2021 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CARGO Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
224 Vehicle Care
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 Labeling 0213 for 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.
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). See Tire Rotation 0221.{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 (other
than those originally installed on the
vehicle), brands, tread patterns,
or types may cause loss of vehicle
control, resulting in a crash or other
vehicle damage. Use the correct size,
brand, and type of tire 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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
suddenly and cause a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on
the vehicle.
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.
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.
The Tire and Loading Information label
indicates the original equipment tires
on the vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 132.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 225
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 may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock brakes,
rollover airbags, traction control, electronic
stability control, or All-Wheel Drive, the
performance of these systems can also be
affected.
{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.
See Buying New Tires 0223 and
Accessories and Modifications 0178.
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 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.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
226 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 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 Ccorresponds 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. 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.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 227
{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
Tire chains or other traction devices used
on a vehicle without the proper amount
of clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts.
Use tire chains or traction devices only if
the equipment manufacturer recommends
them for the vehicle tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow the
equipment manfacturer’s instructions. The
area damaged by the tire chains could
cause you to lose control of the vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a
crash. To help avoid damage to the
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust, or remove
the device if it is contacting the vehicle.
Do not spin the vehicle's tires.
Caution
Use tire chains only where legal and only
when necessary. Use chains that are the
proper size for the tires. Install them on
the tires of the rear axle. Do not use
chains on the tires of the front axle.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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 or
LT225/75R16 size single or dual rear tires, use
Low Profile Z-Chain or SAE Class S cables.
For Cargo or Passenger models with
LT225/75R16 or LT245/75R16 size tires, use
Low Profile Z-Chain cables. SAE Class S chains
are not recommended.
If the vehicle has dual rear tires, do not use
individual tire chains. Use tire chains that fit
across both dual tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. See Tires0212. If air goes out of a
tire, it is much more likely to leak out

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583525) - 2021 - CRC - 12/9/20
228 Vehicle Care
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(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
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 092.
{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:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission 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, if equipped, on both sides of the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being changed.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2), use the
following example as a guide to assist in the
placement of the wheel blocks (1),
if equipped.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 229
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to
repair or change a tire.
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
Equipment needed for a cargo van or a
passenger van is in the passenger side rear
corner of the vehicle.
Remove the retaining wing bolt and lift it
off of the mounting bracket.
Equipment needed for a 15-passenger seating
arrangement is secured on the rear floor on
the passenger side of the vehicle.Remove the retaining wing bolt and lift it
out of the mounting bracket to access the
equipment.
The tools you will be using include:

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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230 Vehicle Care
1. Jack
2. Hoist Handle
3. Extension(s)
4. Wheel Wrench
5. Jack Handle
The spare tire is mounted in the rear
underbody of the vehicle.
Use the hoist handle, extension(s), and the
wheel wrench to remove the
underbody-mounted spare tire.
To lower the spare tire from the vehicle:
1. Spare Tire
2. Tire/Wheel Retainer
3. Hoist Cable
4. Hoist Assembly5. Hoist Shaft
6. Hoist Handle and Extension(s)
7. Wheel Wrench
1. Assemble the wheel wrench (7) to the
hoist handle and the extension(s) (6).
2. Open the passenger side rear door.
3. Insert the chisel end of the hoist handle, on an angle, through the hole in the rear
floor panel above the bumper.
Be sure the hoist handle connects to the
hoist shaft. The chiseled end of the hoist
handle is used to lower the spare tire.
4. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower the spare tire to the ground.
Continue to turn the wheel wrench until
the spare tire can be pulled out from
under the vehicle.
5. Pull the spare tire out from under the vehicle.6. Tilt the tire toward the vehicle withsome slack in the cable to access the
tire/wheel retainer.
Tilt the retainer and pull it through the
center of the wheel along with the cable
and spring.
For a vehicle that was completed from a
cab and chassis, refer to the information
from the body supplier/installer.
The spare tire is a full-size tire, like the
other tires on the vehicle.

Chevrolet Express Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 231
7. Put the spare tire near the flat tire.
8. Close the passenger side rear door.
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire
If the vehicle has plastic wheel nut caps,
loosen them by turning the wheel wrench
counterclockwise. The wheel nut caps are
designed to remain with the center cap.
Remove the center cap.
If the wheel has a smooth center piece,
place the chisel end of the wheel wrench in
the slot on the wheel and gently pry it out.
1. Jack
2. Hoist Handle
3. Extension(s)4. Wheel Wrench
5. Jack Handle
1. Do a safety check before proceeding. See
If a Tire Goes Flat 0227.
2. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise
to loosen all the wheel nuts, but do not
remove them yet.
Caution
Make sure that the jack lift head is in the
correct position or you may damage your
vehicle. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. 3. Assemble the jack and tools:
Front Flat: Assemble the jack (1) together
with the jack handle (5), one or two
extension(s) (3), and the wheel
wrench (4).
Rear Flat: Assemble the jack (1) together
with the jack handle (5), two
extensions (3), and the wheel wrench (4).
Front Position