SATURN ASTRA 2008 Owners Manual
Manufacturer: SATURN, Model Year: 2008, Model line: ASTRA, Model: SATURN ASTRA 2008Pages: 304, PDF Size: 1.92 MB
Page 231 of 304
(D) Tire Identi cation Number
(TIN):The letters and numbers
following DOT (Department
of Transportation) code is the
Tire Identi cation 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.
(E) Tire Ply Material
:The type
of cord and number of plies in the
sidewall and under the tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality
Grading (UTQG)
:Tire
manufacturers are required to
grade tires based on three
performance factors: treadwear,
traction, and temperature
resistance. For more information
seeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 9-56.(G) Maximum Cold In ation
Load Limit
:Maximum load
that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to
support that load.
(A) Tire Ply Material
:The type
of cord and number of plies in the
sidewall and under the tread.(B) 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 50 mph
(80 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.
SeeCompact Spare Tire on
page 9-67andIf a Tire
Goes Flat on page 9-60.
(C) Tire Identi cation
Number (TIN)
:The letters and
numbers following the DOT
(Department of Transportation)
code is the Tire Identi cation
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.
Compact Spare Tire Example
Vehicle Service and Care 9-41
ProCarManuals.com
Page 232 of 304
(D) Maximum Cold In ation
Load Limit:Maximum load that
can be carried and the maximum
pressure needed to support
that load.
(E) Tire In ation
:The
temporary use tire or compact
spare tire should be in ated
to 60 psi (420 kPa). For more
information on tire pressure
and in ation seeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-46.
(F) Tire Size
:A combination of
letters and numbers de ne 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.(G) TPC Spec (Tire
Performance Criteria
Speci cation)
:Original
equipment tires designed to
GM’s speci c tire performance
criteria have a TPC speci cation
code molded onto the sidewall.
GM’s TPC speci cations meet
or exceed all federal safety
guidelines.
Tire Size
The following illustration shows
an example of a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:The United States version of a
metric tire sizing system.
The letter P as the rst
character in the tire size
means a passenger vehicle tire
engineered to standards set by
the U.S. Tire and Rim
Association.
(B) Tire Width
:The three-digit
number indicates the tire section
width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio
:A two-digit
number that indicates the tire
height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size
aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item C of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire’s sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
9-42 Vehicle Service and Care
ProCarManuals.com
Page 233 of 304
(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to indicate
the type of ply construction in
the tire. The letter R means
radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or
bias ply construction; and the
letter B means belted-bias
ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description
:These characters represent the
load range and speed rating
of the tire. The load index
represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certi ed to
carry. The load index can range
from 1 to 279. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certi ed to carry a load.
Speed ratings range from A to Z.
Tire Terminology and
De nitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch
of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means
the combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples
of optional accessories are,
automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire’s height to its width.
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 Tire 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 9-46.
Curb Weight
: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.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-43
ProCarManuals.com
Page 234 of 304
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 Identi cation
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 the Vehicle
on page 8-30.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 8-30.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle.
SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 8-30.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 In ation
Pressure
:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire
can be in ated. The maximum
air pressure is molded onto
the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible in ation
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
the Vehicle on page 8-30.
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.
9-44 Vehicle Service and Care
ProCarManuals.com
Page 235 of 304
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used on passenger cars
and some light duty trucks
and multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended In ation
Pressure
:Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended
tire in ation pressure as shown
on the tire placard. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on
page 9-46andLoading
the Vehicle on page 8-30.
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 9-53.
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 9-56.Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The number of designated
seating positions multiplied
by 150 lbs (68 kg) plus the
rated cargo load. SeeLoading
the Vehicle on page 8-30.
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 in ation pressure.
See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” under
Loading the Vehicle on
page 8-30.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-45
ProCarManuals.com
Page 236 of 304
In ation - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount
of air pressure to operate
effectively.
Notice:Do not let anyone tell
you that under-in ation or
over-in ation is all right. It is
not. If your tires do not have
enough air (under-in ation),
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-in ation), you can get
the following:
Unusual wear
Poor handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from
road hazardsA vehicle speci c Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to your vehicle.
This label shows your vehicle’s
original equipment tires and
the correct in ation pressures for
your tires when they are cold.
The recommended cold tire
in ation 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
the Vehicle on page 8-30.
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, it
should be at 60 psi (420 kPa).
For additional information
regarding the compact spare
tire, seeCompact Spare Tire on
page 9-67.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type
gage to check tire pressure.
You cannot tell if your tires are
properly in ated simply by
looking at them. Radial tires may
look properly in ated even
when they are under-in ated.
Check the tire’s in ation
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).
9-46 Vehicle Service and Care
ProCarManuals.com
Page 237 of 304
Remove the valve cap from the
tire valve stem. Press the
tire gage rmly onto the valve to
get a pressure measurement.
If the cold tire in ation pressure
matches the recommended
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label, no
further adjustment is necessary.
If the in ation pressure is low,
add air until you reach the
recommended amount.
If you over ll 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.High-Speed Operation
{CAUTION
Driving at high speeds, 100 mph
(160 km/h) or higher, puts an
additional strain on tires.
Sustained high-speed driving
causes excessive heat build up
and can cause sudden tire
failure. You could have a crash
and you or others could be
killed. Some high-speed rated
tires require in ation pressure
adjustment for high speed
operation. When speed limits
and road conditions are such
that a vehicle can be driven at
high speeds, make sure the
tires are rated for high speed
operation, in excellent
condition, and set to the correct
cold tire in ation pressure for
the vehicle load.If the vehicle has P205/55R16 size
tires, additional air pressure is
required when driving the vehicle at
speeds of 99 mph (158 km/h) or
higher. Set the cold tire in ation
pressure to the maximum in ation
pressure shown on the tire sidewall,
or 32 psi (220 kPa), whichever is
lower. See the example following.
Example:
The maximum load and in ation
pressure is molded on the tire’s
sidewall, in small letters, near the
rim ange. It reads something
like this: Maximum load 710 kg
(1565 lbs) 350 kPa (51 psi) Max.
Press.
For this example, the cold tire
in ation pressure for high-speed
driving should be set at 32 psi
(220 kPa).
Vehicle Service and Care 9-47
ProCarManuals.com
Page 238 of 304
When high-speed driving ends,
return the tire pressure to the
recommended cold in ation
pressure shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 8-30.
Tire pressure should be checked
and correctly set when the tires are
cold. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 9-46.
Tire Pressure Monitor
System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in your vehicle’s tires
and transmit tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare
(if provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and in ated to
the in ation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire in ationpressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than
the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire in ation pressure
label, you should determine the
proper tire in ation pressure
for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with
a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low
tire pressure telltale when one or
more of your tires is signi cantly
under-in ated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires
as soon as possible, and in ate them
to the proper pressure. Driving on
a signi cantly under-in ated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-in ation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle’s handling and stopping
ability.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-in ation 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 ash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists.
9-48 Vehicle Service and Care
ProCarManuals.com
Page 239 of 304
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 9-50for
additional information.Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) and
Industry and Science Canada
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) operates on a radio
frequency and complies with
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation.The TPMS operates on a radio
frequency and complies with
RSS-210 of Industry and Science
Canada. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause
interference.
2. This device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the
device.
Changes or modi cations to this
system by other than an authorized
service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-49
ProCarManuals.com
Page 240 of 304
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(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. The TPMS sensors
monitor the air pressure in the
vehicle’s tires and transmit tire
pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition
is detected, the TPMS illuminates
the low tire pressure warning
light located in the instrument
panel cluster.The low tire pressure warning light
comes on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are in ated to
the correct in ation pressure.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather
when the vehicle is rst started, and
then turn off as you start to drive.
This could be an early indicator that
the air pressure in the tire(s) are
getting low and need to be in ated
to the proper pressure.
You must begin driving before the
TPMS system is operational.
TPMS sensors need to be installed
onto the full-size tire and wheel
assemblies, and the tires adjusted
to the manufacturers’ recommended
tire pressure amount.
A Tire and Load Information label is
attached to the vehicle, and shows
the size of the vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct
in ation pressure for the tires when
they are cold. SeeLoading the
Vehicle on page 8-30, for anexample of the Tire and Load
Information label and its location on
the vehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 9-46.
The vehicle’s TPMS can warn you
about a low tire pressure condition
but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 9-51andTires
on page 9-38.
Notice:Liquid tire sealants
could damage the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) sensors.
Sensor damage caused by
using a tire sealant is not covered
by your warranty. Do not use
liquid tire sealants.
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identi cation code. Any time
you replace one or more of the
TPMS sensors or rotate the
vehicle’s tires, the identi cation
codes are automatically learned by
the TPMS. This occurs within a
few moments of driving the vehicle
over 19 mph (31 km/h).
9-50 Vehicle Service and Care
ProCarManuals.com