Useful information about a tire is molded into its sidewall. The examples show a typical passenger tire sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
(1) 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.
(2) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria Specification): Original equipment tires designed to GM's specific tire performance criteria have a TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.
GM's TPC specifications meet or exceed all federal safety guidelines.
(3) DOT (Department of Transportation): The Department of Transportation (DOT) code indicates that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
DOT Tire Date of Manufacture: The last four digits of the TIN indicate the tire manufactured date. The first two digits represent the week (01-52) and the last two digits, the year. For example, the third week of the year 2010 would have a four-digit DOT date of 0310.
(4) Tire Identification Number (TIN): The letters and numbers following the DOT code are the Tire Identification 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.
(5) Tire Ply Material: The type of cord and number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(6) 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 see Uniform Tire Quality Grading on page 10-52.
(7) Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit: Maximum load that can be carried and the maximum pressure needed to support that load.
Summer Tires
Tire DesignationsHands-Free Phone
General Information without Touchscreen
To use the hands-free phone on vehicles
without a touchscreen radio, press ,
select Onstar Hands-Free Calling, then enter the desired number.
General Information with Touchscreen
Vehicles with a Hands-Free Phone system can use a Bluetooth-capable cell p ...
Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver safety belt reminder light on the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their safety
belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several times if th ...
Rear Window Wiper/ Washer
If equipped with the rear wiper/ washer, the controls are on the end of the windshield
wiper lever.
Turn the rear wiper/washer band to operate the rear window wiper/ washer.
ON: Turns the rear wiper on for continuous wipes.
OFF: Turns the rear wiper off.
(Rear Washer): Sprays washer fluid ...