Wheels and Tires
Tires
Every new GM vehicle has high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. See the warranty manual for information regarding the tire warranty and where to get service. For additional information refer to the tire manufacturer.
Warning:
- Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous.
- Overloading the tires can cause overheating as a result of too much flexing. There could be a blowout and a serious crash. See Vehicle Load Limits 3 70.
- Underinflated tires pose the same danger as overloaded tires. Check all tires frequently to maintain the recommended pressure. Tire pressure should be checked when the tires are cold.
- Overinflated tires are more likely to be cut, punctured, or broken by a sudden impact — such as hitting a pothole. Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
- Worn or old tires can cause a crash. Replace them if the tread is badly worn.
- Replace any tires damaged by impacts with potholes, curbs, etc.
- Improperly repaired tires can cause a crash. Only your dealer or authorized tire service center should repair, replace, dismount, and mount tires.
- Do not spin tires in excess of 56 km/h (35 mph) on slippery surfaces such as snow, mud, ice, etc. Excessive spinning may cause the tires to explode. See your owner's manual for high-speed inflation pressure adjustment.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into its sidewall. Examples show a typical passenger vehicle tire and a compact spare tire sidewall:
- Tire Size: Combination of letters and numbers defining width, height, aspect ratio, construction type, and service description.
- TPC Spec: Original equipment tires designed to GM's specifications.
- DOT: Indicates compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation standards.
- Tire Identification Number (TIN): Shows manufacturer, plant code, tire size, and date manufactured.
- Tire Ply Material: Type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
- Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG): Ratings for tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance.
- Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit: Maximum load and pressure to support it.
Compact Spare Tire Example
- Tire Ply Material: Type of cord and number of plies in sidewall and under tread.
- Temporary Use Only: Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph). For emergencies only.
- TIN: Tire Identification Number.
- Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit: Maximum load and pressure.
- Tire Inflation: Compact spare should be inflated to 420 kPa (60 psi).
- Tire Size: Letters/numbers defining width, height, aspect ratio, construction type. “T” indicates temporary use.
- TPC Spec: GM-specific performance criteria code molded onto sidewall.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
- Air Pressure: Amount of air inside the tire, expressed in kPa or psi.
- Aspect Ratio: Relationship of tire height to width.
- Belt: Rubber-coated layer of cords between plies and tread.
- Bead: Steel wires that hold tire on rim.
- Bias Ply Tire: Plies laid at angles less than 90° to tread centerline.
- Cold Tire Pressure: Air pressure before the tire heats from driving.
- DOT Markings: Code showing compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation standards.
- GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits 3 70.
- GAWR FRT/RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for front/rear axle.
- Intended Outboard Sidewall: Side of asymmetrical tire that must face outward.
- Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: Tire for light-duty trucks and some multipurpose vehicles.
- Load Index: Number 1–279 representing tire load capacity.
- Maximum Inflation Pressure: Maximum air pressure for cold tire.
- Passenger (P-Metric) Tire: Tire for passenger cars and light trucks.
- Recommended Inflation Pressure: Manufacturer’s recommended
