2021 CHEVROLET SPARK service

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 193
and service description. The letter“T”as
the first character in the tire size means
the tire is for temporary use only.
(7) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification)
:Original equipment tires
designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC
specification code molded onto the
sidewall. GM's TPC specifications meet
or exceed all federal safety guidelines.
Tire Designations
Tire Size
The example shows a typical passenger
vehicle 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 3-digit number
indicates the tire section width in
millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio
:A 2-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
:A letter 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.
(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.
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.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that hold
the tire onto the rim.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
198 Vehicle Care
The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label shows
the size of the original equipment tires and
the correct inflation pressure for the tires
when they are cold. SeeVehicle Load Limits
0 131, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location.
Also see Tire Pressure 0195.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition, but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 199, Tire Rotation 0200, and Tires0190.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one
or more of the TPMS sensors are missing or
inoperable. When the system detects a
malfunction, the low tire pressure warning
light, defined above, flashes for about
one minute and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC
warning message may also display. The
malfunction light and DIC warning message,
if equipped, come on at each ignition cycle
until the problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause these to come
on are:
.One of the road tires has been replaced
with the spare tire. The spare tire does
not have a TPMS sensor. The malfunction
light and the DIC message, if equipped,
should go off after the road tire is
replaced and the sensor matching process
is performed successfully. See "TPMS
Sensor Matching Process" later in this
section.
.The TPMS sensor matching process was
not done or not completed successfully
after rotating the tires. The malfunction
light and the DIC message, if equipped,
should go off after successfully completing the sensor matching process.
See "TPMS Sensor Matching Process" later
in this section.
.One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The malfunction light and the
DIC message, if equipped, should go off
when the TPMS sensors are installed and
the sensor matching process is performed
successfully. See your dealer for service.
.Replacement tires or wheels do not match
the original equipment tires or wheels.
Tires and wheels other than those
recommended could prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. See
Buying
New Tires 0202.
.Operating electronic devices or being near
facilities using radio wave frequencies
similar to the TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning properly, it
cannot detect or signal a low tire pressure
condition. See your dealer for service if the
TPMS malfunction light and DIC message,
if equipped, come on and stay on.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification code
needs to be matched to a new tire/wheel

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 199
position after rotating the vehicle’s tires or
replacing one or more of the TPMS sensors.
Also, the TPMS sensor matching process
should be performed after replacing a spare
tire with a road tire containing the TPMS
sensor. The malfunction light and the DIC
message, if equipped, should go off at the
next ignition cycle. The sensors are matched
to the tire/wheel positions, using a TPMS
relearn tool, in the following order: driver
side front tire, passenger side front tire,
passenger side rear tire, and driver side rear.
See your dealer for service or to purchase a
relearn tool. A TPMS relearn tool can also be
purchased. See Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor
Activation Tool at
www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or call
1-800-GM TOOLS (1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match the first
tire/wheel position, and five minutes overall
to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it
takes longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching process is:1. Set the parking brake. 2. Turn the ignition on without starting the
vehicle or place the vehicle in Service
Mode. See Ignition Positions (Keyless
Access) 0136 or
Ignition Positions (Key Access) 0134.
3. Use MENU to select the Vehicle Information Menu (Menu 2) in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
4. Use the thumbwheel (or up and down arrows) to scroll to the Tire Pressure
Learn Menu Item (Base DIC) or the Tire
Pressure Menu Item screen (Uplevel DIC).
5. Press and hold SET/CLR to begin the sensor matching process.
A message requesting acceptance of the
process may display.
6. If requested, press SET/CLR again to confirm the selection.
The horn sounds twice to signal the
receiver is in relearn mode and the TIRE
LEARN or TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message
displays on the DIC screen.
7. Start with the driver side front tire.
8. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve stem. Then press
the button to activate the TPMS sensor. A horn chirp confirms that the sensor
identification code has been matched to
this tire and wheel position.
9. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 8.
10. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 8.
11. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 8. The horn
sounds two times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been matched to
the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS
sensor matching process is no longer
active. The TIRE LEARN or TIRE LEARNING
ACTIVE message on the DIC display
screen goes off.
12. Turn the vehicle off.
13. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires, including
the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, be
inspected for signs of wear or damage
at least once a month.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
202 Vehicle Care
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 Labeling 0191.
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
0 200. However, if it is necessary to
replace only one axle set of worn tires,
place the new tires on the rear axle.
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 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
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.

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
204 Vehicle Care
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 brakingtraction 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.
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

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
206 Vehicle Care
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
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 094.
{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. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
2. Put an automatic transmission inP (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.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire

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2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 213
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all lightsand accessories in both vehicles, except
the hazard warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the engine is not running 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 engine parts can
injure you badly. Keep your hands away
from moving parts once the engine is
running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) post (2) on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
post (3) of the good battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
post (4) of the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
grounding point (1) for the discharged
battery.
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine at idle
speed for at least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had 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.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it to idle
for several minutes.
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
(Continued)

Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
214 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
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.
Caution
Improper use of the tow eye can damage
the vehicle. If equipped, use the tow eye
to load a disabled vehicle onto a flatbed
tow truck from a flat road surface, or to
move the vehicle a short distance. Use
caution and low speeds. The transmission
must be in (N) Neutral when moving 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. If the vehicle is equipped with tow eye, only
use the tow eye to pull the vehicle onto a
flatbed car carrier from a flat road surface.
Do not use the tow eye to pull the vehicle
from snow, mud or sand.
Front Tow Eye
The tow eye is in the spare tire and tools
kit, in the storage compartment in the rear
of the vehicle.
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 stops. When the tow eye is
removed, reinstall the cover with the notch
in the original position.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing refers to 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.
.The towing capacity of the towing
vehicle. Be sure to read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's recommendations.
.How far the vehicle will be towed. Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and
how long they can tow.
.The proper towing equipment. See your
dealer or trailering professional for
additional advice and equipment
recommendations.