
Black plate (67,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible
and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the tire loading information label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 5‑18.
A message to check the pressure in a specific tire
displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC). 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 4‑42andDIC Warnings and Messageson
page 4‑49.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in
cool weather when the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure is getting low and needs
to be inflated to the proper pressure. A Tire and Loading Information label shows the size
of the original equipment tires and the correct inflation
pressure for the tires when they are cold. See
Loading
the Vehicle
on page 5‑18, for an example of the Tire
and Loading Information label and its location on your
vehicle. Also see Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 6‑64.
Your vehicle's TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. See Tire Inspection and Rotation
on
page 6‑70and Tires on page 6‑57.
Notice: Tire sealant materials are not all the same.
A non-approved tire sealant could damage the
TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by
using an incorrect tire sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use only the GM-approved
tire sealant available through your dealer or
included in the vehicle.
Factory-installed Tire Inflator Kits use a GM approved
liquid tire sealant. Using non-approved tire sealants
could damage the TPMS sensors. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
on page 6‑80for information regarding
the inflator kit materials and instructions.
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Black plate (70,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
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 6‑71for more information.
Always remove the 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.
Tires should be rotated every 12 000 km
(7,500 miles). See Scheduled Maintenance
on
page 7‑3
. 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 the
tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or
wheels. See
When It Is Time for New Tires
on
page 6‑71
and Wheel Replacementon page 6‑76.
When rotating the vehicle's tires, always use the
correct rotation pattern shown here.
Do not include the compact spare tire in the tire
rotation.
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Black plate (72,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
The rubber in tires ages 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 inflation pressure maintenance. Tires
will typically need to be replaced due to wear before
they may need to be replaced due to age. Consult the
tire manufacturer for more information on when tires
should be replaced.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally mounted on a parked
vehicle. Park a vehicle that will be stored for at least
a month in a cool, dry, clean area away from direct
sunlight to slow aging. This area should be free of
grease, gasoline or other substances that can
deteriorate rubber.
Parking for an extended period can cause flat spots
on the tires that may result in vibrations while driving.
When storing a vehicle for at least a month, remove the
tires or raise the vehicle to reduce the weight from the
tires.
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 6‑58
for additional information.
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Black plate (73,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
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. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation
on page 6‑70for
information on proper tire rotation.
{WARNING:
Tires could explode during improper service.
Attempting to mount or dismount a tire could
cause injury or death. Only your dealer or
authorized tire service center should mount or
dismount the tires.
{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 6‑97.
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Black plate (74,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
{WARNING:
Using bias-ply tires on the vehicle may
cause the wheel rim flanges to develop
cracks after many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail suddenly and cause
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. See Tire Pressure Monitor
System
on page 6‑65. Your vehicle's original equipment tires are listed
on the Tire and Loading Information Label. See
Loading the Vehicle
on page 5‑18, for more
information about the Tire and Loading
Information Label and its location on your vehicle.
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, antilock brakes, traction
control, and electronic stability control, the performance
of these systems can be affected.
{WARNING:
If different sized wheels are used, there may not
be an acceptable level of performance and safety
if tires not recommended for those wheels are
selected. This increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM specific wheel
and tire systems developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a GM certified
technician.
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Black plate (78,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Tire Chains
{WARNING:
If your vehicle has P235/55R17, or P245/50R18
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
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 vehicle's wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the front tires.Notice:
If your vehicle has P225/60R16 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.
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 off the road, if possible.
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Black plate (97,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
A. Center Retainer
B. Compact SpareTire Cover
C. Retainer
D. Washer E. Jack Container F. Spare Tire
G. Wheel Wrench H. Jack
I. Foam Insert
J. Bolt
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on page 3‑12.
2. Place the foam insert (I) in the trunk compartment.
3. Reinstall the compact spare tire (F) face down. Line up the wheel center hole with the bolt (J).
Then place it on the compartment floor.
4. Insert the jack container (E) into the spare tire (F).
5. Insert the wheel wrench (G) and jack (H) into the center of the compact spare tire making sure to
line up the wheel nut hole with the bolt (I) on the
compartment floor.
6. Secure the compact spare tire and the jack container (E) with the washer (D) and the
retainer (C).
7. Reinstall the compact spare tire cover (B).
8. Secure with the center retainer (A). The compact spare tire is for temporary use only.
Replace the compact spare tire with a full-size tire
as soon as you can. See
Compact Spare Tire
on
page 6‑97.
Compact Spare Tire
{WARNING:
Driving with more than one compact spare tire at
a time could result in loss of braking and handling.
This could lead to a crash and you or others could
be injured. Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire it was fully
inflated when the vehicle was new, however, it can lose
air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly.
It should be 60 psi (420 kPa).
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Black plate (98,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
After installing the compact spare on the vehicle, stop
as soon as possible and make sure the spare tire is
correctly inflated. The compact spare is made to
perform well at speeds up to 65 mph (105 km/h) for
distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can
finish your trip and have the full-size tire repaired or
replaced at your convenience. Of course, it is best
to replace the spare with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. The spare tire will last longer and be in good
shape in case it is needed again.
Notice:When the compact spare is installed, do not
take the vehicle through an automatic car wash with
guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on
the rails which can damage the tire, wheel and other
parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel with other
wheels or tires. They will not fit. Keep the spare tire and
its wheel together.
Notice: Tire chains will not fit the compact spare.
Using them can damage the vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Do not use tire chains on
the compact spare.Appearance Care
Interior Cleaning
The interior will continue to look its best if it is cleaned
often. Although not always visible, dust and dirt can
accumulate on the upholstery. Dirt can damage
carpet, fabric, leather, and plastic surfaces. Regular
vacuuming is recommended to remove particles from
the upholstery. It is important to keep the upholstery
from becoming and remaining heavily soiled. Soils
should be removed as quickly as possible. The interior
may experience extremes of heat that could cause
stains to set rapidly.
Lighter colored interiors may require more frequent
cleaning. Use care because newspapers and garments
that transfer color to home furnishings may also transfer
color to the interior.
When cleaning the interior, only use cleaners
specifically designed for the surfaces being cleaned.
Permanent damage may result from using cleaners
on surfaces for which they were not intended. Use
glass cleaner only on glass. Remove any accidental
over-spray from other surfaces immediately. To prevent
over-spray, apply cleaner directly to the cleaning cloth.
6-98