CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2007 6.G Owners Manual

(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG):
Tire manufacturers are required to grade
tires based on three performance factors:
treadwear, traction and temperature resistance.
For more information seeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 396.
(G) Maximum Cold Ination Load Limit:
Maximum load that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to support that load.
Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a
typical passenger (p-metric) vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P
as the rst character in the tire size means a
passenger vehicle tire engineered to standards
set by the U. S. Tire and Rim Association.(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 60,
as shown in item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire’s sidewall is 60 percent as
high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used
to indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias ply construction;
and the letter B means belted-bias ply
construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel
in inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters
represent the load range and speed rating of
the tire. The load index represents the load
carry capacity a tire is certied to carry.
The load index can range from 1 to 279.
The speed rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certied to carry a load. Speed ratings
range from A to Z.
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Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread.
Cords may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.Cold Tire Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up
heat from driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 386.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment
including the maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant, but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 309.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 309.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
rear axle. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 309.
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Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on
light duty trucks and some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned number ranging
from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Ination Pressure:The maximum
air pressure to which a cold tire may be inated.
The maximum air pressure is molded onto the
sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire
at the maximum permissible ination pressure
for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of
curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity
weight, and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The number of
occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied
by 150 lbs (68 kg). SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 309.Occupant Distribution:Designated seating
positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that
faces outward when mounted on a vehicle.
The side of the tire that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering, or bears manufacturer,
brand, and/or model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same moldings on
the other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used on
passenger cars and some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Ination Pressure:Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended tire ination
pressure as shown on the tire placard.
SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 386and
Loading Your Vehicle on page 309.
Radial Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the
ply cords that extend to the beads are laid
at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Rim:A metal support for a tire and upon which
the tire beads are seated.
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Sidewall:The portion of a tire between the
tread and the bead.
Speed Rating:An alphanumeric code assigned
to a tire indicating the maximum speed at
which a tire can operate.
Traction:The friction between the tire and the
road surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tread:The portion of a tire that comes into
contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators:Narrow bands, sometimes
called wear bars, that show across the tread of
a tire when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread
remains. SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires
on page 393.
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 on page 396.Vehicle Capacity Weight:The number of
designated seating positions multiplied by
150 lbs (68 kg) plus the rated cargo load.
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 309.
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 ination pressure. See “Tire
and Loading Information Label” underLoading
Your Vehicle on page 309.
Extended Mobility Tires
Your vehicle, when new, had Goodyear Extended
Mobility Tires (EMT). There’s no spare tire, no tire
changing equipment and no place to store a tire in
the vehicle. Extended Mobility Tires perform so well
without any air that a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
is used to alert you if a tire has lost pressure.
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If a tire goes at, you won’t need to stop on the side
of the road to change the tire. You can just keep on
driving. The shorter the distance you drive and the
slower the speed, the greater the chance that the
tire will not have to be replaced. If you drive on a
deated EMT for 25 miles (40 km) or less and at
speeds of 55 mph (90 km/h) or less, there is a
good chance that the tire can be repaired. The
tire can operate effectively with no air pressure
for up to 100 miles (160 km) at speeds up to
55 mph (90 km/h), but the tire would then have to
be replaced. When a tire is lled with air, it provides
a cushion between the road and the wheel.
Because you won’t have this cushion when driving
on a deated tire, try to avoid potholes that could
damage your wheel and require replacement of it.
Some road hazards can damage a tire beyond
repair. This damage could occur even before
you’ve driven on the tire in a deated condition.
When a tire has been damaged, or if you’ve driven
any distance on a deated EMT, check with an
authorized Goodyear EMT Service Center to
determine whether the tire can be repaired or
should be replaced. To maintain your vehicle’s
extended mobility feature, all replacement
tires must be Extended Mobility Tires.As soon as possible, contact the nearest
authorized GM or Goodyear EMT servicing facility
for inspection and repair or replacement. To locate
the nearest GM or Goodyear EMT servicing facility,
call Roadside Assistance. For phone numbers
and Roadside Assistance details seeRoadside
Assistance Program on page 458. You may also
contact Goodyear, for the nearest authorized EMT
servicing facility, by calling 1-800-789-9878.
{CAUTION:
Extended mobility tires are constructed
differently than other tires and could
explode during improper service. You or
others could be injured or killed if you
attempt to repair, replace, dismount, or
mount a extended mobility tire. Let only
an authorized EMT Service Center repair,
replace, dismount and mount extended
mobility tires.
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The valve stems on your extended mobility
tires have sensors that are part of the Tire
Pressure Monitor (TPM). SeeTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 389. The TPM sensors
contain batteries which are designed to last
for 10 years under normal driving conditions.
See your dealer if you ever need to have a
wheel replaced, or if the sensors ever need
replacement.
Notice:Using liquid sealants can damage
the tire valves and tire pressure monitor
sensors in your extended mobility tires.
This damage would not be covered by
warranty. Don’t use liquid sealants in
your extended mobility tires.Ination - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure
to operate effectively.
Notice:Do not let anyone tell you that
under-ination or over-ination is all right.
It is not. If your tires do not have enough air
(under-ination), you can get the following:
Too much exing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Premature or irregular wear
Poor handling
Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (over-ination),
you can get the following:
Unusual wear
Poor handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road hazards
A Tire and Loading Information label is attached to
the vehicle’s b-pillar. This label lists your vehicle’s
original equipment tires and shows the correct
ination pressures for your tires when they are cold.
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The recommended cold tire ination pressure,
shown on the label, is the minimum amount of
air pressure needed to support your vehicle’s
maximum load carrying capacity.
For additional information regarding how much
weight your vehicle can carry, and an example of
the Tire and Loading Information label, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 309. How you load your
vehicle affects vehicle handling and ride comfort,
never load your vehicle with more weight than it
was designed to carry.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are properly
inated simply by looking at them. Radial tires
may look properly inated even when they’re
under-inated. Check the tire’s ination pressure
when the tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle
has been sitting for at least three hours or driven
no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem.
Press the tire gage rmly onto the valve to
get a pressure measurement. If the cold tire
ination pressure matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and Loading Information
label, no further adjustment is necessary. If the
ination pressure is low, add air until you reach
the recommended amount.
If you overll the tire, release air by pushing on
the metal stem in the center of the tire valve.
Re-check the tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out
dirt and moisture.
Tire Pressure Monitor System
Your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
that sends tire pressure information to the Driver
Information Center (DIC). Using the DIC control
buttons, the driver is able to check tire pressure
levels in all four tires. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
System on page 389andDIC Controls and
Displays on page 208for additional information.
387

High-Speed Operation
{CAUTION:
Driving at high speeds, 100 mph (160 km/h)
or higher, puts an additional strain on
tires. Sustained high-speed driving causes
excessive heat build up and can cause
sudden tire failure. You could have a
crash and you or others could be killed.
Some high-speed rated tires require
ination pressure adjustment for high
speed operation. When speed limits and
road conditions are such that a vehicle
can be driven at high speeds, make sure
the tires are rated for high speed operation,
in excellent condition, and set to the
correct cold tire ination pressure for
the vehicle load.If you will be driving your vehicle at speeds of
175 mph (282 km/h) or higher, where it is legal,
set the cold ination pressure to the maximum
ination pressure shown on the tire sidewall,
or 38 psi (265 kPa), whichever is lower. See
the example following. When you end this
high-speed driving, return the tires to the cold
ination pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 309.
Example:
You will nd the maximum load and ination
pressure molded on the tire’s sidewall, in small
letters, near the rim ange. It will read something
like this: Maximum load 690 kg (1521 lbs)
300 kPa (44 psi) Max. Press.
For this example, you would set the ination
pressure for high-speed driving at
38 psi (265 kPa).
Racing or other competitive driving may affect
the warranty coverage of your vehicle. See your
warranty booklet for more information.
388

Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses
radio and sensor technology to check tire pressure
levels. TPMS sensors are mounted onto each
tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in your vehicle’s tires
and transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
The TPMS is designed to alert the driver if a
low pressure condition exists. Using the Driver
Information Center (DIC), tire pressure levels can
be viewed by the driver. For additional information
and details about the DIC operation and displays
seeDIC Controls and Displays on page 208
andDIC Warnings and Messages on page 214.
When a low tire pressure condition is detected,
the TPMS will illuminate the low tire pressure
warning symbol located in the instrument panel
cluster. A DIC message to check the pressure in a
specic tire will also appear on the DIC display.The low tire pressure warning symbol on the
instrument panel cluster and the LOW TIRE
PRESSURE message on the DIC display will
appear at each ignition cycle until the tires
are inated to the correct ination pressure.
You may notice, during cooler weather conditions,
that the low tire pressure warning light and the
DIC warning message will appear when the vehicle
is rst started and then turn off as you start to
drive the vehicle. This could be an early indicator
that the tire pressures are getting low and
need to be inated to the proper pressure.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should
be checked monthly when cold and inated to
the ination pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or
tire ination pressure label. (If your vehicle
has tires of a different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire ination pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire
ination pressure for those tires.)
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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 signicantly
under-inated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your
tires as soon as possible, and inate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a signicantly
under-inated tire causes the tire to overheat
and can lead to tire failure. Under-ination also
reduces fuel 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-ination 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 ash for approximately
one minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
390