tire pressure CHEVROLET OPTRA 5 2006 1.G User Guide

Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-56.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) motor vehicle
safety standards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identification Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator
which can also identify the tire manufacturer, production
plant, brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-28.GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-28.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-28.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned number ranging from
1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying capacity
of a tire.
Maximum Ination Pressure:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire may be inflated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of curb
weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight;
and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The number of occupants a
vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 lbs (68 kg).
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-28.
5-54

Occupant Distribution:Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of an asymmetrical
tire that has a particular side that faces outward when
mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire that contains a
whitewall, bears white lettering, or bears manufacturer,
brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same moldings on the other sidewall of
the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used on passenger
cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose
vehicles.
Recommended Ination Pressure:Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended tire inflation pressure and
shown on the tire placard. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-56andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-28.
Radial Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim:A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Sidewall:The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
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 5-58.
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 5-60.
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 4-28.
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” under
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-28.
5-55

Ination - 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 hazardsA 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, seeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-28. 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. For additional information
regarding the compact spare tire, seeCompact
Spare Tire on page 5-73.
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).
5-56

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.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your 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 5-58andWheel Replacement
on page 5-62for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first rotation
is the most important. SeePart A: Scheduled
Maintenance Services on page 6-4.When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Do not include the compact spare tire in the tire
rotation.
5-57

After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the tire and loading
information label. SeeLoading Your Vehicle on
page 4-28for an example of the tire and loading
information label and where it is located on your vehicle.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.
See “Wheel Nut Torque” underCapacities and
Specifications on page 5-88.
{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 needed, to get all
the rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-64.
When It Is Time for 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 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
cannot be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.
5-58

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.
To store a flat or spare tire, do the following:
1. Put the flat or spare tire in the compact spare tire
compartment, then secure the retainer.
2. Store the jack in its housing in the cargo area.
Secure the jack by turning the retainer clockwise.
3. Store the tools securely in the foam tray and place
the tray on top of the tire.
4. Replace the trim cover.
The compact spare tire is for temporary use only.
Replace the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as
soon as you can. SeeCompact Spare Tire on
page 5-73.
Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated
when your vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time.
Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 kPa).
After installing the compact spare on your vehicle, you
should stop as soon as possible and make sure your
spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare is
made to perform well at speeds up to 50 mph (80 km/h),
so you can finish your trip and have your full-size tire
repaired or replaced where you want. Of course, it is best
to replace your spare with a full-size tire as soon as you
can. Your spare will last longer and be in good shape in
case you need it again.
Notice:When the compact spare is installed, do not
take your vehicle through an automatic car wash with
guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the
rails. That can damage the tire and wheel, and maybe
other parts of your vehicle.
Do not use your compact spare on other vehicles.
And do not mix your compact spare tire or wheel with
other wheels or tires. They will not fit. Keep your spare
tire and its wheel together.
Notice:Tire chains will not t your compact spare.
Using them can damage your vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Do not use tire chains on
your compact spare.
5-73

18,000 Miles (30 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
21,000 Miles (35 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
24,000 Miles (40 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +)
27,000 Miles (45 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
❑Replace engine air cleaner filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17for more information.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect drive belt(s).
❑Inspect timing belt.
❑Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer
perform this service. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-20for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
6-8

48,000 Miles (80 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
51,000 Miles (85 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
54,000 Miles (90 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
57,000 Miles (95 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
❑Replace engine air cleaner filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17for more information.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace spark plug wires.An Emission Control
Service.
❑Inspect drive belt(s).
❑Replace timing belt.
❑Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer
perform this service. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-20for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
6-10

78,000 Miles (130 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
81,000 Miles (135 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
84,000 Miles (140 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
87,000 Miles (145 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
90,000 Miles (150 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you
drive regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
❑Replace engine air cleaner filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17for more information.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Replace spark plugs.An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace fuel filter.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote †.)
❑Inspect drive belt(s).
❑Inspect timing belt.
❑Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer
perform this service. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-20for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
6-12

❑Inspect timing belt.
❑Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer
perform this service. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-20for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
radiator, condenser, pressure cap, and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
❑Inspect EVAP canister, vapor lines, and EVAP vent
solenoid valve.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote †.)
❑Inspect PCV system.An Emission Control Service.
(See footnote †.)
❑Change brake/clutch fluid (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first).
37,500 Miles (62 500 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Replace passenger compartment air filter. If you drive
regularly under dusty conditions, the filter may
require replacement more often.
❑Inspect engine air cleaner filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17for more information.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and additional
information.(See footnote +.)
❑Inspect drive belt(s).
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
❑Change engine oil and filter and replace engine oil
pan drain plug washer (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).An Emission Control Service.
❑Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-57for proper rotation pattern and
additional information.(See footnote +.)
6-15