spare wheel PONTIAC G6 2010 Owners Manual

Center High-Mounted
Stoplamp (CHMSL) (Retractable Hardtop
and Coupe)..............................................6-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps (Sedan)........................6-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps (Coupe)........................6-51
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker, Stoplamps
and Back-up Lamps (Retractable Hardtop)......6-53
License Plate Lamp......................................6-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................6-54
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............6-55
Tires..............................................................6-56
Winter Tires.................................................6-57
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................6-58
Tire Terminology and Definitions.....................6-61
Inflation - Tire Pressure.................................6-64
High-Speed Operation...................................6-66
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................6-66
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................6-67
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................6-73
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................6-74
Buying New Tires.........................................6-75Different Size Tires and Wheels......................6-77
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................6-78
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................6-79
Wheel Replacement......................................6-79
Tire Chains..................................................6-81
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................6-81
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit....................6-82
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage.........6-89
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................6-90
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................6-91
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................6-93
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............6-99
Compact Spare Tire....................................6-106
Appearance Care..........................................6-107
Interior Cleaning.........................................6-107
Fabric/Carpet..............................................6-108
Leather......................................................6-109
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................6-109
Care of Safety Belts....................................6-110
Weatherstrips.............................................6-110
Washing Your Vehicle..................................6-110
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-2

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 your original equipment
tires.
Winter tires with the same speed rating as your original
equipment tires may not be available for H, V, W
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.Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
6-58

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper
tire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS
malfunction indicator to indicate when the system
is not operating properly. The TPMS malfunction
indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and then remain
continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue
upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system
may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation of replacement or
alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always check the TPMS
malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue
to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-67for
additional information.Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry and Science
Canada
SeeRadio Frequency Statement on page 8-18
for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
RSS-210/211 of Industry and Science Canada.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the
driver when a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS
sensors are mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly,
excluding the spare tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS
sensors monitor the air pressure in the vehicle’s tires and
transmits the tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS turns on the low
tire pressure warning light
located on the instrument
panel cluster.
6-67

TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of the
TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light
flashes for about one minute and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning message
is also displayed. The low tire warning light and DIC
warning message come on at each ignition cycle until
the problem is corrected. Some of the conditions that
can cause the malfunction light and DIC message to
come on are:
•One of the road tires has been replaced with the
spare tire. The spare tire does not have a TPMS
sensor. The TPMS malfunction light and DIC
message should go off once you re-install the
road tire containing the TPMS sensor.
•The TPMS sensor matching process was started but
not completed or not completed successfully after
rotating the vehicle’s tires. The DIC message and
TPMS malfunction light should go off once the TPMS
sensor matching process is performed successfully.
See “TPMS Sensor Matching Process” later in this
section.
•One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The DIC message and the TPMS
malfunction light should go off when the TPMS
sensors are installed and the sensor matching
process is performed successfully. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
•Replacement tires or wheels do not match your
vehicle’s original equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those recommended for your
vehicle could prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. SeeBuying New Tires on page 6-75.
•Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or
signal a low tire condition. See your dealer/retailer for
service if the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message
comes on and stays on.
6-69

Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle’s tires, including the spare tire, for signs
of wear or damage. SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 6-74for more information.
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km). SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 7-3.
The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achieve
a uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. This will
ensure that your vehicle continues to perform most
like it did when the tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate the 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 6-74andWheel
Replacement on page 6-79.When rotating the vehicle’s tires, always use the
correct rotation pattern shown here.
Do not include the compact spare tire in the tire
rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. SeeInation - Tire
Pressure on page 6-64andLoading the Vehicle on
page 5-18.
6-73

GM recommends replacing tires in sets of four.
This is because uniform tread depth on all tires will
help keep your vehicle performing most like it did
when the tires were new. Replacing less than a
full set of tires can affect the braking and handling
performance of your vehicle. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 6-73for information on
proper tire rotation.
{WARNING:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control
while driving. If you mix tires of different
sizes, brands, or types (radial and bias-belted
tires), the vehicle may not handle properly,
and you could have a crash. Using tires of
different sizes, brands, or types may also
cause damage to your vehicle. Be sure to
use the correct size, brand, and type of tires
on all wheels. It is all right to drive with your
compact spare temporarily, as it was
developed for use on your vehicle. See
Compact Spare Tire on page 6-106.
{WARNING:
If you use bias-ply tires on the vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use
only radial-ply tires with the wheels on the
vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s tires with those
that do not have a TPC Spec number, make sure
they are the same size, load range, speed rating,
and construction type (radial and bias-belted tires)
as your vehicle’s original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring
system could give an inaccurate low-pressure
warning if non-TPC Spec rated tires are installed
on your vehicle. Non-TPC Spec rated tires may
give a low-pressure warning that is higher or lower
than the proper warning level you would get with
TPC Spec rated tires. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
System on page 6-66.
6-76

{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
1⁄4inch (6 mm) in
the tread area of the tire. It can also be used to inflate
an under inflated 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. SeeRoadside Assistance Program on
page 8-7.
Read and follow all of the tire sealant and compressor
kit instructions.The kit includes:
A. On/Off Button
B. Selector Switch
(Sealant/Air or
Air Only)
C. Pressure Relief
ButtonD. Pressure Gage
E. Air Only Hose (Black)
F. Sealant/Air
Hose (Clear)
G. Power Plug
6-83

A. Wheel Block
B. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to use the jack
and change a tire.
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The equipment you will need is located in the trunk.
1. If you have a retractable hardtop model, make sure
the hardtop is in the up position.
2. Open the trunk. SeeTrunk on page 3-11for more
information.3. If you have a sedan or coupe model, remove the
spare tire cover.
If you have a retractable hardtop model, unlatch the
trunk cargo cover so that it is in the open position.
Then remove the cover from the spare tire.
4. Turn the wing nut counterclockwise and remove it.
Then remove the compact spare tire. SeeCompact
Spare Tire on page 6-106for more information.
5. Remove the wing nut holding the jack in place.
6. Remove the extension bolt that is clipped to
the jack. You will need this later to store the flat tire.
7. Remove the jack and wheel wrench from the trunk.
6-91

3. Extend the handle on the wheel wrench by pressing
the button with your index finger and pulling on the
end of the wrench. You must do this before
using the wheel wrench.
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire
1. It is recommended a safety check is done before
proceeding. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 6-90
for more information.
2. If your vehicle has a wheel cover or hubcap that
has plastic wheel nut caps, then loosen the plastic
nut caps. You may need to use the wheel wrench
to loosen them. Do not pry off wheel covers or
center caps that have plastic wheel nut caps.
3. Remove the wheel cover or center cap from the
wheel to locate the wheel nuts.
If your vehicle has a wheel cover or hubcap without
plastic wheel nut caps, gently pry on the edge of
the plastic wheel trim to remove it from the wheel
to find the wheel nuts.
Store the wheel cover in the trunk until the flat is
repaired or replaced.
6-93

4. Use the wheel wrench to loosen all the wheel nuts.
Do not remove them yet.5. Position the lift head at the jack location nearest the
flat tire. Make sure all of the jack lift head is touching
the jacking flange under the body. Do not place the
jack under a body panel. The lower body panel has
an arrow to aid in locating the jacking location.
6. Put the compact spare tire near the flat tire being
changed.
6-94