.
(D) Construction Code
:
A letter code is used
to indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias ply construction;
and the letter B means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:
Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description
:
These characters
represent the load index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is certified to
carry a load.
6-55
Tire Pressure Monitor OperationThis vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the driver when
a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly, excluding
the spare tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in the vehicle’s tires and
transmits the tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS illuminates the
low tire pressure warning
light located on the
instrument panel cluster.
At the same time a message to check the pressure in a
specific tire appears on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning light and the
DIC warning message come on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inflated to the correct inflation pressure.
Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can be viewed by the
driver. For additional information and details about the
DIC operation and displays seeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 4-37andDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4-44.The low tire pressure warning light may come on in
cool weather when the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as you start to drive. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting
low and need to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to your
vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct inflation pressure for
your vehicle’s tires when they are cold. SeeLoading the
Vehicle on page 5-20, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location on your
vehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-59.
Your vehicle’s TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal
tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 6-65andTires on page 6-51.
Notice:Liquid tire sealants could damage the Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensors. Sensor
damage caused by using a tire sealant is not
covered by your warranty. Do not use liquid tire
sealants.6-62
Buying New TiresGM 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 6-52for 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 6-65for
information on proper tire rotation.
{
WARNING:
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 all wheels. It is all right to drive with your
compact spare temporarily, as it was
developed for use on your vehicle. See
Compact Spare Tire on page 6-86.
6-68
{
WARNING:
If you use bias-ply tires on the vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges 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 the 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.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring
system could give an inaccurate low-pressure
warning if non-TPC Spec rated tires are installed
on your vehicle. Non-TPC Spec rated tires
may give a low-pressure warning that is higher or
lower than the proper warning level you would
get with TPC Spec rated tires. SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 6-60.
Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are listed
on the Tire and Loading Information Label.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-20, for more
information about the Tire and Loading Information
Label and its location on your vehicle.
Different Size Tires and WheelsIf 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, antilock brakes, 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 6-68andAccessories
and Modifications on page 6-3for additional information.
6-69
Tire Chains
{
WARNING:
If your vehicle has P225/55R17 or P235/50R18
size tires, 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
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions.
To help avoid damage to your vehicle, drive
slowly, readjust, or remove the device if it is
contacting your vehicle, and do not spin your
wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the front tires.
Notice:If your vehicle has a tire size other than
P225/55R17 or P235/50R18 size tires, use tire chains
only where legal and only when you must. Use
only SAE Class S-type chains that are the proper
size for your tires. Install them on the front tires and
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.
6-73
Notice:Wheel covers will not fit on your vehicle’s
compact spare. If you try to put a wheel cover
on the compact spare, the cover or the spare could
be damaged.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.After the compact spare tire has been installed on the
vehicle, store the flat tire in the trunk.
When storing a full-size tire, use the extension with the
extension protector, located in the foam holder, to
help avoid wheel surface damage.
To store a full-size tire:
1. Install the tools in their original location in the trunk
area and secure.
2. Place the tire valve stem facing down and the
protector/guide placed through a wheel bolt hole
and threaded onto the bolt screw.
3. Remove the protector and attach the retainer
securely
4. Store the cover as far forward as possible.
When storing a compact spare tire in the trunk, put the
protector back in the foam holder.
The compact spare is for temporary use only. Replace
the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as soon as you
can. SeeCompact Spare Tire on page 6-86. Use this as
a guide for storing the compact spare tire and tools.
6-83
A. Retainer
B. Full-Size Flat Tire
C. Protective Guide
D. Extension Bolt Screw
E. Wing Nut
F. Jack
G. Wheel Wrench
H. Foam Holder
I. Bolt Screw
Full-Size Flat Tire
6-85