Black plate (59,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
Vehicle Care 10-59
equipped, be replaced after
six years, regardless of tread wear.
The tire manufacturer date is the
last four digits of the DOT Tire
Identification Number (TIN) which is
molded into one side of the tire
sidewall. The first two digits
represent the week (01–52) and the
last two digits, the year. For
example, the third week of the year
2010 would have a four-digit DOT
date of 0310.
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 forat 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
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 MS for mud
and snow. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling on page 10-45.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling
performance may be adversely
affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time.
If proper rotation and
maintenance have been done,
all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. See Tire
Rotation on page 10-57.
However, if it is necessary to
replace only one axle set of
worn tires, place the new tires
on the rear axle.
Black plate (60,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
10-60 Vehicle Care
Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H,
V, W, Y and ZR speed rated
tires. Never exceed the winter
tires’maximum speed capability
when using winter tires with a
lower speed rating.
{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 of different sizes,
brands, or types may cause
loss of control of the vehicle,
resulting in a crash or other
vehicle damage. Use the
correct size, brand, and type
of tires on all wheels.
{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 the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
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.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor
System on page 10-52.
The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the
vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9-9.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
Black plate (63,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
Vehicle Care 10-63
surface variations such as troughs
or ruts, is normal. If the vehicle is
vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, the tires and wheels may need
to be rebalanced. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or
corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and
wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it.
Some aluminum wheels can be
repaired. See your dealer if any of
these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have the
same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset, and be
mounted the same way as the one it
replaces.Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) sensors with new
GM original equipment parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling of
the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing
a crash. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.
{Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
ground clearance, and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used
one is dangerous. How it has
been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.
Black plate (66,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
10-66 Vehicle Care
1. Wheel Block
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains
how to repair or change a tire.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
{Warning
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area that
has no fresh air ventilation. For
more information, seeEngine
Exhaust on page 9-26.
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause
the tire to rupture and you or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the tire sealant
and compressor kit instructions
and inflate the tire to its
recommended pressure. Do not
exceed the recommended
pressure.
{Warning
Storing the tire sealant and
compressor kit 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 the tire
sealant and compressor kit in its
original location.
If this vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit, there may not be a
spare tire, tire changing equipment,
and on some vehicles there may not
be a place to store a tire.
The tire sealant and compressor
can be used to temporarily seal
punctures up to 6 mm (0.25 inch) in
the tread area of the tire. It can also
be used to inflate an under
inflated tire.
If the tire has been separated from
the wheel, has damaged sidewalls,
or has a large puncture, the tire is
Black plate (67,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
Vehicle Care 10-67
too severely damaged for the tire
sealant and compressor kit to be
effective. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 13-5.
Read and follow all of the tire
sealant and compressor kit
instructions.
The kit includes:
1. Air Compressor
2. Tire Sealant Canister
3. Power Plug
4. On/Off Button
5. Pressure Gauge 6. Air Only Hose (Black)
7. Sealant/Air Hose (Clear)
Tire Sealant
Read and follow the safe handling
instructions on the label adhered to
the sealant canister.
Check the tire sealant expiration
date on the sealant canister. The
sealant canister should be replaced
before its expiration date.
Replacement sealant canisters are
available at your local dealer. See
“Removal and Installation of the
Sealant Canister”
following.
There is only enough sealant to seal
one tire. After usage, the sealant
canister and sealant/air hose
assembly must be replaced. See
“Removal and Installation of the
Sealant Canister” following.
Using the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit to Temporarily
Seal and Inflate a
Punctured Tire
When using the tire sealant and
compressor kit during cold
temperatures, warm the kit in a
heated environment for five minutes.
This will help to inflate the tire
faster.
Black plate (68,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
10-68 Vehicle Care
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 6-3.
See If a Tire Goes Flat on
page 10-64 for other important
safety warnings.
Do not remove any objects that
have penetrated the tire.
1. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from its storage
location. See Storing the Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit on
page 10-72 orStoring the Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit
(Diesel) on page 10-73.
Make sure the on/off button (4)
is in the off (O) position.
2. Unwrap the sealant/air hose (7) and the power plug (3).
3. Place the kit on the ground. 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 sealant/air hose (7) onto the tire valve stem. Turn it
clockwise until it is tight.
6. Plug the power plug (3) into the accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
See Power Outlets on page 5-6.
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 (4) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on. The compressor will inject
sealant and air into the tire.
The pressure gauge (5) 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.
9. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation pressure
using the pressure gauge (5).
The recommended inflation
pressure can be found on the
Tire and Loading Information
label. See Tire Pressure on
page 10-51.
The pressure gauge (5) 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.
Black plate (69,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
Vehicle Care 10-69
{Caution
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. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program on
page 13-5.
10. Press the on/off button (4) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.
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 11–17 must
be done immediately after
Step 10. Be careful while handling the
tire sealant and compressor kit
as it could be warm after
usage.
11. Unplug the power plug (3) from the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle.
12. Turn the sealant/air hose (7) counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire valve stem.
13. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
14. Replace the sealant/air hose (7), and the power plug (3)
back in their original location.
15. If the flat tire was able to inflateto the recommended inflation
pressure, remove the maximum speed label from the
sealant canister (2) and place it
in a highly visible location.
Do not exceed the speed on
this label until the damaged tire
is repaired or replaced.
16. Return the equipment to its original storage location in the
vehicle.
17. Immediately drive the vehicle 8 km (5 mi) to distribute the
sealant in the tire.
18. Stop at a safe location and check the tire pressure. Refer
to Steps 1–11 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
Black plate (70,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-6007168) -
2014 - 2nd Edition - 7/15/13
10-70 Vehicle Care
sealant cannot seal the tire.
SeeRoadside Assistance
Program on page 13-5.
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.
19. Wipe off any sealant from the wheel, tire or vehicle.
20. Dispose of the used sealant canister (2) and sealant/air
hose (7) assembly at a local
dealer or in accordance with
local state codes and practices.
21. Replace it with a new canister available from your dealer.
22. 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)
To use the air compressor to inflate
a tire with air only and not sealant:
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. See
If a Tire Goes Flat on
page 10-64 for other important
safety warnings.
1. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from its storage
location. See Storing the Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit on
page 10-72 orStoring the Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit
(Diesel) on page 10-73.
2. Unlock the air only hose (6) from the sealant canister (2) by
pulling up on the lever.
3. Pull the air only hose (6) from the sealant canister (2).
4. Remove the power plug (3) from the air compressor (1).
5. Place the kit on the ground. Make sure the tire valve stem is
positioned close to the ground
so the hose will reach it.
6. Remove the tire valve stem cap by turning it counterclockwise.