tires CHEVROLET CAMARO SS 2010 Owner's Manual

Vehicle Care
General InformationGeneral Information...............9-2
California Proposition 65
Warning.............................9-2
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements........9-3
Accessories and
Modifications.......................9-3
Vehicle ChecksDoing Your Own
Service Work......................9-4
Hood...................................9-5
Engine Compartment
Overview............................9-6
Engine Cover.......................9-9
Engine Oil..........................9-10
Engine Oil Life System.........9-13
Automatic Transmission
Fluid................................9-14
Manual Transmission Fluid. . . .9-15
Hydraulic Clutch..................9-15
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.......9-16
Cooling System...................9-17
Engine Coolant...................9-19
Engine Overheating.............9-24
Power Steering Fluid............9-25Washer Fluid......................9-26
Brakes...............................9-27
Brake Fluid.........................9-28
Battery...............................9-29
Rear Axle...........................9-30
Starter Switch Check............9-31
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
System Check...................9-32
Ignition Transmission
Lock Check.......................9-32
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check..............9-32
Wiper Blade Replacement......9-33Headlamp AimingHeadlamp Aiming................9-34
Bulb ReplacementBulb Replacement...............9-37
Halogen Bulbs....................9-37
High Intensity Discharge
(HID) Lighting....................9-37
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal and Parking Lamps
(Base Vehicle)...................9-37
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal and Parking Lamps
(Up-Level Vehicle)..............9-38
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)....................9-39
Fog Lamps.........................9-40Taillamps, Turn Signal, and
Stoplamps.........................9-40
License Plate Lamp.............9-40
Replacement Bulbs..............9-41
Electrical SystemElectrical System
Overload...........................9-41
Fuses and Circuit
Breakers...........................9-42
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block.......................9-42
Instrument Panel
Fuse Block.......................9-45
Rear Compartment
Fuse Block.......................9-46
Wheels and TiresTires..................................9-48
Winter Tires........................9-48
Tire Sidewall Labeling..........9-49
Tire Designations.................9-51
Tire Terminology and
Definitions.........................9-52
Tire Pressure......................9-54
Tire Pressure for
High-Speed Operation........9-56
Tire Pressure Monitor
System.............................9-56
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation..........................9-57
Tire Inspection....................9-61
Vehicle Care 9-1

Tire Rotation.......................9-61
When It Is Time for
New Tires.........................9-62
Buying New Tires................9-63
Different Size Tires and
Wheels.............................9-65
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading............................9-65
Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance.....................9-67
Wheel Replacement.............9-67
Tire Chains.........................9-68
If a Tire Goes Flat...............9-69
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit..................9-71
Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit...........9-77
Tire Changing.....................9-77
Compact Spare Tire.............9-83
Jump StartingJump Starting.....................9-84
TowingTowing the Vehicle..............9-87
Recreational Vehicle
Towing.............................9-87
Appearance CareExterior Care......................9-88
Interior Care.......................9-92
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer/retailer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition 65
Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and systems
(including some inside the vehicle),
many fluids, and some component
wear by-products contain and/or
emit these chemicals.
9-2 Vehicle Care

Notice:
When using concentrated
washer uid, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions
for adding water.
Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage your
washer uid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
Also, water does not clean
as well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank
if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in your windshield
washer. It can damage the
vehicle’s windshield washer
system and paint.
Brakes
This vehicle has disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.
{WARNING
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
an accident. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could result
in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when
the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications inCapacities and
Specications on page 11-2.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake
pedal does not return to normal
height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be required.
Vehicle Care 9-27

3. With the latch open, pull the
wiper blade down towards
the windshield far enough to
release it from the J-hooked
end of the wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
Allowing the wiper blade arm to
touch the windshield when no
wiper blade is installed could
damage the windshield. Any
damage that occurs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not allow the wiper blade arm
to touch the windshield.
5. Reverse steps 1 through 3 for
wiper blade replacement.Headlamp Aiming
The headlamp aiming system has
been preset at the factory.
If the vehicle is damaged in an
accident, the aim of the headlamps
may be affected and adjustment
may be necessary.
It is recommended that a
dealer/retailer adjust the headlamps.
To re-aim the headlamps yourself,
use the following procedure.
The vehicle should be properly
prepared as follows:
•The vehicle should be placed so
the headlamps are 7.6 m (25 ft)
from a light colored wall.
•The vehicle must have all four
tires on a level surface which
is level all the way to the wall.
•The vehicle should be placed so
it is perpendicular to the wall or
other flat surface.
•The vehicle should not have any
snow, ice, or mud on it.
•The vehicle should be fully
assembled and all other
work stopped while headlamp
aiming is being performed.
•The vehicle should be normally
loaded with a full tank of fuel and
one person or 75 kg (160 lbs)
sitting on the driver’s seat.
•Tires should be properly inflated.
Headlamp aiming is done with the
vehicle’s low-beam headlamps.
The high-beam headlamps will be
correctly aimed if the low-beam
headlamps are aimed properly.
9-34 Vehicle Care

Wheels and Tires
Tires
Your new vehicle comes
with high-quality tires made
by a leading tire manufacturer.
If you ever have questions about
your tire warranty and where to
obtain service, see your vehicle
Warranty booklet for details.
For additional information refer
to the tire manufacturer.
{WARNING
Poorly maintained and improperly
used tires are dangerous.
•Overloading your tires can
cause overheating as a result
of too much flexing. You could
have an air-out and a serious
accident. SeeVehicle Load
Limits on page 8-12.
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
•Underinflated tires pose the
same danger as overloaded
tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury.
Check all tires frequently to
maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure
should be checked when
your tires are cold. SeeTire
Pressure on page 9-54.
•Overinflated tires are more
likely to be cut, punctured
or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when you
hit a pothole. Keep tires at
the recommended pressure.
•Worn, old tires can cause
accidents. If your tread is
badly worn, or if your tires
have been damaged,
replace them.
Winter Tires
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/retailer for details
regarding winter tire availability
and proper tire selection. Also, see
Buying New Tires on page 9-63.
9-48 Vehicle Care

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.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a
tire is molded into its sidewall.
The examples below show a
typical passenger vehicle tire
and a compact spare tire
sidewall.(A) Tire Size
:The tire size
is a combination of letters and
numbers used to define 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 specific tire performance
criteria have a TPC specification
code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC specifications 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. Passenger (P-Metric)
Tire Example
Vehicle Care 9-49

(D) Tire Identication Number
(TIN):The letters and numbers
following the DOT (Department
of Transportation) code is the
Tire Identification 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.
(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 9-65.(G) Maximum Cold Ination
Load Limit
:Maximum load
that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed
to support that load.
(A) Tire Ply Material
:The type
of cord and number of plies in the
sidewall and under the tread.
(B) Temporary Use Only
:The
compact spare tire or temporary
use tire has a tread life of
approximately 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) and should not bedriven at speeds over 65 mph
(105 km/h). The compact spare
tire is for emergency use when a
regular road tire has lost air and
gone flat. If your vehicle has a
compact spare tire, seeCompact
Spare Tire on page 9-83andIf a
Tire Goes Flat on page 9-69.
(C) Tire Identication Number
(TIN)
:The letters and numbers
following the DOT (Department
of Transportation) code is the
Tire Identification 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.
(D) Maximum Cold Ination
Load Limit
:Maximum load
that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed
to support that load. Compact Spare Tire Example
9-50 Vehicle Care

(E) Tire Ination:The
temporary use tire or compact
spare tire should be inflated
to 60 psi (420 kPa). For more
information on tire pressure
and inflation seeTire Pressure
on page 9-54.
(F) Tire Size
:A combination
of letters and numbers define a
tire’s width, height, aspect ratio,
construction type, and service
description. The letter T as the
first character in the tire size
means the tire is for temporary
use only.
(G) TPC Spec (Tire
Performance Criteria
Specication)
:Original
equipment tires designed to
GM’s specific tire performance
criteria have a TPC specification
code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC specifications meet
or exceed all federal safety
guidelines.
Tire Designations
Tire Size
The following illustration
shows an example of a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:The United States version of
a metric tire sizing system. The
letter P as the first 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
index and speed rating of the tire.
The load index represents the
load carry capacity a tire is
certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
Vehicle Care 9-51

Speed Rating:An alphanumeric
code assigned to a tire indicating
the maximum speed at which a
tire can operate.
Traction
:The friction between
the tire and the road surface.
The amount of grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that
comes into contact with the road.
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 9-62.
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 testingprocedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the
tire. SeeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 9-65.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by
150 lbs (68 kg) plus the rated
cargo load. SeeVehicle Load
Limits on page 8-12.
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 inflation pressure.
See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” underVehicle
Load Limits on page 8-12.
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount
of air pressure to operate
effectively.
Notice:Do not let anyone
tell you that under-ination or
over-ination is all right. It is
not. If your tires do not have
enough air (under-ination),
you can get the following:
Too much exing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Premature or irregular wear
Poor handling
Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air
(over-ination), you can get
the following:
Unusual wear
Poor handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road
hazards
9-54 Vehicle Care

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, seeVehicle
Load Limits on page 8-12.
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, if the vehicle has one.
The compact spare should be at
60 psi (420 kPa). For additional
information regarding the
compact spare tire, seeCompact
Spare Tire on page 9-83.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type
gage 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
gage 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 gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps
back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by
keeping out dirt and moisture.
Vehicle Care 9-55