flat tire CHEVROLET VOLT 2011 Owner's Guide

Black plate (62,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
10-62 Vehicle Care
Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See“Wheel
Nut Torque” underCapacities
and Specifications on
page 12‑2.
{WARNING
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
changing a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places
where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency,
a cloth or a paper towel can
be used, however, use a
scraper or wire brush to
remove all rust or dirt. Lightly coat the center of the
wheel hub with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change
or tire rotation to prevent
corrosion or rust build-up.
Do not get grease on the flat
wheel mounting surface or
on the wheel nuts or bolts.
When It Is Time for New
Tires
Factors, such as maintenance,
temperatures, driving speeds,
vehicle loading, and road conditions
affect the wear rate of the tires.Treadwear indicators are one way
to tell when it is time for new tires.
Treadwear indicators appear when
the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in)
or less of tread remaining. See
Tire
Inspection on page 10‑61 and
Tire Rotation on page 10‑61
for additional information.

Black plate (63,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-63
The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple conditions
including temperatures, loading
conditions, and inflation pressure
maintenance affect how fast aging
takes place. Tires will typically
need to be replaced due to wear
before they may need to be
replaced due to age. Consult the tire
manufacturer for more information
on when tires should be replaced.Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle.
Park a vehicle that will be stored
for at least a month in a cool, dry,
clean area away from direct sunlight
to slow aging. This area should be
free of grease, gasoline, or other
substances that can deteriorate
rubber.
Parking for an extended period
can cause flat spots on the tires
that may result in vibrations while
driving. When storing a vehicle for
at least a month, remove the tires
or raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle.
The original equipment tires
installed on the vehicle, when
it was new, were designed to meet
General Motors Tire Performance
Criteria Specification (TPC Spec)
system rating. When replacement
tires are needed, GM strongly
recommends buying tires with the
same TPC Spec rating. This way,
the vehicle will continue to have
tires that are designed to give the
same performance and vehicle
safety, during normal use, as the
original tires.

Black plate (67,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-67
Temperature–A, B, C
The temperature grades
are A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and
its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause
the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade C corresponds to a
level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B
and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were
aligned and balanced at the
factory to provide the longest tire
life and best overall performance.
Adjustments to wheel alignment and
tire balancing will not be necessary
on a regular basis. However, check
the alignment if there is unusual tire
wear or the vehicle is pulling to one
side or the other. If the vehicle is
vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, the tires and wheels may need
to be rebalanced. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or
corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts and
wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it.
Some aluminum wheels can be
repaired. See your dealer if any
of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have
the same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset and be
mounted the same way as the
one it replaces.

Black plate (69,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-69
Used Replacement Wheels
{WARNING
Replacing a wheel with a used
one is dangerous. How it has
been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.
Tire Chains
{WARNING
Do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
suspension or other vehicle(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
parts. The area damaged by
the tire chains could cause
loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's
tire size combination and
road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions.
To avoid vehicle damage, drive
slow and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used,
install them on the front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
This vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit. SeeTire Sealant
and Compressor Kit on page 10‑71.
There is no spare tire, no tire
changing equipment, and no
place to store a tire.
To properly lift this vehicle, see
Lifting the Vehicle on page 10‑5.
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while driving, especially if the
tires are maintained properly.
See Tires on page 10‑48.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much
more likely to leak out slowly.

Black plate (70,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
10-70 Vehicle Care
But if there ever is a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect
and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will
create a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot
off the accelerator pedal and grip
the steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off
the road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction
as used in a skid. Stop pressing
the accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.{WARNING
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause
a blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon
as possible.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place and stopping, well
off the road, if possible.
1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers. See Hazard Warning
Flashers on page 6‑4.
2. Set the parking brake firmly. 3. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park on
page 9‑22.
4. Turn off the engine.
5. Inspect the flat tire.
If the tire has been separated from
the wheel, has damaged sidewalls,
or has a puncture larger than
6 mm (¼ in), the tire is too severely
damaged for the tire sealant and
compressor kit to be effective.
See Roadside Assistance Program
on page 13‑6.
If the tire has a puncture less
than 6 mm (¼ in) in the tread area
of the tire, see Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit on page 10‑71.

Black plate (71,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-71
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
{WARNING
Running the engine in Extended
Range Mode in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death. Never run the
engine in Extended Range Mode
in an enclosed area that has no
fresh air ventilation. For more
information, seeEngine Exhaust
on page 9‑30.
{WARNING
Overinflating a tire could cause
the tire to rupture and you or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the tire
sealant and compressor kit
instructions and inflate the tire
to its recommended pressure.
Do not exceed the recommended
pressure.
{WARNING
Storing the tire sealant
and compressor kit 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 the tire
sealant and compressor kit in
its original location. If this vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit, there may not be a
spare tire, tire changing equipment,
and on some vehicles there may not
be a place to store a tire.
The tire sealant and compressor
can be used to temporarily seal
punctures up to 6 mm (¼ in) in the
tread area of the tire. It can also be
used to inflate an underinflated tire.
If the tire has been separated from
the wheel, has damaged sidewalls,
or has a large puncture, the tire is
too severely damaged for the tire
sealant and compressor kit to be
effective. See
Roadside Assistance
Program on page 13‑6.
Read and follow all of the tire
sealant and compressor kit
instructions.

Black plate (72,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
10-72 Vehicle Care
The kit includes:A. Selector Switch(Sealant/Air or Air Only)
B. On/Off Button
C. Pressure Gauge
D. Pressure Deflation Button (If equipped)
E. Tire Sealant Canister
F. Sealant/Air Hose (Clear)
G. Air Only Hose (Black)
H. Power Plug
Tire Sealant
Read and follow the safe handling
instructions on the label adhered to
the sealant canister.
Check the tire sealant expiration
date on the sealant canister.
The sealant canister should be
replaced before its expiration date. Replacement sealant canisters
are available at your local dealer.
See
“Removal and Installation of
the Sealant Canister” following.
There is only enough sealant to
seal one tire. After usage, the
sealant canister and sealant/air
hose assembly must be replaced.
See “Removal and Installation of
the Sealant Canister” following.
Using the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit to
Temporarily Seal and
Inflate a Punctured Tire
Follow the directions closely for
correct sealant usage.

Black plate (73,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-73
When using the tire sealant
and compressor kit during cold
temperatures, warm the kit in a
heated environment for five minutes.
This will help to inflate the tire
faster.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 6‑4.
See If a Tire Goes Flat on
page 10‑69 for other important
safety warnings. Do not remove any objects that
have penetrated the tire.
1. Remove the tire sealant and
compressor kit from its storage
location. See Storing the Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit on
page 10‑78.
2. Unwrap the sealant/air hose (F) and the power plug (H).
3. Place the kit on the ground. Make sure the tire valve stem is
positioned close to the ground
so the hose will reach it.
4. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Attach the sealant/air hose (F) onto the tire valve stem. Turn it
clockwise until it is tight.

Black plate (74,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
10-74 Vehicle Care
6. Plug the power plug (H) into theaccessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
See Power Outlets on page 5‑8.
If the vehicle has an accessory
power outlet, do not use the
cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a cigarette
lighter, use the cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug
cord in the door or window.
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while using the
air compressor.
8. Turn the selector switch (A) counterclockwise to the Sealant
+ Air position. 9. Press the on/off button (B)
to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject
sealant and air into the tire.
The pressure gauge (C) will
initially show a high pressure
while the compressor pushes the
sealant into the tire. Once the
sealant is completely dispersed
into the tire, the pressure will
quickly drop and start to rise
again as the tire inflates with
air only.
10. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation
pressure using the pressure
gauge (C). The recommended
inflation pressure can be
found on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire
Pressure on page 10‑54. The pressure gauge (C) may
read higher than the actual tire
pressure while the compressor
is on. Turn the compressor off
to get an accurate pressure
reading. The compressor
may be turned on/off until the
correct pressure is reached.
Notice: If the recommended
pressure cannot be reached
after approximately 25 minutes,
the vehicle should not be driven
farther. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant and
compressor kit cannot inflate the
tire. Remove the power plug from
the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inflating hose from
the tire valve. See Roadside
Assistance Program on
page 13‑6.

Black plate (75,1)Chevrolet Volt Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-75
11. Press the on/off button (B)to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.
The tire is not sealed and
will continue to leak air until
the vehicle is driven and the
sealant is distributed in the tire;
therefore, Steps 12 through
18 must be done immediately
after Step 11.
Be careful while handling the
tire sealant and compressor
kit as it could be warm after
usage.
12. Unplug the power plug (H) from the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle.
13. Turn the sealant/air hose (F) counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire valve stem.
14. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
15. Replace the sealant/air hose (F), and the power
plug (H) back in their original
location.
16. If the flat tire was able to
inflate to the recommended
inflation pressure, remove the
maximum speed label from the
sealant canister (E) and place
it in a highly visible location.
The label is a reminder not to
exceed 90 km/h (55 mph) until
the damaged tire is repaired or
replaced.
17. Return the equipment to its original storage location in the
vehicle.
18. Immediately drive the vehicle 8 km (5 mi) to distribute the
sealant in the tire. 19. Stop at a safe location and
check the tire pressure.
Refer to Steps 1 through 11
under “Using the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit without
Sealant to Inflate a Tire
(Not Punctured).”
If the tire pressure has fallen
more than 68 kPa (10 psi)
below the recommended
inflation pressure, stop driving
the vehicle. The tire is too
severely damaged and the tire
sealant cannot seal the tire.
See Roadside Assistance
Program on page 13‑6.
If the tire pressure has not
dropped more than 68 kPa
(10 psi) from the recommended
inflation pressure, inflate the
tire to the recommended
inflation pressure.