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Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/18/22
342 Vehicle Care
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards)
:A tire information system
that provides consumers with ratings
for a tire's traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are determined by
tire manufacturers using government
testing procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the tire.
See Uniform Tire Quality Grading 0353.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The number
of designated seating positions
multiplied by 68 kg (150 lbs) plus the
rated cargo load. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0215.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire
:
Load on an individual tire due to curb
weight, accessory weight, occupant
weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard
:A label permanently
attached to a vehicle showing the
vehicle's capacity weight and the
original equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure. See
“Tire and Loading Information Label”
under Vehicle Load Limits 0215.
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air
pressure to operate effectively.
{Warning
Neither tire underinflation nor
overinflation is good. Underinflated
tires, or tires that do not have
enough air, can result in:
.Tire overloading and overheating,
which could lead to a blowout
.Premature or irregular wear
.Poor handling
.Reduced fuel economy for
internal combustion engine
vehicles
.Reduced range for electric vehicles
Overinflated tires, or tires that have
too much air, can result in:
.Unusual wear
.Poor handling
.Rough ride
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Needless damage from road
hazards
The Tire and Loading Information label
on the vehicle indicates the original
equipment tires and the correct cold
tire inflation pressures. The
recommended pressure is the minimum
air pressure needed to support the
vehicle's maximum load carrying
capacity.
For additional information regarding
how much weight the vehicle can carry,
and an example of the Tire and Loading
Information label, see Vehicle Load
Limits 0215. How the vehicle is loaded
affects vehicle handling and ride
comfort. Never load the vehicle with
more weight than it was designed to
carry.
When to Check
Check the pressure of the tires once a
month or more.
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Vehicle Care 343
Do not forget the spare, if the vehicle
has one. SeeFull-Size Spare Tire 0367
for additional information.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gauge
to check tire pressure. Proper tire
inflation cannot be determined by
looking at the tire. Check the tire
inflation pressure when the tires are
cold, meaning the vehicle has not been
driven for at least three hours or no
more than 1.6 km (1 mi).
Remove the valve cap from the tire
valve stem. Press the tire gauge firmly
onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire inflation
pressure matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information label, no further adjustment
is necessary. If the inflation pressure is
low, add air until the recommended
pressure is reached. If the inflation
pressure is high, press on the metal
stem in the center of the tire valve to
release air. Re-check the tire pressure with the tire
gauge.
Put the valve caps back on the valve
stems to keep out dirt and moisture.
Use only valve caps designed for the
vehicle by GM. TPMS sensors could be
damaged and would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
uses radio and sensor technology to check
tire pressure levels. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces energy
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance, and
it is the driver's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale
will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated.
GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-
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344 Vehicle Care
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation 0344.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0404.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS is
designed to warn the driver when a low tire
pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire and
wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 215.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message come on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inflated to the correct
inflation pressure. If the vehicle has DIC
buttons, tire pressure levels can be viewed. For additional information and details about
the DIC operation and displays, see
Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) 0128
or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Midlevel and
Uplevel) 0130.
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. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 215, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location.
Also see Tire Pressure 0342.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 348, Tire Rotation 0349, and Tires0337.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
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348 Vehicle Care
The system is compatible with trailer tires
that have placard pressure values from
103 - 689 kpa (15 - 100 psi). The hole in the
wheel for the tire stem must be 11.43 mm
(0.453 in) or 15.88 mm (0.625 in) in
diameter. Use of the pressure sensors on a
wheel with a different stem hole size could
result in loss of air from the tire.
If a low trailer tire pressure condition is
detected, the TTPMS displays a warning
message on the DIC. If the warning message
is displayed, stop as soon as possible and
inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the tire placard on the
trailer.
In addition, the TTPMS monitors the
temperature of the trailer tires. If the
system detects a high temperature on one
or more of the trailer tires, a warning
message will be displayed on the DIC. If this
warning message is displayed, stop as soon
as possible, and inspect the overheated
trailer tire. Common causes for high trailer
tire temperature are underinflation,
overloading, or tire damage.TTPMS Malfunction Message
The TTPMS will not function properly if one
or more of the trailer tire sensors are
missing or inoperable. If the system detects
a malfunction, a DIC message indicates that
the system requires service. Some of the
conditions that can cause the service
message to occur are:
.One of the trailer tires has been replaced
with the spare tire which does not have a
learned TTPMS sensor. The DIC message
should turn off after the pressure sensor
is installed in the tire, and the learning
process is performed successfully. See
"TTPMS Sensor Learning Process" under
Trailering App0287.
.The TTPMS sensor learning process was
not done or not completed successfully.
The DIC message should go off after
successfully completing the sensor
learning process. See "TTPMS Sensor
Learning Process" under Trailering App
0 287.
.One or more TTPMS sensors are missing
or damaged. The DIC message should go
off when the TTPMS sensors are installed
and the sensor learning process is performed successfully. See "TTPMS
Sensor Learning Process" under
Trailering
App 0287.
.Operating electronic devices or being near
facilities using radio wave frequencies
similar to the TTPMS could cause
interference to the TTPMS which could
cause loss of signal reception from the
sensor.
.If the system does not receive the signal
from an individual sensor, an error
message may not occur until the vehicle
has been driver for a period of time.
If the TTPMS is not functioning properly, it
cannot detect or signal a low tire condition.
See your dealer for service if the DIC
message comes on and stays on when the
trailer tire pressures have been checked and
determined to be correct.
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.
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Vehicle Care 349
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 according to the
interval listed in the maintenance
schedule. SeeMaintenance Schedule
0 385.
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 0351
and
Wheel Replacement 0354.
If the full-size spare tire is part of the
tire rotation, make sure the tire rotated
into the spare position is stored
securely. Push, pull, and then try to
rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use
the wheel wrench/hoist shaft to tighten
the cable. See Tire Changing0357.
Use this rotation pattern when rotating
the tires if the vehicle has single rear
wheels.
Dual Tire Rotation
When the vehicle is new, or whenever a
wheel, wheel bolt, or wheel nut is
replaced or serviced, check the wheel
nut torque after 160, 1 600, and
10 000 km (100, 1,000, and 6,000 mi) of
driving. For proper torque and wheel
nut tightening information, see “Wheel
Nut Torque” underCapacities and
Specifications 0393 and “Removing the
Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire”
under Tire Changing 0357.
The outer tire on a dual wheel setup
generally wears faster than the inner
tire. Tires last longer and wear more
evenly if they are rotated. See Tire
Inspection 0348 and
Tire Rotation 0349. Also see
Maintenance Schedule 0385.
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Localizing-U.S./Canada-16504257) - 2023 - CRC - 5/18/22
352 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 0338 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 0349.
{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
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.
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Vehicle Care 353
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. SeeVehicle Load Limits
0 215.
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 0352 and
Accessories and Modifications 0302.
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)
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Vehicle Care 355
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, resulting in a
crash. Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.
{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.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
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.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has LT275/65R20 size tires,
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(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 is contacting the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used, install them
on the rear tires.
Caution
Use tire chains only where legal and only
when necessary. Use chains that are the
proper size for the tires. If the vehicle has
LT235/80R17 size tires, install the chains
on the tires of the rear axle only. If the
vehicle has LT245/75R17, LT265/70R17,
or LT275/70R18 size tires, install the
chains on the tires of the front and rear
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
(Continued)