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230 Vehicle Care
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 AA Temperature 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 (1½)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.
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 controlled conditions
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.
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Vehicle Care 231
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. 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
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.
Tire Chains
{Warning
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 loss of 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 slow and readjust or remove the
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232 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
traction device if it contacts the vehicle.
Do not spin the wheels. If traction
devices are used, install them on the
front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
The vehicle has no spare tire, no tire
changing equipment, and no place to store
a tire.
If the vehicle has self-sealing tires, see
Self-Sealing Tires0217. Tread punctures
typically will not cause tires to lose air.
However, if the vehicle does get a flat tire,
there is no spare tire, tire changing
equipment, or place to store a tire. Contact
Roadside Assistance for help.
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. See Tires0216. 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.
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 0110. This vehicle may come with a tire sealant
and compressor kit. To use the tire sealant
and compressor kit, see
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0232.
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
{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.
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Vehicle Care 233
If this vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit, there may not be a spare
tire or 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 in) in the tread area of the tire. It can
also be used to inflate an underinflated 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. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program 0266.
Read and follow all of the tire sealant and
compressor kit instructions.
The kit includes:
1. Sealant Canister Inlet Valve
2. Sealant/Air Hose
3. Base of Sealant Canister
4. Tire Sealant Canister
5. On/Off Button
6. Slot on Top of Compressor
7. Pressure Deflation Button
8. Pressure Gauge9. Power Plug
10. Air Only Hose
Tire Sealant
Read and follow the safe handling
instructions on the label adhered to the tire
sealant canister (4).
Check the tire sealant expiration date on the
tire sealant canister. The tire sealant
canister (4) should be replaced before its
expiration date. Replacement tire sealant
canisters are available at your local dealer.
There is only enough sealant to seal one
tire. After usage, the tire sealant canister
must be replaced.
Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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234 Vehicle Care
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.
SeeHazard Warning Flashers 0110.
See If a Tire Goes Flat 0232 for other
important safety warnings.
Do not remove any objects that have
penetrated the tire.
1. Remove the tire sealant canister (4) and compressor from its storage location. See
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit 0238.
2. Remove the air only hose (10) and the power plug (9) from the bottom of the
compressor.
3. Place the compressor on the ground near the flat tire.
4. Attach the air only hose (10) to thesealant canister inlet valve (1) by turning
it clockwise until tight.
5. Slide the base of the tire sealantcanister (3) into the slot on the top of
the compressor (6) to hold it upright.
Make sure the tire valve stem is
positioned close to the ground so the
hose will reach it.
6. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it counterclockwise.
7. Attach the sealant/air hose (2) to the tirevalve stem by turning it clockwise until
tight.
8. Plug the power plug (9) into the accessory power outlet in the vehicle.
Unplug all items from other accessory
power outlets. See Power Outlets076.
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236 Vehicle Care
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 1–10 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 0266.
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 (4) 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:
1. Sealant Canister Inlet Valve
2. Sealant/Air Hose
3. Base of Sealant Canister
4. Tire Sealant Canister
5. On/Off Button
6. Slot on Top of Compressor
7. Pressure Deflation Button
8. Pressure Gauge
9. Power Plug
10. 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.
SeeHazard Warning Flashers 0110.
See If a Tire Goes Flat 0232 for other
important safety warnings.
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240 Vehicle Care
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the propulsion system is not operating
and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving propulsion system
parts can injure you badly. Keep your
hands away from moving parts once the
propulsion system is operating.5. Connect one end of the red positive (+)
cable to the positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the good battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–) terminal of
the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
grounding point for the discharged
battery.
9. Start the vehicle with the good battery.
10. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it will not start after a few
tries, it probably needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected or
removed in the wrong order, electrical
shorting may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Always connect
and remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the cables
do not touch each other or other metal. Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled vehicle may
cause damage. The damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
lash or hook to suspension components.
Use the proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle. Do not drag a locked
wheel/tire. Use tire skates or dollies
under any locked wheel/tire while
loading the vehicle. Do not use a sling
type lift to tow the vehicle. This could
damage the vehicle.
GM recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
A towed vehicle should have its drive wheels
off the ground. Contact Roadside Assistance
or a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
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242 Vehicle Care
Rear Tow Eye Attachment Point
Carefully open the cover in the fascia by
using the small notch that conceals the tow
eye socket.
Install the tow eye into the socket and turn
it until it is fully tightened. When the tow
eye is removed, reinstall the cover with the
notch in the original position.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as
behind a motor home. The two most
common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and
dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two wheels up
on a device known as a dolly.Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.Before towing the vehicle, become
familiar with the local laws that apply to
recreational vehicle towing. These laws
may vary by region..
.What is the towing capacity of the
towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow
vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
.How far will the vehicle be towed? Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and
how long they can tow.
.Does the vehicle have the proper towing
equipment? See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as
preparing the vehicle for a long trip,
make sure the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the electric drive unit.
The repairs would not be covered by the
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