tire size CHEVROLET ASTRO CARGO VAN 2000 2.G Owners Manual

4-28
Loading Your Vehicle
The Certification/Tire label in your vehicle will look
similar to this example.The Certification/Tire label is found on the rear edge
of the driver's door. The label shows the size of your
original tires and the inflation pressures needed to
obtain the gross weight capacity of your vehicle.
This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel, cargo and tongue weight,
if pulling a trailer.
The Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual
loads on your front and rear axles, you need to go to a
weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can
help you with this. Be sure to spread out your load
equally on both sides of the center line.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or GAWR
for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.

4-35 Total Weight on Your Vehicle's Tires
Be sure your vehicle's tires are inflated to the upper
limit for cold tires. You'll find these numbers on the
Certification label at the rear edge of the driver's door or
see ªTire Loadingº in the Index. Then be sure you
don't go over the GVW limit for your vehicle, including
the weight of the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It's important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads
are a few reasons why you'll need the right hitch.
Here are some rules to follow:

If you'll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg), be sure to use
a properly mounted, weight
-distributing hitch and
sway control of the proper size. This equipment is
very important for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you're driving.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If you do, then be sure to seal the holes later when
you remove the hitch. If you don't seal them, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get
into your vehicle (see ªCarbon Monoxideº in the
Index). Dirt and water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated from the
hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided
by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for
attaching safety chains and do not attach them to the
bumper. Always leave just enough slack so you can turn
with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.

5-31 Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
1. Put the flat tire on the ground at the rear of the
vehicle with the valve stem pointed down.
2. Tilt the retainer plate downward and through the
wheel opening. Make sure it is fully seated across the
underside of the wheel. Attach the ratchet, with the
UP side facing you, to the extension.3. Put the flat end of the extension on an angle through
the hole in the rear door frame, above the bumper.
Keep turning the ratchet until you feel at least two
ªclicksº when the tire is up all the way.
The compact spare is for temporary use only.
Replace the compact spare tire with a full
-size tire as
soon as you can. See ªCompact Spare Tireº in the
Index. See the storage instructions label to restore
your compact spare properly.
4. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the
vehicle. Continue turning the ratchet/wheel wrench
until the tire is secure and the cable is tight. The
spare tire hoist cannot be overtightened.

5-32
5. Make sure the tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and
then try to rotate or turn the tire. If the tire moves,
use ratchet/wheel wrench to tighten the cable.
Return the jacking equipment to its proper location.
Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated
when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time.
Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 kPa).
After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you
should stop as soon as possible and make sure your
spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare is
made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph
(105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km),
so you can finish your trip and have your full
-size tire
repaired or replaced where you want. Of course, it's best
to replace your spare with a full
-size tire as soon as you
can. Your spare will last longer and be in good shape in
case you need it again.

6-46
When It's Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it's time for new tires is to check the
treadwear indicators, which will appear when your tires
have only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:

You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.

You can see 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
can't be repaired well because of the size or location
of the damage.
Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at
the Certification/Tire label.
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was new had
a Tire Performance Criteria Specification (TPC Spec)
number on each tire's sidewall. When you get new tires,
get ones with that same TPC Spec number. That way your vehicle will continue to have tires that
are designed to give proper endurance, handling, speed
rating, traction, ride and other things during normal
service on your vehicle. If your tires have an all
-season
tread design, the TPC number will be followed by an
ªMSº (for mud and snow).
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type (bias,
bias
-belted or radial) as your original tires.
CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types
(radial and bias
-belted tires), the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a crash.
Using tires of different sizes may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same
size and type tires on all wheels.
It's all right to drive with your compact spare,
though. It was developed for use on your vehicle.

6-50 Tire Chains
NOTICE:
If your vehicle has P235/65R15 size tires, don't
use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle
because there's not enough clearance.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it's contacting your vehicle, and don't
spin your wheels.
NOTICE: (Continued)
NOTICE: (Continued)
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the rear tires.
If you have other size tires, use tire chains only
where legal and only when you must. Use only
SAE Class ªSº type chains that are the proper
size for your tires. Install them on the rear axle
tires and tighten them as tightly as possible with
the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and
follow the chain manufacturer's instructions. If
you can hear the chains contacting your 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
your vehicle.

6-58
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
PART NUMBERSIZEDESCRIPTIONUSAGE
99495423 in. x 25 in.Polishing Cloth ± Wax TreatedExterior polishing cloth
105017216 oz. (0.473 L)Tar and Road Oil RemoverRemoves tar, road oil and asphalt
105017316 oz. (0.473 L)Chrome Cleaner and PolishUse on chrome, stainless steel, nickel, copper and brass
105017416 oz. (0.473 L)White Sidewall Tire CleanerRemoves soil and black marks from whitewalls
105021432 oz. (0.946 L)Vinyl CleanerCleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops
105042723 oz. (0.680 L)Glass CleanerRemoves dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints
1052918**8 oz. (0.237 L)Armor All
ProtectantProtects leather, wood, acrylics, Plexiglas
, plastic,
rubber and vinyl
105292516 oz. (0.473 L)Multi-Purpose Interior
CleanerCleans carpets, seats, interior trim, door panels
and floor mats
105292916 oz. (0.473 L)Wheel CleanerSpray on and rinse with water
10529308 oz. (0.237 L)Capture Dry Spot RemoverAttracts, absorbs and removes soils on fabric
123457212.5 sq. ft.Synthetic ChamoisShines vehicle without scratching
1234572512 oz. (0.354 L)Silicone Tire ShineSpray on tire shine
12377964*16 oz. (0.473 L)Finish EnhancerRemoves dust, fingerprints and surface contaminants
12377966*16 oz. (0.473 L)Cleaner WaxRemoves light scratches and oxidation and protects finish
12377984*16 oz. (0.473 L)Surface CleanerRemoves contaminants, blemishes and swirl marks
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products. * For exterior use only.
See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index. ** Not recommended for use on instrument panels.