inflation pressure BUICK LUCERNE 2011 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: BUICK, Model Year: 2011, Model line: LUCERNE, Model: BUICK LUCERNE 2011Pages: 450, PDF Size: 3.63 MB
Page 350 of 450

Black plate (64,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Inflation - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to
operate effectively.
Notice:Neither tire underinflation nor
overinflation is good. Underinflated tires,
or tires that do not have enough air, can
result in:
.Tire overloading and over-heating which
could lead to a blowout.
.Premature or irregular wear.
.Poor handling.
.Reduced fuel economy.
Overinflated tires, or tires that have too much
air, can result in:
.Unusual wear.
.Poor handling.
.Rough ride.
.Needless damage from road hazards. 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 5‑18. 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. Do not
forget to check the compact spare tire, it should
be at 60 psi (420 kPa). For additional information
regarding the compact spare tire, see Compact
Spare Tire
on page 6‑97.
6-64
Page 351 of 450

Black plate (65,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
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.
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.)
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.
6-65
Page 352 of 450

Black plate (66,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
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.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation
on page 6‑66for
additional information.
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry Canada
See Radio Frequency Statementon page 8‑18for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) rules and Industry
Canada Standards RSS-210/220/310.
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, excluding
the spare tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in the 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 on the instrument
cluster.
6-66
Page 353 of 450

Black plate (67,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible
and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the tire loading information label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 5‑18.
A message to check the pressure in a specific tire
displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC). The
low tire pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message come on 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 seeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 4‑42andDIC Warnings and Messageson
page 4‑49.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in
cool weather when the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure is getting low and needs
to be inflated to the proper pressure. A Tire and Loading Information label shows the size
of the original equipment tires and the correct inflation
pressure for the tires when they are cold. See
Loading
the Vehicle
on page 5‑18, for an example of the Tire
and Loading Information label and its location on your
vehicle. Also see Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 6‑64.
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 6‑70and Tires on page 6‑57.
Notice: Tire sealant materials are not all the same.
A non-approved tire sealant could damage the
TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by
using an incorrect tire sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use only the GM-approved
tire sealant available through your dealer or
included in the vehicle.
Factory-installed Tire Inflator Kits use a GM approved
liquid tire sealant. Using non-approved tire sealants
could damage the TPMS sensors. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
on page 6‑80for information regarding
the inflator kit materials and instructions.
6-67
Page 357 of 450

Black plate (71,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure
on page 6‑64and Loading the Vehicleon
page 5‑18
.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System. See Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation
on page 6‑66.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications
on page 6‑116.
{WARNING:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a
cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later,
if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off. See
Changing a Flat Tire
on page 6‑88. Lightly coat the center of the wheel hub with
wheel bearing grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust build-up. Do
not get grease on the flat wheel mounting surface
or on the wheel nuts or bolts.
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. See
Tire
Inspection and Rotation
on page 6‑70for
additional information.
6-71
Page 358 of 450

Black plate (72,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
The rubber in tires ages 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. Tires
will typically need to be replaced due to wear before
they may need to be replaced due to age. Consult the
tire manufacturer for more information on when tires
should be replaced.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally mounted on a parked
vehicle. Park a vehicle that will be stored for at least
a month in a cool, dry, clean area away from direct
sunlight to slow aging. This area should be free of
grease, gasoline or other substances that can
deteriorate rubber.
Parking for an extended period can cause flat spots
on the tires that may result in vibrations while driving.
When storing a vehicle for at least a month, remove the
tires or raise the vehicle to reduce the weight from the
tires.
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. SeeTire Sidewall Labeling
on
page 6‑58
for additional information.
6-72
Page 369 of 450

Black plate (83,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
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 (B) clockwise to the Sealant + Air position.
9. Press the on/off (A) button to turn the tire sealant and compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject sealant and air into
the tire.
The pressure gauge (D) 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 gauge (D). The
recommended inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading Information label. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 6‑64. The pressure gauge (D) 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.
Notice: 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 on page 8‑7.
11. Press the on/off button (A) 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 through 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 (G) from the accessory power outlet in the vehicle.
13. Turn the sealant/air hose (F) counterclockwise to remove it from the tire valve stem.
14. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
6-83
Page 370 of 450

Black plate (84,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
15. Replace the sealant/air hose (F), and the powerplug (G) back in their original location.
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 miles) to distribute the sealant in the tire.
19. Stop at a safe location and check the tire pressure. Refer to Steps 1 through 11 under “Using the Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit without Sealant to
Inflate a Tire (Not Punctured).” 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. See
Roadside Assistance Program
on
page 8‑7.
If the tire pressure has not dropped more than
68 kPa (10 psi) from the recommended inflation
pressure, 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 (F) 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 a 161 km (100 miles) of
driving to have the tire repaired or replaced.
6-84
Page 372 of 450

Black plate (86,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be runningwhile using the air compressor.
8. Turn the selector switch (B) counterclockwise to the Air Only position.
9. Press the on/off (A) button 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 (D). The
recommended inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading Information label. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 6‑64.
The pressure gauge (D) 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.
11. Press the on/off button (A) 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 (G) from the accessory power outlet in the vehicle.
13. Disconnect the air only hose (E) from the tire valve stem, by turning it counterclockwise, and replace
the tire valve stem cap. 14. Replace the air only hose (E) and the power plug
(G) and cord back in its original location.
15. Place the equipment in the original storage location in the vehicle.
Removal and Installation of the Sealant
Canister
To remove the sealant canister:
1. Remove the plastic cover.
2. Unscrew the connector (B) from the canister (A).
3. Pull up on the canister (A) to remove it.
6-86
Page 383 of 450

Black plate (97,1)Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
A. Center Retainer
B. Compact SpareTire Cover
C. Retainer
D. Washer E. Jack Container F. Spare Tire
G. Wheel Wrench H. Jack
I. Foam Insert
J. Bolt
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on page 3‑12.
2. Place the foam insert (I) in the trunk compartment.
3. Reinstall the compact spare tire (F) face down. Line up the wheel center hole with the bolt (J).
Then place it on the compartment floor.
4. Insert the jack container (E) into the spare tire (F).
5. Insert the wheel wrench (G) and jack (H) into the center of the compact spare tire making sure to
line up the wheel nut hole with the bolt (I) on the
compartment floor.
6. Secure the compact spare tire and the jack container (E) with the washer (D) and the
retainer (C).
7. Reinstall the compact spare tire cover (B).
8. Secure with the center retainer (A). The compact spare tire is for temporary use only.
Replace the compact spare tire with a full-size tire
as soon as you can. See
Compact Spare Tire
on
page 6‑97.
Compact Spare Tire
{WARNING:
Driving with more than one compact spare tire at
a time could result in loss of braking and handling.
This could lead to a crash and you or others could
be injured. Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare tire it was fully
inflated when the vehicle was new, however, it can lose
air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly.
It should be 60 psi (420 kPa).
6-97