tires CHEVROLET SS 2016 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: CHEVROLET, Model Year: 2016, Model line: SS, Model: CHEVROLET SS 2016Pages: 397, PDF Size: 7.17 MB
Page 218 of 397

Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-9234782) - 2016 -
CRC - 8/24/15
Driving and Operating 217
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
. Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
. Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.
. Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.
. Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) allows steering while
braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge. 3. Turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
. Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 219 of 397

Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-9234782) - 2016 -
CRC - 8/24/15
218 Driving and Operating
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues —such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.Track Events and
Competitive Driving
Track events or competitive driving
may affect the vehicle warranty. See
the warranty manual before using
the vehicle for track testing or other
competitive driving.
Caution
If the vehicle is used for track
events and competitive driving,
the engine may use more oil than
it would with normal use. Low oil
levels can damage the engine.
Check the oil level often and
maintain the proper level. See
Engine Oil 0271
ii.
Engine Oil
Be sure to check the oil level often
during racing or other competitive
driving and keep the level at or near
the upper mark that shows the
proper operating range on the
engine oil dipstick. For track events or competitive
driving, it is recommended that the
brake fluid be replaced with a high
performance brake fluid that has a
dry boiling point greater than 279 °C
(534 °F). After conversion to the
high performance brake fluid, follow
the brake fluid service
recommendations outlined by the
fluid manufacturer. Do not use
silicone or DOT-5 brake fluids.
To prepare the brake systems for
track events and racing, complete
the appropriate high performance
brake burnishing procedure
described below.
Brake Burnishing
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or other competitive
driving.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnish
procedure, otherwise damage
(Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
Page 221 of 397

Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-9234782) - 2016 -
CRC - 8/24/15
220 Driving and Operating
competitive driving. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0354
ii.
Caution
During a first time track or racing
event, high rear axle
temperatures can occur. Damage
could be caused to the rear axle
and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not drive as
long or as fast the first time the
vehicle is driven on the track or
raced.
For extended track use, GM
recommends installing a rear
differential cooler to protect the
rear axle.
Wheel Alignment
For racing and competitive driving,
the vehicle load should be limited to
the driver only and no cargo. The
tires should be inflated cold to at
least 250 kPa (36 psi).
Caution
Using these wheel alignment
settings may cause excessive tire
wear. Only use these wheel
alignment settings for racing or
competitive driving. Excessive tire
wear is not covered under the
vehicle warranty.
Front Alignment Specification
. Caster: 6.0 +/- 1.25 degrees
. Camber: -0.9 +/- 0.1 degrees
. Total or Sum Toe: 0.17 +/-
0.17 degrees
Rear Alignment Specification
. Camber: -0.4 +/- 0.10 degrees
. Total or Sum Toe: 0.2 +/-
0.20 degrees
Thrust Angle: 0 +/- 0.20 degrees
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 222 of 397

Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-9234782) - 2016 -
CRC - 8/24/15
Driving and Operating 221
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0299
ii.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 223 of 397

Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-9234782) - 2016 -
CRC - 8/24/15
222 Driving and Operating
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0242
ii.
. The Antilock Brake System
(ABS) improves vehicle stability
during hard stops, but the
brakes should be applied sooner
than when on dry pavement.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0239
ii.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear.
Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0365
ii. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
that is away from the wind,
to bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
(Continued)
ProCarManuals.com
Page 224 of 397

Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-9234782) - 2016 -
CRC - 8/24/15
Driving and Operating 223
Warning (Continued)
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0233
ii.
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to
signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible, to
save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 242
ii.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you
or others could be injured. The
vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any traction
system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low
forward gear, spinning the wheels
as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear.
Slowly spinning the wheels in the
forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out,
see
Towing the Vehicle 0334
ii.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it may
properly carry: the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification label.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 225 of 397

Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-9234782) - 2016 -
CRC - 8/24/15
224 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
reduce stopping distance,
damage the tires, and shorten
the life of the vehicle. Tire and Loading Information
Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle's center
pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and
Loading Information label shows
the number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds. The Tire and Loading
Information label also shows the
tire size of the original
equipment tires (3) and the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation
see
Tires 0299
iiand Tire
Pressure 0305
ii.
There is also important loading
information on the Certification
label. It may show the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for the front and
rear axle. See “Certification
Label” later in this section.
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit–
1.Locate the statement "The
combined weight of
occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s
placard.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 247 of 397

Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-9234782) - 2016 -
CRC - 8/24/15
246 Driving and Operating
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Sport: Adjusted for use with MRC
Touring and Sport Mode.
Competitive: For spirited and track
driving.
Bi Modal Exhaust
The Bi Modal exhaust system has
valves in the exhaust tail pipes to
alter the tone of the exhaust sound.
Touring: Exhaust valves are closed.
Sport: Exhaust valves operate to
provide a sporty exhaust character.
Track Driver Mode
Track Driver Mode and Launch
Control are systems designed to
allow increased performance while
accelerating and/or cornering. This
is accomplished by regulating and
optimizing the engine, brakes, andsuspension performance. These
modes are for use at a closed
course race track and are not
intended for use on public roads.
These systems will not compensate
for driver inexperience or lack of
familiarity with the race track.
{Warning
Track Driver Mode and Launch
Control change the way
StabiliTrak and TCS perform and
should not be used on public
roads. These modes should only
be used on closed courses by
experienced drivers.
Caution
Attempting to shift when the drive
wheels are spinning and do not
have traction may cause damage
to the transmission. Damage
caused by misuse of the vehicle
is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not attempt to shift
when the drive wheels do not
have traction.
Racing will result in the premature
wear of brakes, tires, and driveline
components. Inspect and replace
components as necessary.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 267 of 397

Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-9234782) - 2016 -
CRC - 8/24/15
266 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 267
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 267
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 273
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 274
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 275
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 280
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283 Battery - North America . . . . . . 284
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 286
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 287
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 287
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 288
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 289
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 290
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 301
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 316
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
ProCarManuals.com
Page 284 of 397

Chevrolet SS Sedan Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S.-9234782) - 2016 -
CRC - 8/24/15
Vehicle Care 283
be heard all the time when 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
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
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. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0358
ii.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer 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 may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with GM approved
DOT 4 brake fluid as indicated on
the reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0270
iifor
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
ProCarManuals.com