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:
Collision Damage Repair
If the vehicle is involved in a collision and it is damaged, have the damage
repaired by a qualified technician using the proper equipment and quality replacement
parts. Poorly performed collision repairs diminish the vehicle resale value, and
safety performance can be compromised in subsequen ...
Exhaust Camshaft Removal
Remove the camshaft bearing cap bolts in a spiral sequence as shown one
turn at a time until there is no spring tension pushing on the camshaft.
Note: Mind the markings on the camshaft bearing caps to ensure
they will be installed in the same position.
Remove the ...
Fuel Tank Replacement
Removal Procedure
Disconnect the battery negative cable. Refer to
Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection.
Relieve the fuel pressure. Refer to
Fuel Pressure Relief.
Drain the fuel Tank. Refer to
Fuel Tank Draining.
Lift and support the vehicle. Refer ...
0.0059