flat tire BUICK LACROSSE 2016 Owner's Guide

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
282 Vehicle Care
Traction
The traction grades, from
highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on
specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoorlaboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of
performance which all
passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned
and balanced at the factory to
provide the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
are not necessary on a regular
basis. Consider an alignment check
if there is unusual tire wear or the
vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to
the left or right, depending on the
crown of the road and/or other road
surface variations such as troughs
or ruts, is normal. If the vehicle is
vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, the tires and wheels may need
to be rebalanced. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or
corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and
wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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284 Vehicle Care
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. SeeTires
0 264. 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.
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.{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.
{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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 0151.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be
dangerous. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over or fall
causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly. (Continued)

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 285
Warning (Continued)
2. Put an automatictransmission 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 0291. To
use the tire sealant and compressor
kit, see Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0285. When the vehicle has a flat tire (2),
use the following example as a
guide to assist you in the placement
of wheel blocks (1), if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains
how to repair or change a tire.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
{Warning
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area that
has no fresh air ventilation. For
more information, seeEngine
Exhaust 0185.
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause
the tire to rupture and you or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the tire sealant
and compressor kit instructions
and inflate the tire to its
recommended pressure. Do not
exceed the recommended
pressure.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
286 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Storing the tire sealant and
compressor kit 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 the tire
sealant and compressor kit in its
original location.
If this vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit, there may not be a
spare tire, tire changing equipment,
and on some vehicles there may not
be a place to store a tire.
The tire sealant and compressor
can be used to temporarily seal
punctures up to 6 mm (0.25 in) in
the tread area of the tire. It can also
be used to inflate an under
inflated tire.
If the tire has been separated from
the wheel, has damaged sidewalls,
or has a large puncture, the tire is
too severely damaged for the tire sealant and compressor kit to be
effective. See
Roadside Assistance
Program 0334.
Read and follow all of the tire
sealant and compressor kit
instructions.
The kit includes:
1. On/Off Button
2. Selector Switch (Sealant/Air or Air Only)
3. Pressure Relief Button
4. Pressure Gauge
5. Air Only Hose (Black)
6. Sealant/Air Hose (Clear)
7. Power Plug
Tire Sealant
Read and follow the safe handling
instructions on the label adhered to
the compressor.
Check the tire sealant expiration
date on the sealant canister. The
sealant canister should be replaced
before its expiration date.
Replacement sealant canisters are
available at your local dealer. See
“Removal and Installation of the
Sealant Canister” following.
There is only enough sealant to seal
one tire. After usage, the sealant
canister and sealant/air hose
assembly must be replaced. See
“Removal and Installation of the
Sealant Canister” following.
Using the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit to Temporarily
Seal and Inflate a
Punctured Tire
Follow the directions closely for
correct sealant usage.

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Vehicle Care 287
When using the tire sealant and
compressor kit during cold
temperatures, warm the kit in a
heated environment for five minutes.
This will help to inflate the tire
faster.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers 0151.
See If a Tire Goes Flat 0284 for
other important safety warnings.
Do not remove any objects that
have penetrated the tire. 1. Remove the tire sealant and
compressor kit from its storage
location. See Storing the Tire
Sealant and Compressor
Kit 0291.
2. Unwrap the sealant/air hose (6) and the power plug (7).
3. Place the kit on the ground. Make sure the tire valve stem
is positioned close to the
ground so the hose will
reach it.
4. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Attach the sealant/air hose (6) onto the tire valve stem. Turn it
clockwise until it is tight.
6. Plug the power plug (7) into the accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
If the vehicle has an accessory
power outlet, do not use the
cigarette lighter. If the vehicle only has a
cigarette lighter, use the
cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug
cord in the door or window.
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while using
the air compressor.
8. Turn the selector switch (2) clockwise to the Sealant + Air
position.
9. Press the on/off button (1) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject
sealant and air into the tire.
The pressure gauge (4) will
initially show a high pressure
while the compressor pushes
the sealant into the tire. Once
the sealant is completely
dispersed into the tire, the
pressure will quickly drop and
start to rise again as the tire
inflates with air only.
10. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation
pressure using the pressure

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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288 Vehicle Care
gauge (4). The recommended
inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeTire
Pressure 0271.
The pressure gauge (4) may
read higher than the actual tire
pressure while the compressor
is on. Turn the compressor off
to get an accurate pressure
reading. The compressor may
be turned on/off until the
correct pressure is reached.
Caution
If the recommended pressure
cannot be reached after
approximately 25 minutes, the
vehicle should not be driven
farther. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant and
compressor kit cannot inflate the
tire. Remove the power plug from
the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inflating hose from
the tire valve. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0334. 11. Press the on/off button (1) to
turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.
The tire is not sealed and will
continue to leak air until the
vehicle is driven and the
sealant is distributed in the tire;
therefore, Steps 12–18 must be
done immediately after
Step 11.
Be careful while handling the
tire sealant and compressor kit
as it could be warm after
usage.
12. Unplug the power plug (7) from the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle.
13. Turn the sealant/air hose (6) counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire valve stem.
14. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
15. Return the sealant/air hose (6) and the power plug (7) back in
their original locations.
16. If the flat tire was able to inflate
to the recommended inflation
pressure, remove the
maximum speed label from the
sealant canister and place it in
a highly visible location. Do not
exceed the speed on this label
until the damaged tire is
repaired or replaced.
17. Return the equipment to its original storage location in the
vehicle.
18. Immediately drive the vehicle 8 km (5 mi) to distribute the
sealant in the tire.
19. Stop at a safe location and check the tire pressure. Refer
to Steps 1–11 under “Using the
Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit without Sealant to Inflate a
Tire (Not Punctured).”

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 289
If the tire pressure has fallen
more than 68 kPa (10 psi)
below the recommended
inflation pressure, stop driving
the vehicle. The tire is too
severely damaged and the tire
sealant cannot seal the tire.
SeeRoadside Assistance
Program 0334.
If the tire pressure has not
dropped more than 68 kPa
(10 psi) from the recommended
inflation pressure, use the
compressor kit to inflate the tire
to the recommended inflation
pressure.
20. Wipe off any sealant from the wheel, tire, and vehicle.
21. Dispose of the used sealant canister and sealant/air hose
(6) assembly at a local dealer
or in accordance with local
state codes and practices.
22. Replace it with a new canister available from your dealer.
23. After temporarily sealing a tire using the tire sealant and
compressor kit, take the vehicle to an authorized dealer
within 161 km (100 mi) of
driving to have the tire repaired
or replaced.
Using the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit without
Sealant to Inflate a Tire (Not
Punctured)
To use the air compressor to inflate
a tire with air only and not sealant:
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See
Hazard
Warning Flashers 0151. See
If a Tire Goes Flat 0284 for
other important safety warnings.
1. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from its storage
location. See Storing the Tire
Sealant and Compressor
Kit 0291.
2. Unwrap the air only hose (5) and the power plug (7).
3. Place the kit on the ground. Make sure the tire valve stem
is positioned close to the
ground so the hose will
reach it.
4. Remove the tire valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning
it counterclockwise.
5. Attach the air only hose (5) onto the tire valve stem by
turning it clockwise until it is
tight.
6. Plug the power plug (7) into the accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
9159288) - 2016 - CRC - 10/5/15
290 Vehicle Care
If the vehicle has an accessory
power outlet, do not use the
cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a
cigarette lighter, use the
cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug
cord in the door or window.
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while using
the air compressor.
8. Turn the selector switch (2) counterclockwise to the Air
Only position.
9. Press the on/off button (1) to turn the compressor on.
The compressor will inflate the
tire with air only.
10. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation
pressure using the pressure
gauge (4). The recommended
inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0271. The pressure gauge (4) may
read higher than the actual tire
pressure while the compressor
is on. Turn the compressor off
to get an accurate reading. The
compressor may be turned on/
off until the correct pressure is
reached. If the tire is inflated
higher than the recommended
pressure, press the pressure
relief button (3), if equipped,
until the proper pressure
reading is reached. This option
is only functional when using
the air only hose (5).
11. Press the on/off button (1) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.
Be careful while handling the
tire sealant and compressor kit
as it could be warm after
usage.
12. Unplug the power plug (7) from the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle. 13. Disconnect the air only
hose (5) from the tire valve
stem, by turning it
counterclockwise, and replace
the tire valve stem cap.
14. Return the air only hose (5) and the power plug (7) back to
their original locations.
15. Return the equipment to its original storage location in the
vehicle.
Removal and Installation of the
Sealant Canister
To remove the sealant canister:
1. Remove the plastic cover.

Buick LaCrosse Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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292 Vehicle Care
1. Screwdriver (If Equipped)
2. Wrench
3. Tow Hook (If Equipped)
4. Fastener (If Equipped)
5. Jack
6. Trim Removal (If Equipped)
The jack and tools are stored below
the spare tire.
Place the tools next to the tire being
changed.
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
1. Do a safety check beforeproceeding. See If a Tire Goes
Flat 0284.
2. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to loosen the
wheel nut caps.
If needed, finish loosening
them by hand. The nut caps
will not come off of the wheel
cover.
The edge of the wheel cover
could be sharp, so do not try to
remove the cover with your
bare hands. Do not drop the
cap or lay it face down, as it
could become scratched or
damaged.
Store the wheel cover in the
trunk until you have the flat tire
repaired or replaced.
3. Turn the wheel wrenchcounterclockwise to loosen all
of the wheel nuts, but do not
remove them yet.
Caution
Make sure that the jack lift head
is in the correct position or you
may damage your vehicle. The
repairs would not be covered by
your warranty.

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Vehicle Care 293
4. Position the jack head, asshown.
Set the jack to the necessary
height before positioning it
below the jacking point.
5. Attach the jack lift assist tool to the jack by fitting both ends of
the jack and tool over one
another.
{Warning
Getting under a vehicle when it is
lifted on a jack is dangerous.
If the vehicle slips off the jack,
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
you could be badly injured or
killed. Never get under a vehicle
when it is supported only by
a jack.
{Warning
Raising the vehicle with the jack
improperly positioned can
damage the vehicle and even
make the vehicle fall. To help
avoid personal injury and vehicle
damage, be sure to fit the jack lift
head into the proper location
before raising the vehicle.
{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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
6. Turn the jack handle clockwiseto raise the vehicle far enough
off the ground for the compact
spare to fit under the vehicle.