Black plate (48,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-6014851) - 2014 -
1st Edition - 8/22/13
10-48 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
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.
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 10-46 andTire
Rotation on page 10-47.
The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading
conditions, and inflation pressure
maintenance affect how fast aging
takes place. GM recommends that
tires, including the spare if 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 for
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Black plate (52,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-6014851) - 2014 -
1st Edition - 8/22/13
10-52 Vehicle Care
Traction
The traction grades, from
highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on
specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlledconditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of
performance which all
passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned
and balanced at the factory to
provide the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
are not necessary on a regular
basis. Consider an alignment check
if there is unusual tire wear or the
vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to
the left or right, depending on the
crown of the road and/or other road
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.
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Black plate (54,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-6014851) - 2014 -
1st Edition - 8/22/13
10-54 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
control and a crash. Use another
type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for
the vehicle's tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive
slowly and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used, install
them on the rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. SeeTires
on page 10-34. If air goes out of a
tire, it is much more likely to leak
out slowly. But if there is ever 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.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
(Continued)
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Black plate (55,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-6014851) - 2014 -
1st Edition - 8/22/13
Vehicle Care 10-55
Warning (Continued)
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers on page 6-3.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be
dangerous. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over or fall
causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatictransmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks on both sides of the tire at the
opposite corner of the tire
being changed.
This vehicle may come with a jack
and spare tire or a tire sealant and
compressor kit. To use the jacking
equipment to change a spare tire
safely, follow the instructions below. Then see
Tire Changing on
page 10-63. To use the tire sealant
and compressor kit, see Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit on
page 10-56.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2),
use the following example as a
guide to assist you in the placement
of wheel blocks (1).
1. Wheel Block
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains
how to repair or change a tire.
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Black plate (56,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-6014851) - 2014 -
1st Edition - 8/22/13
10-56 Vehicle Care
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.
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 9-21.
{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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
too severely damaged for the tire
sealant and compressor kit to be
effective. See
Roadside Assistance
Program on page 13-5.
Read and follow all of the tire
sealant and compressor kit
instructions.
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Black plate (57,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-6014851) - 2014 -
1st Edition - 8/22/13
Vehicle Care 10-57
The kit includes:
1. On/Off Switch
2. Pressure Gauge
3. Tire Sealant Canister
4. Air Only Hose
5. Sealant/Air Hose
6. Power Plug
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. 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 10-54 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 10-62.
2. Remove the sealant/air hose (5) from the side of the compressor.
3. Remove the power plug (6).
4. Place the kit on the ground. Make sure the tire valve stem is
positioned close to the ground
so the hose will reach it.
5. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
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Black plate (58,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-6014851) - 2014 -
1st Edition - 8/22/13
10-58 Vehicle Care
6. Attach the sealant/air hose (5)onto the tire valve. Turn it
clockwise until it is tight.
7. Switch the on/off switch (1) to the O position.
8. Plug the power plug (6) into the power outlet in the vehicle.
Unplug all items from other
accessory power outlets. See
Power Outlets on page 5-4.
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. Switch the on/off switch (1) to the I position.
The compressor will inject
sealant and air into the tire. Sealant may leak from the
puncture hole until the vehicle
is driven and the hole has
sealed.
The pressure gauge (2) 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 (2). The recommended
inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire
Pressure on page 10-41.
The pressure gauge (2) 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.
{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. See
Roadside
Assistance Program on
page 13-5.
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Black plate (59,1)Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-6014851) - 2014 -
1st Edition - 8/22/13
Vehicle Care 10-59
12. Switch the on/off switch (1) tothe O position.
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 13–19 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 (6) from the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle.
14. Turn the sealant/air hose (5) counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire valve stem.
15. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
16. Replace the sealant/air hose (5), and the power plug (6
back in their original location.
17. If the flat tire was able to inflateto the recommended inflation
pressure, remove the
maximum speed label from the
tire sealant canister (3) and
place it in a highly visible
location.
Do not exceed the speed on
this label until the damaged tire
is repaired or replaced.
18. Return the equipment to its original storage location in the
vehicle.
19. Immediately drive the vehicle 8 km (5 mi) to distribute the
sealant in the tire. 20. Stop at a safe location and
check the tire pressure. Refer
to Steps 1–10 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.
See Roadside 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.
21. Wipe off any sealant from the wheel, tire or vehicle.
22. Dispose of the used tire sealant canister (3) and
sealant/air hose (5) assembly
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