CHEVROLET CORVETTE 2010 6.G Owners Manual
Page 381 of 472
Run-Flat Tires
This vehicle, when new, had run-flat tires. There is no
spare tire, no tire changing equipment, and no place to
store a tire in the vehicle. Run-flat tires perform so well
without any air that a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) is used to alert you if a tire has lost pressure.
{WARNING:
When the low tire warning light is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster, your vehicle's
handling capabilities will be reduced during
severe maneuvers. If you drive too fast, you could
lose control of your vehicle. You or others could
be injured. Do not drive over 55 mph (90 km/h)
when the low tire warning light is displayed.
Drive cautiously and check your tire pressures
as soon as you can.
If a tire goes flat, you will not 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 deflated
run-flat tire 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 tires on coupe, convertible
and Z06 models 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. The tires on ZR1 models can operate
effectively with no air pressure for up to 50 miles
(80 km) at speeds up to 55 mph (90 km/h), but the tire
would then have to be replaced. When a tire is filled
with air, it provides a cushion between the road and the
wheel. Because you will not have this cushion when
driving on a deflated 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 have driven
on the tire in a deflated condition. When a tire has
been damaged, or if you have driven any distance on
a run-flat tire, check with an authorized run-flat tire
service center to determine whether the tire can be
repaired or should be replaced. To maintain your
vehicle's run-flat feature, all replacement tires must
be self-supporting tires. As soon as possible,
contact the nearest authorized GM or run-flat servicing
facility for inspection and repair or replacement.
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To locate the nearest GM or run-flat servicing facility,
call Roadside Assistance. For phone numbers and
Roadside Service details see Roadside Assistance
Program
on page 8‑7.
{WARNING:
Run-flat 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 run-flat tire. Let only an authorized run-flat
service center repair, replace, dismount, and
mount run-flat tires.
The valve stems on your run-flat tires have sensors that
are part of the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 6‑72.
These sensors contain batteries which are designed
to last for 10 years under normal driving conditions. See
your dealer/retailer 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 the
vehicle's run-flat tires. This damage would not be
covered by warranty. Do not use liquid sealants in
the vehicle's run-flat tires.
Inflation - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to
operate effectively.
Notice:Do not let anyone tell you that
under‐inflation or over‐inflation is all right.
It is not. If your tires do not have enough air
(under‐inflation), you can get the following:
.Too much flexing
.Too much heat
.Tire overloading
.Premature or irregular wear
.Poor handling
.Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (over‐inflation),
you can get the following:
.Unusual wear
.Poor handling
.Rough ride
.Needless damage from road hazards
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A vehicle specific Tire and Loading Information
label is attached to your vehicle. This label shows
your vehicle's original equipment tires and the
correct inflation pressures for your tires when they
are cold. The recommended cold tire inflation
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, see
Loading the Vehicle
on page 5‑28. 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 gauge to check
tire pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are
properly inflated simply by looking at them.
Radial tires may look properly inflated even
when they are under‐inflated. Check the tire's
inflation 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 gauge firmly onto the valve to get a
pressure measurement. If the cold tire inflation
pressure matches the recommended pressure on
the Tire and Loading Information label, no further
adjustment is necessary. If the inflation pressure
is low, add air until you reach the recommended
amount.
If you overfill 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 gauge.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.
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High-Speed Operation
{WARNING:
Driving at high speeds, 160 km/h (100 mph)
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
inflation 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 inflation 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 inflation pressure to the maximum inflation
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 inflation pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Loading the Vehicle
on
page 5‑28. Example:
You will find the maximum load and inflation pressure
molded on the tire's sidewall, in small letters, near the
rim flange. 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 inflation 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.
Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radio
and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels.
The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in your
vehicle's tires and transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire inflation
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 significantly under‐inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires
as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly under‐inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under‐inflation 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‐inflation
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 flash
for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start‐ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the
system may not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur
for a variety of reasons, including the installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle
that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle
to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
on page 6‑74for
additional information.
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry Canada
See Radio Frequency Statementon page 8‑20for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
RSS-210/211 of Industry Canada.
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Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the driver when
a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly on your
vehicle. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure
in the vehicle's tires and transmits the tire pressure
readings to a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected,
the TPMS illuminates
the low tire pressure
warning light, located
in the instrument panel
cluster.
At the same time a message to check the pressure in a
specific tire appears on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning light and
the DIC warning message appear at each ignition
cycle until the tires are inflated to the correct inflation
pressure. Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can be
viewed by the driver. For additional information and
details about the DIC operation and displays see DIC
Operation and Displays
on page 4‑47and DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4‑52. The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool
weather when the vehicle is first started, and then turn
off as you start to drive. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting low and
need to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to
your vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle's original
equipment tires and the correct inflation pressure for
your vehicle's tires when they are cold. See
Loading the
Vehicle
on page 5‑28, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location on your
vehicle. Also see Inflation - Tire Pressure
on page 6‑70for additional information.
Your vehicle's TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. See Tire Inspection and Rotation
on
page 6‑76, When It Is Time for New Tireson
page 6‑76, and Tires on page 6‑62.
Notice: Liquid tire sealants could damage the
Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensors.
Sensor damage caused by using a tire sealant is
not covered by your warranty. Do not use liquid
tire sealants.
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TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of
the TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light
flashes for about one minute and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning message
is also displayed. The low tire warning light and DIC
warning message come on at each ignition cycle until
the problem is corrected. Some of the conditions that
can cause the malfunction light and DIC message to
come on are:
.The TPMS sensor matching process was not done
or not completed successfully. The DIC message
should go off after successfully completing the
sensor matching process.
.One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. Under these conditions the TPMS
malfunction light (low tire warning light) comes
on, and at the same time the DIC message
is displayed. The DIC message and TPMS
malfunction light should go off once the TPMS
sensors are installed and the sensor matching
process is performed successfully.
.Replacement tires or wheels do not match your
vehicle's original equipment tires or wheels.
Tires and wheels other than those recommended
for your vehicle could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. See Buying New Tires
on
page 6‑77.
.Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or signal
a low tire condition. See your dealer/retailer for service
if the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message comes
on and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identification code.
Any time you replace one or more of the TPMS sensors
or rotate your vehicle's tires, the identification codes
will need to be matched to the new tire/wheel position.
The sensors are matched to the tire/wheel positions in
the following order: driver side front tire, passenger side
front tire, passenger side rear tire, and driver side rear
tire using a TPMS diagnostic tool. See your dealer/
retailer for service.
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Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle's tires for signs of wear or damage Also
check for damaged wheels. See When It Is Time
for New Tires
on page 6‑76and Wheel
Replacement
on page 6‑81.
The tires on your vehicle are different sizes front
to rear. Due to this, the tires should not be rotated.
Each tire and wheel should be used only in the
position it is in.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Various factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions,
influence when you need new tires.
One way to tell when it is
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.
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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
cannot be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over time, even if they
are not being used. This is also true for the spare tire,
if your vehicle has one. Multiple conditions affect how
fast this aging takes place, including temperatures,
loading conditions, and inflation pressure maintenance.
With proper care and maintenance tires will typically
wear out before they degrade due to age. If you are
unsure about the need to replace your tires as they get
older, consult the tire manufacturer for more information.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific tires for your
vehicle. The original equipment tires installed on your
vehicle, when it was new, were designed to meet
General Motors Tire Performance Criteria Specification
(TPC Spec) system rating. If you need replacement
tires, GM strongly recommends that you get tires with
the same TPC Spec rating. This way, your vehicle will
continue to have tires that are designed to give the
same performance and vehicle safety, during normal
use, as the original tires.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec system considers over a
dozen critical specifications that impact the overall
performance of your vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling, traction control, and
tire pressure monitoring performance. GM's TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire's sidewall near the tire
size. If the tires have an all‐season tread design, the
TPC Spec number will be followed by an MS for mud
and snow. See Tire Sidewall Labeling
on page 6‑64,
for additional information.
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GM recommends replacing tires in sets of four. This is
because uniform tread depth on all tires will help keep
your vehicle performing most like it did when the tires
were new. Replacing less than a full set of tires can
affect the braking and handling performance of your
vehicle. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on page 6‑76.
Winter tires with the same speed rating as your original
equipment tires may not be available for H, V, W, Y and
ZR speed rated tires. If you choose snow tires with a
lower speed rating, never exceed the tire's maximum
speed capability.
{WARNING:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes (other
than those originally installed on your vehicle),
brands, or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the
vehicle may not handle properly, and you could
have a crash. Using tires of different sizes (other
than those originally installed on your vehicle),
brands or types, may also cause damage to your
vehicle. Be sure to use the correct size, brand,
and type tires on all four wheels.
{WARNING:
If you use bias-ply tires on the vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks
after many miles of driving. A tire and/or
wheel could fail suddenly, causing a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with the wheels on
the vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle's tires with those
that do not have a TPC Spec number, make sure
they are the same size, load range, speed rating,
and construction type (radial and bias‐belted tires)
as your vehicle's original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate low‐pressure warning if
non‐TPC Spec rated tires are installed on it. Non‐TPC
Spec rated tires may give a low‐pressure warning that
is higher or lower than the proper warning level you
would get with TPC Spec rated tires. See Tire Pressure
Monitor System on page 6‑72.
Your vehicle's original equipment tires are listed on the
Tire and Loading Information label. See Loading the
Vehicle
on page 5‑28, for more information about the
Tire and Loading Information label and its location on
your vehicle.
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