18 Inch Accessory Wheels Available Through GM Accessories

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2009 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-03-10-006A (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.

Saturn Aura

GM offers one tire, the Goodyear Eagle LS2 P225/50R18, to be used in conjunction with the 18" accessory wheels. The Goodyear Eagle tire has a Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) spec of #1257MS, which meets or exceeds all federal safety guidelines.

2006-2007 Pontiac G6

If the vehicle was originally equipped with 17" wheels, GM offers one tire, the Goodyear Eagle LS2 P225/50R18, to be used in conjunction with the 18" accessory wheels. The Goodyear Eagle tire has a Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) spec of #1257MS, which meets or exceeds all federal safety guidelines.

If the vehicle was originally equipped with 18" wheels, GM offers two tires, the Goodyear Eagle LS2 P225/50R18 and the Bridgestone Pontenza RE050A P225/50R18 94W HW4, to be used in conjunction with the 18" accessory wheels. The Goodyear Eagle tire has a Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) spec of #1257MS and the Bridgestone Pontenza tire has a Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) spec of #1291. Both meet or exceed all federal safety guidelines. The tires are not interchangeable (so please maintain the Goodyear tire if it was originally equipped).

If the vehicle is a convertible, GM offers one tire, the Goodyear Eagle LS2 P225/50R18, to be used in conjunction with the 18" accessory wheels. The Goodyear Eagle tire has a Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) spec of #1257MS, which meets or exceeds all federal safety guidelines.

2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6

GM offers one tire, either the Goodyear Eagle LS2 P225/50R18 (U.S. & Canada Only) or the Bridgestone Pontenza RE050A P225/50R18 94W HW4 (Mexico Only), to be used in conjunction with the 18" accessory wheels. The Goodyear Eagle tire has a Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) spec of #1257MS and the Bridgestone Pontenza tire has a Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) spec of #1291. Both meet or exceed all federal safety guidelines.

Valve Stems / TPM

When installing accessory wheels, a new valve stem should also be installed. Some 2007 models may be originally equipped with TPM installed. Verify and install sensors in the new wheels. For 2008 and newer, all models listed will have TPM. Be sure to reset the TPM sensor system if the original sensors were re-installed but put in different positions. Also, if new sensors were installed, the system will need to be recalibrated to recognize the new sensors. Please follow the proper procedures in SI.

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 P/N 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 only stick-on weights mounted on the outboard-center of the rim (behind the spokes) and on the inboard edge of the rim.

ECM Reprogramming

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.

Important: ECM reprogramming is only required on vehicles when upsizing from 17" tires/wheels to 18" tires/wheels.

It will be necessary to reprogram the ECM for speedometer accuracy. Contact Techline (1-800-828-6860 [English] or 1-800-503-3222 [French]) to obtain a VCI number. Record this number on the form below. Use Service Programming System (SPS).

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

Tire Label

Important: Vehicles originally equipped with 18" tires DO NOT need a new label.

After installing the recommended 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.

Spare Tire Hardware Kit (G6 Only)

Spare tire hardware kit, P/N 19165740, is only required on vehicles when upsizing from factory 17" tires/wheels to 18" tires/wheels. This is to enable stowage of the Accessory wheel with a flat road tire.

Calibration Information Documentation

1. Make a copy of the "Accessory Wheel and Tire Information Form" included in this bulletin.
2. Provide all information required on the form.
3. Make a copy of the completed form for the customer to keep in the vehicle along with their Owner's Manual.
4. File the original completed form in the Dealership's Vehicle Service History folder.

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 00-03-10-003M and GM Parts Process/Policy Bulletin IB03-001 for more information.

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

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.