GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Compact Spare Tire

Your vehicle may have a compact spare tire. Although the compact spare tire was fully inflated when the vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time. Check the inflation pressure regularly. It should be 60 psi (420 kPa).

After installing the compact spare on the vehicle, stop as soon as possible and make sure the spare tire is correctly inflated. The compact spare is made to perform well at speeds up to 65 mph (105 km/h) for distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km), so you can finish your trip and have the full-size tire repaired or replaced at your convenience. Of course, it is best to replace the spare with a full-size tire as soon as possible. The spare tire will last longer and be in good shape in case it is needed again.

Notice: When the compact spare is installed, do not take the vehicle through an automatic car wash with guide rails. The compact spare can get caught on the rails which can damage the tire, wheel and other parts of the vehicle.

Do not use the compact spare on other vehicles.

And do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel with other wheels or tires. They will not fit. Keep the spare tire and its wheel together.

Notice: Tire chains will not fit the compact spare. Using them can damage the vehicle and can damage the chains too. Do not use tire chains on the compact spare.

Spare Tire

Your vehicle may have a spare tire, which, when new, was fully inflated. A spare tire may lose air over time, so check its inflation pressure regularly. See Inflation - Tire Pressure and Loading the Vehicle for information regarding proper tire inflation and loading your vehicle. For instructions on how to remove, install or store a spare tire, see Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire.

After installing the spare tire on your vehicle, you should stop as soon as possible and make sure the spare is correctly inflated. Have the damaged or flat road tire repaired or replaced as soon as you can and installed back onto your vehicle. This way, a spare tire will be available in case you need it again.

Your vehicle may have a different size spare tire than the road tire originally installed on your vehicle. This spare tire was developed for use on your vehicle, so it is all right to drive on it.

If your vehicle has a spare tire that does not match your vehicle's original road tires and wheels in size and type, do not include the spare in the tire rotation.