Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
200 Vehicle Care
Replace the tire if:
.The indicators at three or more
places around the tire can be seen.
.There is cord or fabric showing
through the tire's rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut,
or snagged deep enough to show
cord or fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut, or other
damage that cannot be repaired well
because of the size or location of the
damage.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi). SeeMaintenance Schedule
0 226.
Tires are rotated to achieve a more
uniform wear for all tires. The first
rotation is the most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed, rotate
the tires as soon as possible, check for
proper tire inflation pressure, and check
for damaged tires or wheels. If the unusual wear continues after the
rotation, check the wheel alignment.
See
When It Is Time for New Tires 0201
and
Wheel Replacement 0204.Use this rotation pattern when rotating
the tires.
Do not include the compact spare tire
in the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to the
recommended inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information label after the tires have been rotated. See
Tire
Pressure 0195 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0131.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 197.
Check that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 238, and “Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire” underTire
Changing 0207.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 205
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(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
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
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. SeeTires0190. If air goes out of
a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if there ever is 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
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 207
The following information explains how to
repair or change a tire.
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The spare tire and tools are located in the
storage compartment in the rear of the
vehicle.
1. Strap
2. Jack
1. Wheel Wrench
2. Screwdriver
3. Tow Eye
4. Screwdriver Handle
5. Jack Handle Extension
To access the spare tire and tools:1. Open the liftgate. See Liftgate017.
2. Lift the trim cover.
3. Remove the jack, tools, and spare tire.
4. Place them near the tire being changed.
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire
1. Do a safety check before proceeding. See If a Tire Goes Flat 0205.
2. If there is a wheel cover, remove the wheel nut caps to access the wheel nuts.
3. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwiseto loosen the wheel nuts. Do not remove
them yet.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
2021 - CRC - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 209
Warning (Continued)
cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the 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.
10. Remove any rust or dirt from the wheel bolts, mounting surfaces, and spare
wheel.
11. Place the spare tire on the wheel-mounting surface.
{Warning
Never use oil or grease on bolts or nuts
because the nuts might come loose. The
vehicle's wheel could fall off, causing a
crash.
12. Reinstall the wheel nuts. Turn each nut clockwise, by hand, until the wheel is
held against the hub.
13. Lower the vehicle by turning the wheel wrench counterclockwise. Lower the jack
completely.
{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 after replacing. Follow the
torque specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when using
accessory locking wheel nuts. See
Capacities and Specifications 0238 for
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 0238 for the wheel nut
torque specification.
14. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly with the wheel wrench in a crisscross sequence, as
shown.
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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.
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Vehicle Care 215
.If the vehicle is 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 transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the towing
vehicle.
Dinghy Towing (with Automatic
Transmission)
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the drivetrain
components could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground.
Vehicles with an automatic transmission
should not be towed with all four wheels on
the ground. If the vehicle must be towed, a
dolly should be used. See "Dolly Towing"
following.
Dinghy Towing (with Manual
Transmission)
To dinghy tow the vehicle from the front
with all four wheels on the ground: 1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it to the tow vehicle.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Shift the transmission to Neutral.
4. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery. See “Negative Battery Cable
Disconnection” underBattery - North
America 0176.
5. Cover the negative battery post with a non-conductive material to prevent any
contact with the negative battery
terminal.
6. Release the parking brake.
Caution
If 113 km/h (70 mph) is exceeded while
towing the vehicle, it could be damaged.
Never exceed 113 km/h (70 mph) while
towing the vehicle.
Chevrolet Spark Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14622955) -
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216 Vehicle Care
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never
have the vehicle towed from the rear.
To disconnect the towed vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Make sure that the ignition is off.
4. Remove any tape, glue, or excess material from the negative battery post.
5. Connect the battery. See “Negative
Battery Cable Reconnection” under
Battery - North America 0176. 6. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow
vehicle.
7. Release the parking brake.
Dolly Towing
To tow the vehicle with the two rear wheels
on the ground and the front wheels on a
dolly: 1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Shift an automatic transmission into P (Park) or a manual transmission into
1 (First) gear.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a clamping
device designed for towing. 5. Turn the ignition off.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never
have the vehicle towed from the rear.