When It Is Time for New Tires

Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor

Check that all wheel nuts are

properly tightened. See “Wheel

{ Warning

Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose

after time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. 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.

Lightly coat the center of the wheel hub with wheel bearing

grease after a wheel change or tire rotation to prevent corrosion or

rust build-up. Do not get grease

on the flat wheel mounting

surface or on the wheel nuts or bolts.

When It Is Time for New Tires

Factors such as maintenance,

temperatures, driving speeds, vehicle

loading, and road conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.

Treadwear indicators are one way to tell when it is time for new tires.

Treadwear indicators appear when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or

less of tread remaining.

The rubber in tires ages over time. This also applies to the spare tire,

if the vehicle has one, even if it is

never used. Multiple factors including temperatures, loading conditions, and inflation pressure maintenance affect how fast aging takes place. GM

recommends that tires, including the

spare if equipped, be replaced after six years, regardless of tread wear. The

tire manufacture date is the last four digits of the DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN) which is molded into

one side of the tire sidewall. The first two digits represent the week (01–52)

and the last two digits, the year. For example, the third week of the year 2010 would have a four-digit DOT

date of 0310.

Vehicle Storage

Tires age when stored normally

mounted on a parked vehicle. Park a vehicle that will be stored for at least a month in a cool, dry, clean area

away from direct sunlight to slow