2012 CHEVROLET SONIC inflation pressure

Black plate (48,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
10-48 Vehicle Care
When a low tire pressure condition
is detected, the TPMS illuminates
the low tire pressure warning light
located on the instrument cluster.
If the warning light comes on, stop
as soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeVehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑11.
The low tire pressure warning light
comes on at each ignition cycle until
the tires are inflated to the correct
inflation pressure.
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 must
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
Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑11, for an example
of the Tire and Loading Information
label and its location. Also see Tire
Pressure on page 10‑45.
The TPMS can warn about a
low tire pressure condition but it
does not replace normal tire
maintenance. See Tire Inspection
on page 10‑50, Tire Rotation on
page 10‑50 andTires on
page 10‑39.
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 10‑60 for
information regarding the inflator kit
materials and instructions.
TPMS Malfunction Light
The TPMS will not function properly
if one or more of the TPMS sensors
are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the
low tire warning light flashes for
about one minute and then stays on
for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. The malfunction light comes
on at each ignition cycle until the
problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause this to
come on are:
.One of the road tires has been
replaced with the spare tire. The
spare tire does not have a
TPMS sensor. The malfunction
light should go off after the road
tire is replaced and the sensor

Black plate (51,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-51
Any time unusual wear is
noticed, rotate the tires as soon
as possible and check the wheel
alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels. See
When It Is Time for New Tires
on page 10‑52andWheel
Replacement on page 10‑56.
Use this rotation pattern when
rotating the tires.
Do not include the compact
spare tire in the tire rotation. Adjust the front and rear tires to
the recommended inflation
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. See
Tire Pressure on page 10‑45
and
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9‑11.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. See Tire Pressure
Monitor Operation on
page 10‑47.
Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel
Nut Torque” underCapacities
and Specifications on
page 12‑2.
{WARNING
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the center of the
wheel hub with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or
tire rotation to prevent corrosion
or rust build-up. Do not get
grease on the flat wheel
mounting surface or on the
wheel nuts or bolts.

Black plate (52,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
10-52 Vehicle Care
When It Is Time for New
Tires
Factors such as maintenance,
temperatures, driving speeds,
vehicle loading, and road conditions
affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to
tell when it is time for new tires.
Treadwear indicators appear when
the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in)
or less of tread remaining. SeeTire
Inspection on page 10‑50 andTire
Rotation on page 10‑50 for more
information. The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies for the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple conditions
including temperatures, loading
conditions, and inflation pressure
maintenance affect how fast aging
takes place. 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 the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec)
system rating. When
replacement tires are needed,
GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specifications that impact
the overall performance of the
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring
performance. GM's TPC Spec

Black plate (63,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-63
7. Attach the sealant/air hose (B) tothe tire valve stem by turning it
clockwise until tight.
8. Plug the power plug (I) into the accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑5.
If the vehicle has an accessory
power outlet, do not use the
cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a cigarette
lighter, use the cigarette lighter. Do not pinch the power plug
cord in the door or window.
9. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while using the
air compressor.
10. Press the on/off button (E) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject
sealant and air into the tire.
The pressure gauge (H) will
initially show a high pressure
while the compressor pushes
the sealant into the tire. Once
the sealant is completely
dispersed into the tire, the
pressure will quickly drop and
start to rise again as the tire
inflates with air only.
11. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation
pressure using the pressure
gauge (H). The recommended
inflation pressure can be found on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Tire
Pressure on page 10‑45.
The pressure gauge (H) may
read higher than the actual tire
pressure while the compressor
is on. Turn the compressor off
to get an accurate pressure
reading. The compressor may
be turned on/off until the
correct pressure is reached.
Notice: If the recommended
pressure cannot be reached after
approximately 25 minutes, the
vehicle should not be driven
farther. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant and
compressor kit cannot inflate the
tire. Remove the power plug from
the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inflating hose from
the tire valve. See Roadside
Assistance Program on
page 13‑5.
12. Press the on/off button (E) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.

Black plate (64,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
10-64 Vehicle Care
The tire is not sealed and will
continue to leak air until the
vehicle is driven and the
sealant is distributed in the tire.
Therefore, Steps 13 through
21 must be done immediately
after Step 12.
Be careful while handling the
tire sealant and compressor kit
as it could be warm after
usage.
13. Unplug the power plug (I) from the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle.
14. Turn the sealant/air hose (B) counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire valve stem.
15. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
16. Remove the tire sealant canister (D) from the slot on
top of the compressor (F). 17. Turn the air only hose (J)
counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire sealant canister
inlet valve (A).
18. Turn the sealant/air hose (B) clockwise onto the sealant
canister inlet valve (A) to
prevent sealant leakage.
19. Return the air only hose (J) and power plug (I) back to their
original storage location.
20. If the flat tire was able to inflateto the recommended inflation
pressure, remove the
maximum speed label from the
sealant canister and place it in
a highly visible location.
Do not exceed the speed on
this label until the damaged tire
is repaired or replaced. 21. Return the equipment to its
original storage location in the
vehicle.
22. Immediately drive the vehicle 8 km (5 mi) to distribute the
sealant in the tire.
23. Stop at a safe location and check the tire pressure. Refer
to Steps 1 through 10 under
“Using the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit without Sealant
to Inflate a Tire (Not
Punctured).”
If the tire pressure has fallen
more than 68 kPa (10 psi)
below the recommended
inflation pressure, stop driving
the vehicle. The tire is too
severely damaged and the tire
sealant cannot seal the tire.
SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 13‑5.

Black plate (65,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-65
If the tire pressure has not
dropped more than 68 kPa
(10 psi) from the recommended
inflation pressure, inflate the
tire to the recommended
inflation pressure.
24. Wipe off any sealant from the wheel, tire, or vehicle.
25. Dispose of the used tire sealant canister (D) at a local
dealer or in accordance with
local state codes and practices.
26. Replace it with a new canister available from your dealer.
27. After temporarily sealing a tire using the tire sealant and
compressor kit, take the
vehicle to an authorized dealer
within 161 km (100 mi) of
driving to have the tire repaired
or replaced.Using the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit without
Sealant to Inflate a Tire
(Not Punctured)
The kit includes:
A. Sealant Canister Inlet Valve
B. Sealant/Air Hose
C. Base of Sealant Canister
D. Tire Sealant Canister
E. On/Off Button
F. Slot on Top of Compressor G. Pressure Deflation Button
H. Pressure Gauge
I. Power Plug
J. Air Only Hose
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See
Hazard
Warning Flashers on page 6‑3.

Black plate (66,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
10-66 Vehicle Care
SeeIf a Tire Goes Flat on
page 10‑58 for other important
safety warnings.
1. Remove the compressor from its storage location. See Storing the
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
on page 10‑67.
2. Remove the air only hose (J) and the power plug (I) from the
bottom of the compressor.
3. Place the compressor on the ground near the flat tire.
Make sure the tire valve stem is
positioned close to the ground
so the hose will reach it.
4. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Attach the air only hose (J) to the tire valve stem by turning it
clockwise until tight.
6. Plug the power plug (I) into the accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑5. If the vehicle has an accessory
power outlet, do not use the
cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a cigarette
lighter, use the cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug
cord in the door or window.
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while using the
air compressor.
8. Press the on/off button (E) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on.
The compressor will inflate the
tire with air only.
9. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation pressure
using the pressure gauge (H).
The recommended inflation
pressure can be found on the
Tire and Loading Information
label. See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑45.
The pressure gauge (H) may
read higher than the actual tire
pressure while the compressor is on. Turn the compressor off to
get an accurate pressure
reading. The compressor may
be turned on/off until the correct
pressure is reached.
Notice: If the recommended
pressure cannot be reached after
approximately 25 minutes, the
vehicle should not be driven
farther. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant and
compressor kit cannot inflate the
tire. Remove the power plug from
the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inflating hose from
the tire valve. See Roadside
Assistance Program on
page 13‑5.
10. Press the on/off button (E) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.
Be careful while handling the
compressor as it could be
warm after usage.
11. Unplug the power plug (I) from the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle.

Black plate (73,1)Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-73
Storing the Compact Spare Tire
and Tools
Reverse the instructions for
removing the spare tire and tools to
store the compact spare tire.
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 10‑73.
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 420 kPa (60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check
that the spare tire is correctly
inflated after installing the spare on
the vehicle. The compact spare is
designed to perform well at speeds
up to 105 km/h (65 mph) for
distances up to 5 000 km (3,000 mi),
so a trip can be completed and the
full-size tire repaired or replaced
when possible. However, the
compact spare tire will last longer
and be in good shape if it is
replaced as soon as possible.
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.