
If you choose to use winter tires:
•Use tires of the same brand and tread type on all
four wheel positions.
•Use only radial ply tires of the same size, load
range, and speed rating as your original equipment
tires.
Winter tires with the same speed rating as your original
equipment tires may not be available for H, V, W
and ZR speed rated tires. If you choose winter tires with
a lower speed rating, never exceed the tire’s maximum
speed capability.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into its
sidewall. The examples below show a typical
passenger vehicle tire and a compact spare tire
sidewall.
(A) Tire Size
:The tire size is a combination of
letters and numbers used to define a particular
tire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction
type, and service description. See the “Tire Size”
illustration later in this section for more detail.Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
6-58

If your vehicle has a compact spare tire, see
Compact Spare Tire on page 6-106andIf a Tire
Goes Flat on page 6-81.
(B) Tire Ply Material
:The type of cord and
number of plies in the sidewall and under
the tread.
(C) Tire Identi cation Number (TIN)
:The letters
and numbers following the DOT (Department of
Transportation) code is the Tire Identification
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date the tire was
manufactured. The TIN is molded onto both sides
of the tire, although only one side may have the
date of manufacture.
(D) Maximum Cold In ation Load Limit
:Maximum load that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to support that load.
(E) Tire In ation
:The temporary use tire or
compact spare tire should be inflated to 60 psi
(420 kPa). For more information on tire pressure
and inflation seeIn ation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-64.
(F) Tire Size
:A combination of letters and
numbers define a tire’s width, height, aspect
ratio, construction type, and service description.
The letter T as the first character in the tire size
means the tire is for temporary use only.(G) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Speci cation)
:Original equipment tires designed
to GM’s specific tire performance criteria have
a TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed all
federal safety guidelines.
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.
6-60

(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.
Tire Terminology and De nitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
6-61

If you need to replace any of your 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 your 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, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 6-90for 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.
6-80

5. Raise the jack to
the height shown and
lock the wrench
onto the jack.
6. Place the jack over the bolt (A) on the floor, making
sure it contacts the bolt. Thread the jack retainer
nut until it contacts the jack.7. With the valve stem up, place the tire on the
compartment floor with the rear of the tire under the
trim panel. The tire may not lay completely flat.
8. Line up the bolt with the wheel center.
9. With the yellow cap in place to prevent the wheel
from being scratched, screw the bolt extension
onto the bolt through the wheel center hole.
10. Remove the yellow cap from the bolt extension.
11. Secure the tire and wheel with the larger wing nut.
6-100

5. Collapse the wrench using the same button used to
extend it.
6. Attach the wrench to the jack by placing the tab on
the wrench into the hole on the side of the jack.
Then place the wrench handle over the tab on the
side of the jack.7. Raise the jack to
the height shown
and lock the wrench
onto the jack.
8. Place the jack over the bolt (B) on the floor, making
sure it contacts the bolt.
6-102

4. Raise the jack to the
height shown and
lock the wrench
onto the jack.
5. Place the jack in the spare tire well. Make sure the
stow bolt goes through the hole in the center of the
wrench on the jack, with the base of the jack towards
the front of the vehicle. Turn the jack retainer nut until
it firmly contacts the wrench. Do not over tighten.
6. Place the compact spare into the tire compartment
with the stow bolt going through the center hole of
the wheel.
7. Turn the spare tire retainer nut until it firmly
contacts the wheel. Do not over tighten.Storing the Spare Tire and
Tools — Retractable Hardtop Models
Follow the previous instructions except turn the jack so
the lift arm is parallel to the rear of the vehicle when
placing it in the spare tire compartment.
6-105

Safety Belts (cont.)
Lap-Shoulder Belt........................................2-28
Reminders..................................................4-27
Safety Belts Are for Everyone.......................2-14
Use During Pregnancy.................................2-35
Safety Chains.................................................5-30
Safety Defects Reporting
Canadian Government..................................8-15
General Motors...........................................8-15
U.S. Government.........................................8-14
Safety Warnings and Symbols.............................. iv
Scheduled Maintenance..................................... 7-3
Scheduling Appointments.................................8-10
Sealant Kit, Tire..............................................6-82
Seatback Latch..............................................2-10
Seats
60/40 Split Bench Seat.................................2-13
Easy Entry Seat..........................................2-11
Head Restraints............................................ 2-2
Heated Seats............................................... 2-6
Power Lift Seat...........................................2-12
Power Lumbar .............................................. 2-5
Power Seats................................................. 2-5
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 2-7
Seatback Latch...........................................2-10
Securing a Child Restraint
Rear Seat Position......................................2-54
Right Front Seat Position..............................2-56
Securing an Add-On Child Restraint in the
Vehicle.......................................................2-43Securing the Child Within the Child Restraint......2-43
Security
Light..........................................................4-37
Service........................................................... 6-4
Accessories and Modifications......................... 6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle..................................................... 6-6
Doing Your Own Work................................... 6-5
Engine Soon Lamp......................................4-34
Parts Identification Label.............................6-115
Publications Ordering Information...................8-15
Scheduling Appointments..............................8-10
Service Bulletins.............................................
8-15
Service Manuals.............................................8-15
Services Not Included in Roadside Assistance...... 8-9
Services Provided............................................. 8-8
Services Specific to Canadian Purchased
Vehicles....................................................... 8-9
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..............2-72
Setting the Clock....................................1-15, 4-53
Setting the Tone (Bass/Midrange/Treble).............4-57
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................6-113
Shifting
Out of Park................................................3-31
Shifting Into Park............................................3-30
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster (Sedan Only)........2-31
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change.......................... 4-4
Skidding........................................................5-10
14