18 Inch Accessory Wheels Available Through GM Accessories

This bulletin is being revised to add HHR to the models. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-03-10-011C (Section 03 -- Suspension).

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a reference guide for the technician to upgrade a vehicle from factory wheel and tires to 18" wheels and tires, which are available through GM Accessories. This guide will cover tires, wheels, vehicle modifications, and warranty information.

GM offers one tire, the Pirelli P-ZERO ROSSO 215/45R18, to be used in conjunction with the 18" accessory wheels. The Pirelli tire has a Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) spec of #1255, which meets or exceeds all federal safety guidelines.

Valve Stems

When installing accessory wheels, a new valve stem should also be installed.

Center Cap

Notice: Attempting to "hammer on" the caps may result in damage to the cap.

Install the center cap onto the wheel after the tire has been mounted and balanced, but BEFORE the assembly is installed onto the vehicle. The preferred method for center cap installation is by hand. As an alternate, use a non-metallic object to push the center cap into place.

Wheel (Lug) Nuts

Caution: : Incorrect wheel nuts or improperly tightened wheel nuts may cause the wheel to become loose and even come off. This could lead to an accident. Be sure to use the correct wheel nuts.

ALUMINUM WHEELS REQUIRE SPECIAL WHEEL NUTS. Each wheel nut should be tightened to 140 N·m (100 lb ft) using the tightening sequence illustrated above. The torque should be re-checked after the first 160 km (100 mi). To help protect the wheels from theft, a wheel lock kit is also available.

Care/Cleaning

Use soap, hot water and a 100% cotton cloth to clean and polish the new wheels. If using a wheel cleaner, be sure to select one that will not harm the wheel surface, such as GM Chrome and Wire Wheel Cleaner, P/N 1052929 (in Canada, use 10953202). Avoid car washes that use carbide tipped brushes, as these may damage the wheel's finish. Periodically clean the backside of the wheel to remove road grime, brake dust and grease.

Balancing

Use MC-style balance weights on the inboard rim and stick-on weights mounted on the outboard-center of the rim (behind the spokes).

BCM Reprogramming

Important: : BCM reprogramming not required on the Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged and the Chevrolet HHR.

For proper vehicle operation and to ensure coverage under the provisions of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, the vehicle must be reprogrammed with the correct calibration as soon as accessory wheels are installed.

After initiating the BCM setup procedure with the Tech 2®, select "Change Options" then "Select Wheel Size". The wheel size selections will then be displayed. Note that the current wheel size and tire RPO (17" QBU) will be highlighted. The new wheel size and tire RPO (18" QTJ) should then be selected from the list to program the correct calibration. Select "Save Options" on each of the remaining screens until completed.

Important: :  If original equipment tires/wheels are reinstalled, it will be necessary to reset the programming of the BCM to the original specifications.

Tire Label

Important: All tire and wheel packs are shipped with two different tire labels. The following is a breakdown on when each label should be used - dependent upon the model:

After installing the recommended 215/45R18 tires, place the provided tire label on the vehicle. The new tire label should be located within the red box, over the top of the original tire label found on the door jamb. To locate the label within the red box, use the upper and left hand edge of the red line as a guide. When properly placed, the new tire label will obscure the original tire information. Be sure that the surface is clean and dry. The surface temperature should not be less than 21°C (65°F). The label is provided as a guide for tire inflation pressures.

Wheels

Part and labor expense to install GM Accessory Wheels as well as labor to program any affected modules "IS NOT" covered under the terms of the Bumper to Bumper Warranty. All GM Accessories sold and permanently installed on a GM vehicle PRIOR to new vehicle delivery will be covered under the provisions of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

For the U.S., in the event GM Accessories are installed AFTER new vehicle delivery, or are replaced under the new vehicle warranty, they will be covered (parts and labor) for the balance of the vehicle warranty, but in no event less than 12 months/12,000 miles. This coverage is only effective for GM Accessories permanently installed by a GM dealer or a GM approved ADI (Accessory Distributor / Installer).

For Canada, in the event GM Accessories are installed AFTER new vehicle delivery, they will be covered (parts and labor) for the balance of the vehicle warranty, or up to 12 months/unlimited kilometers depending on month installed. For replacement after the new vehicle warranty expires, but within the 12 months/unlimited kilometers coverage, refer to claim type "B" guidelines.

GM Accessories sold over-the-counter, or those not requiring installation, will continue to receive the standard GM Dealer Parts Warranty of 12 months from the date of purchase (parts only).

Tires

Any approved tire installed on a GM Vehicle PRIOR to delivery will be covered under the provisions of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Tires are covered against defects in material and workmanship. Tires are warranted for defects "without" prorated charge for tread mileage. Subsequent replacements under this warranty will continue to be covered for the remainder of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Any approved tire installed on a GM Vehicle PRIOR to delivery may continue to be warranted on a prorated basis by the tire manufacturer once the New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires.

Any approved tire installed AFTER delivery will be covered under the provisions of the tire manufacturer warranty.

USA dealers should refer to GM Warranty Administration Bulletin 00-03-10-003I and GM Parts Process / Policy Bulletin IB03-001 for more information.

Canadian dealers should refer to GM Warranty Administration Bulletin 01-03-10-003C.

Only GM dealerships have the ability to file warranty claims for GM Parts and Accessories. Therefore, any warranty claims filed against such parts must be handled by the servicing GM dealership. This includes those parts purchased from a GM-approved ADI (Accessory Distributor / Installer).

You have just modified your vehicle by installing an "Accessory Package" which includes Wheels and Tires. This form contains important information about your accessory installation. In an effort to provide superior service to you, our customer, we ask that you please present this form to your Servicing Dealer when removing or installing wheels and tires on your vehicle. This form contains important information necessary to service your vehicle.