change wheel BUICK REGAL 2003 User Guide

After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire-Loading
Information label.
Reset the Tire Inflation Monitor System. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor System on page 5-58.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.
See“Wheel Nut Torque”underCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-92.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a 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 you need to, to
get all the rust or dirt off. See“Changing a Flat
Tire”in the Index.
When It Is 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.
5-60
2003 - Regal OM

If a Tire Goes Flat
It’s unusual for a tire to“blowout”while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it’s much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a“blowout”, here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, theflat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheelfirmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop—well off the road if possible.
If a tire goesflat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change aflat tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goesflat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your
hazard warningflashers.
{CAUTION:
Changing a tire can cause an injury. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over you
or other people. You and they could be badly
injured. Find a level place to change your tire.
To help prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brakermly.
2. Put the shift lever in PARK (P).
3. Turn off the engine.
To be even more certain the vehicle won’t
move, you can put blocks at the front and
rear of the tire farthest away from the one
being changed. That would be the tire on
the other side of the vehicle, at the
opposite end.
5-66
2003 - Regal OM

7. Remove any rust or dirt
from the wheel bolts,
mounting surfaces
and spare wheel.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on the wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make the wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
the 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 you need to, to
get all the rust or dirt off.
{CAUTION:
Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. If
you do, the nuts might come loose. Your wheel
could fall off, causing a serious accident.
8. Install the compact spare tire.
9. Put the wheel nuts
back on with the
rounded end of the
nuts toward the
wheel. Tighten each
nut by hand until
the wheel is held
against the hub.
5-73
2003 - Regal OM

Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-35
Tire Inflation Check.........................................6-10
Tires.....................................................5-56, 5-82
Buying New Tires........................................5-61
Chains.......................................................5-65
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-66
Compact Spare Tire
.....................................5-77
If a Tire Goes Flat
.......................................5-66
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
...............................5-57
Inspection and Rotation
................................5-59
Pressure Monitor System
..............................5-58
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
.........................5-62
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
.................5-63
Wheel Replacement
.....................................5-63
When It Is Time for New Tires
......................5-60
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
....................2-20
Top of the Instrument Panel
.............................5-80
Top Strap
......................................................1-36
Top Strap Anchor Location
...............................1-37
Torque Lock
...................................................2-26
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
..................4-37Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-31
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-35
Your Vehicle...............................................4-31
Traction
Control System (TCS)..................................4-10
Control System Warning Light.......................3-33
Full-Range Control System............................. 4-9
Low Light...................................................3-33
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-38
Transaxle
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-20
Transaxle Operation, Automatic.........................2-21
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-10
Transportation Options...................................... 7-8
Trip Odometer................................................3-28
Trunk............................................................2-12
Trunk Assist Handle........................................2-13
Trunk Lock....................................................2-12
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-5
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-40
14
2003 - Regal OM