flat tire CHEVROLET COBALT 2007 1.G Owners Manual

Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 337
Tires............................................................ 338
Winter Tires.............................................. 339
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 340
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 344
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 347
High-Speed Operation............................... 349
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 349
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 351
Buying New Tires...................................... 351
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 353
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 354
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 355
Wheel Replacement.................................. 355
Tire Chains............................................... 357
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 358
Changing a Flat Tire................................. 358
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools.......... 360
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire....................................... 364
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...... 369
Compact Spare Tire.................................. 372Appearance Care........................................ 373
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 373
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 374
Leather...................................................... 375
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces..................................... 376
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 376
Weatherstrips............................................ 376
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 377
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 377
Finish Care............................................... 377
Windshield and Wiper Blades.................... 378
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated
Wheels and Trim................................... 378
Tires......................................................... 379
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 380
Finish Damage.......................................... 380
Underbody Maintenance............................ 380
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 381
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 381
Vehicle Identication.................................. 382
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)........... 382
Service Parts Identication Label............... 382
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
278

(A) 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 be driven 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 at.
If your vehicle has a compact spare tire, see
Compact Spare Tire on page 372andIf a Tire
Goes Flat on page 358.(B) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord and
number of plies in the sidewall and under
the tread.
(C) Tire Identication Number (TIN):The letters
and numbers following the DOT (Department of
Transportation) code is 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.
(D) Maximum Cold Ination Load Limit:
Maximum load that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to support that load.
(E) Tire Ination:The temporary use tire
or compact spare tire should be inated to
60 psi (420 kPa). For more information on tire
pressure and ination seeInation - Tire
Pressure on page 347.
(F) Tire Size:A combination of letters and
numbers dene a tire’s width, height, aspect ratio,
construction type and service description. The
letter T as the rst character in the tire size means
the tire is for temporary use only.
Compact Spare Tire Example
342

The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve
more uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The
rst rotation is the most important. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 396.
When rotating your tires, always use the correct
rotation pattern shown here.
Do not include the compact spare tire in your tire
rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear ination pressures as shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label.Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specications on page 390.
{CAUTION:
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. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 358.
350

Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width, offset
and be mounted the same way as the one
it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts, replace them only
with new GM original equipment parts. This way,
you will be sure to have the right wheel, wheel
bolts, and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
{CAUTION:
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts on your vehicle
can be dangerous. It could affect the
braking and handling of your vehicle,
make your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have a collision
in which you or others could be injured.
Always use the correct wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts for replacement.Notice:The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance,
and tire or tire chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 358for more
information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You cannot know how it has
been used or how far it has been driven.
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
If you have to replace a wheel, use a new
GM original equipment wheel.
356

If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are
driving, especially if you maintain your vehicle’s
tires properly. If air goes out of a tire, it is
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, the at tire will create a drag
that pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take
your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel rmly. 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
would 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.{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to
do maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. The jack provided with your
vehicle is designed only for changing a
at tire. If it is used for anything else, you
or others could be badly injured or killed
if the vehicle slips off the jack. Use the
jack provided with your vehicle only for
changing a at tire.
If a tire goes at, the next part shows how to
use the jacking equipment to change a at
tire safely.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel
damage by driving slowly to a level place.
Turn on your hazard warning ashers.
358

Press the button and then pull on the end of the
wheel wrench to extend the handle.
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
1. It is recommended that you do a safety check
before preceding. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
on page 358
2. If your vehicle has plastic wheel covers, use
the wheel wrench to loosen the plastic wheel
nut caps.
Once you have loosened the plastic wheel
nut caps with the wheel wrench, you can nish
loosening them with your ngers. The plastic
nut caps do not come off.
364

3. Using the at end of the wheel wrench, pry
along the edge of the wheel cover until it
comes off.
Store the wheel cover in the trunk until you
have the at tire repaired or replaced.
4. Use the wheel wrench to loosen all the wheel
nuts. Do not remove them yet.
5. It is recommended that you do a safety check
before preceding. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
on page 358for more information.
Notice:Make sure that the jack lift head
is in the correct position or you may damage
your vehicle. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty.6. Position the jack lift head at the jack location
nearest the at tire. The front location is about
8 inches (20 cm) behind the front wheel
opening. The rear location is about 4 inches
(10 cm) in front of the rear wheel opening.
7. Raise the jack head until it ts rmly in the
vehicle’s frame, where the notch is located,
nearest the at tire.
365

Notice:Improperly tightened wheel nuts can
lead to brake pulsation and rotor damage. To
avoid expensive brake repairs, evenly tighten
the wheel nuts in the proper sequence and to
the proper torque specication. SeeCapacities
and Specifications on page 390for the wheel
nut torque specication.
15. Tighten the wheel nuts rmly in a crisscross
sequence, as shown.
Notice:Wheel covers will not t on your
vehicle’s compact spare. If you try to put a
wheel cover on the compact spare, the cover
or the spare could be damaged.Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{CAUTION:
Storing a jack, a tire, 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 all these in the
proper place.
4-Wheel Nuts5-Wheel Nuts
369

At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they
are inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget
to check the spare tire. SeeInation - Tire
Pressure on page 347. Check to make sure the
spare tire is stored securely. SeeChanging a Flat
Tire on page 358.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage
highway drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System
service notication. Check the tires for wear
and, if necessary, rotate the tires. SeeTire
Inspection and Rotation on page 349.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough
room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the
regular brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 123.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. On automatic transaxle vehicles, try to start
the engine in each gear. The vehicle should
start only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). If the
vehicle starts in any other position, contact
your GM Goodwrench
®dealer for service.
403

Roadside Assistance Program
In the U.S., call1-800-CHEV-USA
(1-800-243-8872).
In Canada, call1-800-268-6800.
Service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year.
As the owner of a new Chevrolet vehicle, you are
automatically enrolled in the Chevrolet Roadside
Assistance program.
Who is Covered?
Roadside Assistance coverage is for the vehicle
operator, regardless of ownership. In Canada,
a person driving this vehicle without the consent
of the owner is not eligible for coverage.
The following services are provided in the U.S.
during the Bumper-to-Bumper warranty period and,
in Canada, during the Base Warranty coverage
period of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty,
up to a maximum coverage of $100.
Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough fuel for the
vehicle to get to the nearest service station
(approximately $5 in Canada). Service to
provide diesel may be restricted. For safety
reasons, propane and other alternative fuels
will not be provided through this service.
Lock-out Service:To ensure security, the
driver must present personal identication
before lock-out service is provided. In Canada,
the vehicle registration is also required.
Lock-out service will be covered at no charge if
you are unable to gain entry into your vehicle.
A remote unlock may be available if you have
an active OnStar
®subscription.
Emergency Tow From a Public Roadway
or Highway:Tow to the nearest dealership
for warranty service or in the event of a
vehicle-disabling accident. Winch-out
assistance when the vehicle is mired in
sand, mud, or snow.
Flat Tire Change:Installation of a spare tire in
good condition, when equipped and properly
inated, is covered at no charge. The customer
is responsible for the repair or replacement of
the tire if not covered by a warrantable failure.
Jump Start:No-start occurrences which
require a battery jump start will be covered at
no charge.
420