flat tire BUICK REGAL 2018 Owner's Guide

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
Vehicle Care 289
The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading
conditions, and inflation pressure
maintenance affect how fast aging
takes place. GM recommends that
tires, including the spare if
equipped, be replaced after six
years, regardless of tread wear. The
tire manufacture date is the last four
digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) which is molded into
one side of the tire sidewall. The
first two digits represent the week
(01–52) and the last two digits, the
year. For example, the third week of
the year 2010 would have a
four-digit DOT date of 0310.
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 freeof 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 the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec)
system rating. When
replacement tires are needed,
GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specifications that impact
the overall performance of the
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 MS for mud
and snow. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0276.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling
performance may be adversely
affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time.
If proper rotation and
maintenance have been done,
all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. See Tire
Rotation 0287. However, if it is

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
292 Vehicle Care
norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and
differences in road
characteristics and climate.
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 indoor
laboratory 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.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
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294 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's
tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive slow
and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels. If
traction devices are used, install
them on the front tires.
Caution
If the vehicle is equipped with a
tire size other than 245/45R18 or
245/40R19, use tire chains only
where legal and only when
necessary. Use low profile chains
that add no more than 12 mm
thickness to the tire tread and(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
inner sidewall. Use chains that
are the proper size for the tires.
Install them on the tires of the
front axle. Don't use chains on the
tires of the rear axle. Tighten
them as tightly as possible with
the ends securely fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions. If the
chains contact the vehicle, stop
and retighten them. If the contact
continues, slow down until it
stops. Driving too fast or spinning
the wheels with chains on will
damage the vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. See Tires
0 274. 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
(Continued)

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
Vehicle Care 295
Warning (Continued)
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
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 0162.
{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.
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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 0309. To
use the tire sealant and compressor
kit, see Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0296 orTire
Sealant and Compressor Kit 0302.
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.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
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296 Vehicle Care
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains
how to repair or change a tire.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
Your vehicle may have one of the
two inflator kits described following.
{Warning
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide (CO)(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 0193.
{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.
{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 or 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 4 mm (0.16 in) in
the tread area of the tire. It can also
be used to inflate an
underinflated 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

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 297
sealant and compressor kit to be
effective. SeeRoadside Assistance
Program 0350.
Read and follow all of the tire
sealant and compressor kit
instructions.
The kit includes:
1. Tire Sealant Canister
2. Sealant Canister Inlet Valve
3. Pressure Gauge
4. Compressor
5. Power Plug
6. Sealant/Air Hose
7. On/Off Button
Tire Sealant
Read and follow the safe handling
instructions on the label adhered to
the tire sealant canister (1).
Check the tire sealant expiration
date on the tire sealant canister.
The tire sealant canister (1) should
be replaced before its expiration
date. Replacement tire sealant
canisters are available at your local
dealer.
There is only enough sealant to seal
one tire. After usage, the tire sealant
canister must be replaced.
Using the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit to Temporarily
Seal and Inflate a
Punctured Tire
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. See
Hazard
Warning Flashers 0162.
See If a Tire Goes Flat 0294 for
other important safety warnings.
Do not remove any objects that
have penetrated the tire.
1. Remove the tire sealant canister (1) and compressor (4)
from its storage location.
See Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit (With
Subwoofer) 0308 orStoring
the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit (Without
Subwoofer) 0309.
2. Remove the sealant/air hose (6) and the power plug (5) from
the bottom of the
compressor (4).
3. Place the compressor on the ground near the flat tire.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
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298 Vehicle Care
4. Remove the plug from thesealant canister inlet valve (2)
and from the sealant
canister (1).
Screw the sealant canister (1)
onto the sealant canister inlet
valve (2) without removing the
tinfoil from the canister.
5. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
Make sure the tire valve stem
is positioned close to the
ground so the hose will
reach it.6. Remove the protective cap and
attach the sealant/air hose (6)
to the tire valve stem by turning
it clockwise until tight.
7. Plug the power plug (5) into the accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
See Power Outlets 0120.
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.
8. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while using
the air compressor.
9. Press the on/off button (7) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject
sealant and air into the tire.
The pressure gauge (3) 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 (3). The recommended
inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0281.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 299
The pressure gauge (3) 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 10 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. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program 0350.
11. Press the on/off button (7) 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 12–14 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 (5) 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. Immediately drive the vehicle 8 km (5 mi) but not longer than
10 minutes to distribute the
sealant in the tire.
16. Stop at a safe location and check the tire pressure. Refer
to Steps 1–10 under “Using theTire 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 0350.
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 by using the
compressor to increase the
pressure or turn the air release
valve counterclockwise at the
air filler hose to decrease the
pressure.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
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300 Vehicle Care
17. If the flat tire was able to inflateto 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.
18. The sealant canister cannot be removed from the compressor.
See your dealer to have the
canister replaced.
19. Return the sealant/air hose (6) and power plug (5) back to
their original storage location.
20. Store the tire sealant and compressor kit in the load
compartment.
21. Wipe off any sealant from the wheel, tire, or vehicle. 22. 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)
The kit includes:
1. Tire Sealant Canister
2. Sealant Canister Inlet Valve
3. Pressure Gauge 4. Compressor
5. Power Plug
6. Sealant/Air Hose
7. On/Off Button
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 0162.
See If a Tire Goes Flat 0294 for
other important safety warnings.
1. Remove the compressor from its storage location.
See Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit (With
Subwoofer) 0308 orStoring
the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit (Without
Subwoofer) 0309.
2. Remove the sealant/air hose (6) and the power plug (5) from
the bottom of the compressor.
3. Place the compressor on the ground near the flat tire.

Buick Regal Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-2nd Timed Print-U.S./Canada-
11486030) - 2018 - crc - 3/23/18
Vehicle Care 301
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) to the tire valve stem by turning
it clockwise until tight.
6. Plug the power plug (5) into the accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
See Power Outlets 0120.
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. Press the on/off button (7) to
turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on.
The compressor will inflate the
tire with air only.
9. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation
pressure using the pressure
gauge (3). The recommended
inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0281.
The pressure gauge (3) 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 10 minutes, the (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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. SeeRoadside
Assistance Program 0350.
10. Press the on/off button (7) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.
Be careful while handling the
compressor as it could be
warm after usage.
11. Unplug the power plug (5) from the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle.
12. Turn the sealant/air hose (6) counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire valve stem.
13. Replace the tire valve stem cap.