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368 VEHICLE CARE


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Used Replacement Wheels

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{ 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

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{ Warning

If the vehicle has 265/45R18 size tires on the rear axle, 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 if its

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Warning (Continued)

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 rear tires.


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Caution

If the vehicle is equipped with a tire size other than 265/45R18 on the

rear, use tire chains only where

legal and only when necessary. Use

low profile chains that add no more than 10 mm thickness to the tire

tread and inner sidewall. Use chains that are the proper size for the tires. Install them on the tires of the rear axle. Do not use chains on the tires of the front axle. Tighten them as

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Caution (Continued)

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 down until it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels with chains on will damage the vehicle.


If a Tire Goes Flat

It is unusual for a tire to blow out

while driving, especially if the tires are maintained properly. See Tires 0 348.

If air goes out of a tire, it is much

more likely to leak out slowly. But if

there is ever 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 maintain lane

position, and then gently brake to a stop, well off the road, if possible.

VEHICLE CARE 369


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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.

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{ 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.

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{ 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 0 184.

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{ Warning

Changing a tire can be dangerous.

The vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over or fall causing injury or

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Warning (Continued)

death. Find a level place to change

the tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving:

1. Set the parking brake firmly.

2. Put an automatic

transmission in P (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.


This vehicle may come with a jack and spare tire or a tire sealant and compressor kit. To use the jacking equipment to change a spare tire

safely, follow the instructions below. Then see Tire Changing 0 376. To use