Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual: 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 1.6mm (1/16 in) or less of tread remaining. See Tire Inspection and Tire Rotation.
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 factors including temperatures, loading conditions, and inflation pressure maintenance affect how fast aging takes place. GM recommends that tires, including the spare if equipped, be replaced after six years, regardless of tread wear. The tire manufacturer date is the last four digits of the DOT Tire Identification Number (TIN) which is molded into one side of the tire sidewall. 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.
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.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 12 000 km (7,500 mi). See Maintenance Schedule.
Tires are rotated to achieve a uniform wear for all tires. The first rotation
is the most important.
Anytime unusual w ...
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific tires for the vehicle. The original equipment
tires installed were designed to meet General Motors Tire Performance Criteria Specification
(TPC Spec) system r ...
Other materials:
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat)
When securing a child restraint in a rear seating position, study the instructions
that came with the child restraint to make sure it is compatible with this vehicle.
If the child restraint has the LATCH system, see Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) for how and where t ...
Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement (LUV)
Air Conditioning Compressor Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Preliminary Procedure
Recover the refrigerant. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the
...
Transmission Fluid Pump, Front Differential Carrier Baffle, and Front Differential
Ring Gear Installation (6T30)
Transmission Fluid Pump, Front Differential Carrier Baffle, and Front
Differential Ring Gear Installation
Callout
Component Name
1
Torque Converter and Differential Housing Seal
2
Fluid Pu ...
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