tire size CADILLAC XLR 2008 1.G Owners Manual

Tire and Loading Information Label
A vehicle specic Tire and Loading Information
label is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar)
of your vehicle. With the driver’s door open,
you will nd the label attached below the door
latch. This label shows the number of occupant
seating positions (A), and the maximum vehicle
capacity weight (B) in kilograms and pounds.The Tire and Loading Information label also shows
the size of the original equipment tires (C) and
the recommended cold tire ination pressures (D).
For more information on tires and ination see
Tires on page 6-52andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-60.
There is also important loading information on
the vehicle Certication label. It tells you the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
front and rear axle. See “Certication Label”
later in this section.
Label Example
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Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................6-65
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................6-66
Buying New Tires.........................................6-67
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................6-68
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................6-69
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................6-70
Wheel Replacement......................................6-70
Tire Chains..................................................6-73
Lifting Your Vehicle.......................................6-74
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................6-78
Appearance Care............................................6-80
Interior Cleaning...........................................6-80
Fabric/Carpet...............................................6-81
Leather.......................................................6-82
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces........................................6-82
Wood Panels...............................................6-82
Speaker Covers............................................6-82
Care of Safety Belts......................................6-83
Weatherstrips...............................................6-83
Washing Your Vehicle...................................6-83
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................6-84Finish Care..................................................6-84
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................6-85
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim..................................................6-85
Tires...........................................................6-86
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................6-86
Finish Damage.............................................6-87
Underbody Maintenance................................6-87
Fiberglass Springs (Composite Springs)...........6-87
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................6-87
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................6-88
Vehicle Identication......................................6-89
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................6-89
Service Parts Identication Label.....................6-89
Electrical System............................................6-89
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................6-89
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................6-90
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......6-90
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................6-90
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................6-90
Underhood Fuse Block..................................6-94
Capacities and Specications..........................6-97
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-2

Low-Prole Tires (XLR-V)
If your vehicle has P235/45R19 or P255/40R19
size tires, they are classied as low-prole
tires. These tires are designed for very
responsive driving on wet or dry pavement.
You may also notice more road noise with
low-prole performance tires and that they tend to
wear faster.
Notice:If your vehicle has low-prole tires,
they are more susceptible to damage from road
hazards or curb impact than standard prole
tires. Tire and/or wheel assembly damage
can occur when coming into contact with
road hazards like, potholes, or sharp edged
objects, or when sliding into a curb.
Your vehicle warranty does not cover this type
of damage. Keep tires set to the correct
ination pressure and, when possible avoid
contact with curbs, potholes, and other
road hazards.
Winter Tires (XLR-V)
If you expect to drive on snow or ice covered roads
often, you may want to get winter tires for your vehicle.
All season tires provide good overall performance on
most surfaces but they may not offer the traction
you would like or the same level of performance as
winter tires on snow or ice covered roads.
Winter tires, in general, are designed for increased
traction on snow and ice covered roads. With winter
tires, there may be decreased dry road traction,
increased road noise, and shorter tread life. After
switching to winter tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
See your dealer for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection. Also, seeBuying
New Tires on page 6-67.
If you choose to use winter tires:
Use tires of the same brand and tread type on all
four wheel positions.
Use only radial ply tires of the same size, load range,
and speed rating as the original equipment tires.
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 winter tires with
a lower speed rating, never exceed the tire’s maximum
speed capability.
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Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into its
sidewall. The example below shows a typical
passenger (p-metric) tire sidewall.
(A) Tire Size:The tire size is a combination of
letters and numbers used to dene a particular
tire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the “Tire Size”
illustration later in this section for more detail.(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specication):Original equipment tires designed
to GM’s specic tire performance criteria have
a TPC specication code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC specications meet or exceed all
federal safety guidelines.
(C) DOT (Department of Transportation):
The Department of Transportation (DOT) code
indicates that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards.
(D) Tire Identication Number (TIN):The letters
and numbers following DOT code are the Tire
Identication Number (TIN). The TIN shows
the manufacturer and plant code, tire size, and
date the tire was manufactured. The TIN is molded
onto both sides of the tire, although only one
side may have the date of manufacture.
(E) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord and
number of plies in the sidewall and under the
tread.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
6-54

(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG):
Tire manufacturers are required to grade
tires based on three performance factors:
treadwear, traction and temperature resistance.
For more information seeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 6-69.
(G) Maximum Cold Ination Load Limit:
Maximum load that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to support that load.
Tire Size
The following illustration shows an example of a
typical passenger (p-metric) vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United
States version of a metric tire sizing system.
The letter P as the rst character in the tire size
means a passenger vehicle tire engineered
to standards set by the U. S. Tire and Rim
Association.(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 60,
as shown in item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire’s sidewall is 60 percent as high
as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction;
the letter D means diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter B means belted-bias
ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters
represent the load range and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certied to carry. The load index
can range from 1 to 279. The speed rating is
the maximum speed a tire is certied to carry a
load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.
6-55

Treadwear Indicators:Narrow bands, sometimes
called wear bars, that show across the tread of
a tire when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread
remains. SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on
page 6-66.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards)
:A tire information system that
provides consumers with ratings for a tire’s
traction, temperature, and treadwear. Ratings are
determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the tire. SeeUniform
Tire Quality Grading on page 6-69.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The number of
designated seating positions multiplied by
150 lbs (68 kg) plus the rated cargo load.
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 5-22.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire
:Load on
an individual tire due to curb weight, accessory
weight, occupant weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard
:A label permanently attached to
a vehicle showing the vehicle’s capacity weight
and the original equipment tire size and
recommended ination pressure. See “Tire and
Loading Information Label” underLoading
Your Vehicle on page 5-22.
Run-Flat Tires
Your vehicle, when new, had run-at tires. There is no
spare tire, no tire changing equipment, and no place
to store a tire in the vehicle. Run-at 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.
{CAUTION:
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 at, 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
6-58

How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check
tire pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are
properly inated simply by looking at them. Radial
tires may look properly inated even when they
are under-inated. Check the tire’s ination
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 gage rmly onto the valve to
get a pressure measurement. If the cold tire
ination pressure matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and Loading Information
label, no further adjustment is necessary. If the
ination pressure is low, add air until you reach the
recommended amount.
If you overll 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 gage.
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 inated to the ination
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire ination pressure label.
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire ination
pressure label, you should determine the proper
tire ination 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 signicantly under-inated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale
illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a signicantly under-inated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-ination also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
6-61

Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (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
specic 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 inated to the correct ination
pressure. Using the DIC, tire pressure levels canbe viewed by the driver. For additional information and
details about the DIC operation and displays see
DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-60andDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-63.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool
weather when the vehicle is rst 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 inated 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 ination pressure for
your vehicle’s tires when they are cold. SeeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 5-22, for an example of the
Tire and Loading Information label and its location on
your vehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-60for additional information.
Your vehicle’s TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal
tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 6-65,When It Is Time for New Tires on page 6-66,
andTires on page 6-52.
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.
6-63

Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle’s tires for signs of wear or damage.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on page 6-66
for additional information.
If your vehicle has P235/50R18 size tires they
should be rotated any time you notice unusual
wear. Rotate the tires as soon as possible
and check wheel alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time for
New Tires on page 6-66andWheel Replacement
on page 6-70.
When rotating P235/50R18 size tires, always use
the correct rotation pattern shown here.After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear ination pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label, seeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 6-60andLoading Your Vehicle
on page 5-22. Vehicles that have the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) need the TPMS sensors
reset after a tire rotation is performed. A special tool
is needed to reset the sensor identication codes.
See your dealer/retailer for service. Make certain
that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See
Wheel Replacement on page 6-70and “Wheel Nut
Torque” underCapacities and Specifications on
page 6-97
.
{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 a crash. 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.
6-65

XLR-V Tires
Tire rotation is not recommended if your vehicle
has P235/45R19 size tires on the front axle
and P255/40R19 size tires on the rear axle.
Different tire sizes front to rear should not be
rotated.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Various factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions
inuence 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.You need new tires 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 ination 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.
6-66