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256 Vehicle Care
molded onto both sides of the
tire, although only one side may
have the date of manufacture.
(6) Tire Ply Material:The type
of cord and number of plies in
the sidewall and under the tread.
(7) Single Tire Maximum
Load:Maximum load that can
be carried and the maximum
pressure needed to support that
load when used as a single. For
information on recommended
tire pressure seeTire Pressure
0260andVehicle Load
Limits0171.
Tire Designations
Tire Size
The following examples show
the different parts of a tire size.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
(1) 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.
(2) Tire Width:The three-digit
number indicates the tire section
width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio:Atwo-digit
number that indicates the tire
height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 75, as shown in
item 3 of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
75 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code:Aletter
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.
(5) Rim Diameter:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire
is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
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Vehicle Care 257
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
(1) Light Truck (LT-Metric)
Tire:The United States version
of a metric tire sizing system.
The letters LT as the first two
characters in the tire size mean
alighttrucktireengineeredto
standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(2) Tire Width:The three-digit
number indicates the tire section
width in millimeters from
sidewall to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio:Atwo-digit
number that indicates the tire
height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 75, as shown in
item 3 of the light truck
(LT-Metric) tire illustration, it
would mean that the tire's
sidewall is 75 percent as high as
it is wide.
(4) Construction Code:Aletter
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.
(5) Rim Diameter:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(6) Load Range:Load Range.
(7) Service Description:The
service description indicates the
load index and speed rating of a
tire. If two numbers are given as
in the example, 120/116, then
this represents the load index for
single versus dual wheel usage
(single/dual). The speed rating is
the maximum speed a tire is
certified to carry a load. This
does not apply to Goodyear
LT 2 2 5 / 7 5 R 1 6 G 9 4 9 R S A a n d
Goodyear LT225/75R16 G933
RSD commercial truck tires; see
the dual tire and single tire
maximum load and load range
letter designations on the tire
sidewall.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9967827) - 2017 - crc - 5/2/16
264 Vehicle Care
the sensor matching process isperformed successfully. Seeyour dealer for service.
.Replacement tires or wheels donot match the original equipmenttires or wheels. Tires and wheelsother than those recommendedcould prevent the TPMS fromfunctioning properly. SeeBuyingNew Tires0268.
.Operating electronic devices orbeing near facilities using radiowave frequencies similar to theTPMS could cause the TPMSsensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioningproperly, it cannot detect or signal alow tire condition. See your dealerfor service if the TPMS malfunctionlight and DIC message come onand stay on.
TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a uniqueidentification code. The identificationcode needs to be matched to a newtire/wheel position after rotating thevehicle’stiresorreplacingoneor
more of the TPMS sensors. Also,the TPMS sensor matching processshould be performed after replacingasparetirewitharoadtirecontaining the TPMS sensor. Themalfunction light and the DICmessage should go off at the nextignition cycle. The sensors arematched to the tire/wheel positions,using a TPMS relearn tool, in thefollowing order: driver side front tire,passenger side front tire, passengerside rear tire, and driver side rear.See your dealer for service or topurchase a relearn tool. A TPMSrelearn tool can also be purchased.See Tire Pressure Monitor SensorActivation Tool atwww.gmtoolsandequipment.com orcall 1-800-GM TOOLS(1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match thefirst tire/wheel position, andfive minutes overall to match all fourtire/wheel positions. If it takeslonger, the matching process stopsand must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matchingprocess is:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUNwith the engine off.
3. Press the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter'sQ
andKbuttons at the same
time for approximatelyfive seconds. The horn soundstwice to signal the receiver is inrelearn mode and TIRELEARNING ACTIVE messagedisplays on the DIC screen.
If the vehicle does not haveRKE, press the DriverInformation Center (DIC)vehicle information button untilthe PRESSVTO RELEARNTIRE POSITIONS messagedisplays. The horn soundstwice to signal the receiver is inrelearn mode and TIRELEARNING ACTIVE messagedisplays on the DIC screen.
4. Start with the driver sidefront tire.
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268 Vehicle Care
of grease, gasoline or othersubstances that can deterioraterubber.
Parking for an extended period cancause flat spots on the tires thatmay result in vibrations whiledriving. When storing a vehicle forat least a month, remove the tires orraise the vehicle to reduce theweight 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. SeeTire Sidewall
Labeling0254for additional
information.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four (six
for dual rear wheels). 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 (six for dual rear
wheels) should wear out at
about the same time. SeeTire
Rotation0265for information
on proper tire rotation. However,
if it is necessary to replace only
one axle set of worn tires, place
the new tires on the rear axle
(two for single rear wheels, four
for dual rear wheels).
{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
(Continued)
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270 Vehicle Care
{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.
SeeBuying New Tires0268andAccessories andModifications0216.
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by
treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This
applies only to vehicles sold in
the United States. The grades
are molded on the sidewalls of
most passenger car tires. The
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply
to deep tread, winter tires,
compact spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited-production
tires.
While the tires available on
General Motors passenger cars
and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they
must also conform to federal
safety requirements and
additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
Quality grades can be found
where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AATemperature A
All Passenger Car Tires Must
Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements In Addition To
These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test
course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and
one-half (1Ω) times as well on
the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and
differences in road
characteristics and climate.
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Vehicle Care 273
Caution (Continued)
chains on the tires of the front
axle. Tighten them as tightly as
possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow
the chain manufacturer's
instructions. If the chains contact
the 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 the
vehicle.
For Cutaway models with LT245/75R16, LT225/75R16 or LT215/85R16 size single or dual rear tires,use Low Profile Z-Chain or SAEClass S cables.
For Cargo or Passenger modelswith P245/70R17, LT225/75R16 orLT 2 4 5 / 7 5 R 1 6 s i z e t i r e s , u s e L o wProfile Z-Chain cables. SAE Class Schains are not recommended.
If the vehicle has dual rear tires, donot use individual tire chains. Usetire chains that fit across both dualtires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow outwhile driving, especially if the tiresare maintained properly. SeeTires0252.Ifairgoesoutofatire,itismuch more likely to leak out slowly.But if there ever is a blowout, hereare a few tips about what to expectand what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tirecreates a drag that pulls the vehicletoward that side. Take your foot offthe accelerator pedal and grip thesteering wheel firmly. Steer tomaintain lane position, and thengently brake to a stop, well off theroad, if possible.
Arearblowout,particularlyonacurve, acts much like a skid andmay require the same correction asused in a skid. Stop pressing theaccelerator pedal and steer tostraighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently braketo 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
(Continued)
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280 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
studs on the wheel. If the stud
holes in a wheel have become
larger, the wheel could collapse in
operation. Replace any wheel if
its stud holes have become larger
or distorted in any way. Inspect
hubs and hub⇣piloted wheels for
damage. Because of loose
running wheels, piloting pad
damage may occur and require
replacement of the entire hub, for
proper centering of the wheels.
When replacing studs, hubs,
wheel nuts or wheels, be sure to
use GM original equipment parts.
{Warning
Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause
the wheels to become loose or
come off. The wheel nuts should
be tightened with a torque wrench
to the proper torque specification
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
after replacing. Follow the torque
specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when
using accessory locking wheel
nuts. SeeCapacities and
Specifications0309for original
equipment wheel nut torque
specifications.
Caution
Improperly tightened wheel nuts
can lead to brake pulsation and
rotor damage. To avoid expensive
brake repairs, evenly tighten the
wheel nuts in the proper
sequence and to the proper
torque specification. See
Capacities and Specifications
0309for the wheel nut torque
specification.
11 . U s e t h e w h e e l w r e n c h t otighten the nuts firmly. Turn thewheel wrench clockwise and inacrisscrosssequence,asshown.
12. Put the wheel cover or thecenter cap and plastic wheelnut caps back on. Remove anywheel blocks.
Have a technician check thewheel nut tightness of allwheels with a torque wrenchafter the first 160 km (100 mi)and then 1 600 km (1,000 mi)after that. Repeat this servicewhenever a tire is removed or
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Vehicle Care 281
serviced. SeeCapacities andSpecifications0309for moreinformation.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{Warning
Storing a jack, a tire, 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 all these in
the proper place.
1. Put the tire on the ground atthe rear of the vehicle with thevalve stem pointed down.
2. Pull the retaining bar throughthe center of the wheel, makingsure it is properly attached.
3. Pull the wheel toward the rearof the vehicle, keeping thecable tight.
4. Open the passenger siderear door.
5. Insert the chisel end of thehoist handle, on an angle,through the hole in the rearfloor panel above the bumper.
6. Turn the wheel wrenchclockwise to fully raise the tireagainst the underside of thevehicle. Continue turning thewheel wrench until the tire issecure and the cable is tight.Tw o c l i c k s s h o u l d o c c u r. T h espare tire hoist cannot beovertightened.
7. Make sure the tire is storedsecurely. Push, pull (1), andthen try to turn (2) the tire.If the tire moves, use the wheelwrench to tighten the cable.
Tw o c l i c k s m e a n t h e t i r e i s u pall the way.
8. Return the jacking equipmentto the proper location. Securethe items and replace the jackcover.