Driving characteristics of Rear-Wheel Drive and Available Winter TIres

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2008 model year, include the G8 model and update the Available Winter Tire information for the 2008 calendar year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-10-013A (Section 03 -- Suspension).

Many General Motors high performance models come factory equipped with tires that are optimized for maximum dry and wet road performance while still retaining satisfactory tread life, excellent durability, and low noise levels. In severe winter climates where snowfall may be significant, these tires may be found to provide less traction. Winter tires are a viable alternative that may greatly enhance winter driving. Recent General Motors performance oriented vehicles being introduced are rear wheel drive. Rear wheel drive takes advantage of the natural weight shift rearward during acceleration increasing dry road traction on the driven wheels. Rear wheel drive also contributes to neutral steering as it takes the burden off the front wheels to both power and turn the vehicle. The connection between the steering and the powertrain is also eliminated, removing any tendency for engine power to influence the steering under heavy acceleration or rough roads.

The vehicles listed in this bulletin are all rear-wheel drive. In ALL cases, if a decision is made to switch to winter tires, you MUST replace all four tires. When selecting winter tires, you should keep to the same size and aspect ratio as the original equipment tires, unless otherwise directed by the chart below. If you deviate from the original size, you may create clearance issues, speedometer error, and/or alter the handling characteristics of the vehicle. These factors have been considered in the recommendations below: no other variance in size should be considered.

Acknowledge Any Revised Speed Ratings and Adjust Your Driving Accordingly

Winter tires, in general, are optimized for increased traction on snow and ice. In some instances, this may translate into decreased dry road traction, increased road noise and shorter tread life. You should drive cautiously after switching tires and get acclimated to the new handling and braking performance characteristics. If winter tires are not available in the same speed rating as the original equipment tires, you must be sure not to exceed the speed rating of the winter tire chosen.

The tires listed in the chart below are some of the available choices in winter tires currently available in sizes that match the OE tire. Due to seasonal model changes and constantly changing availability, all of the tires listed below are not guaranteed to be in stock. We believe these sources and their equipment to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products or equipment from these firms or for any such items which may be available from other sources. A product's inclusion in the chart below does not imply any guaranteed level of performance. Purchase of any of the tires below is at the customer's cost and any and all warranties expressed are the sole responsibility of the tire manufacturer.

The following tires are available for order through the GM Goodwrench Tire Program. Some tires may specify revised load ratings and/or recommended pressures. Please note STS-V recommended winter tires are not run-flat tires. Customers may wish to purchase inflator kit GM #22732102 when using these tires.

Important: Please note that in all cases, winter tires are designed to be used as a set of 4 tires. Do Not install winter tires only on the driving wheels.

This service is provided at customer pay.