TIRE WARRANTIES IRREGULAR/PREMATURE WEAR
MODELS: ALL LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS
As in the past, tires continue to be warranted by the tire manufacturer against defects in material or workmanship. Details of this limited warranty may be found in each tire company warranty booklet, which is part of the glove box material. The GM Warranty and Owner Assistance Booklet also now states that the GM dealer will assist the customer in obtaining a tire adjustment if necessary. Tire conditions caused by vehicle defects are warranted by General Motors. This statement is now included in the GM Warranty and Owner Assistance Booklet. This applies during the basic coverage period, which is 12 Months/ 12,000 Miles, and should be applied to all past and current models. Examples of tire conditions that fall within GM's responsibility may include tire damage during vehicle assembly, tire damage due to tire-to-vehicle interference, and irregular/premature tire wear. Tire wear due to abusive driving is not covered by warranty. Irregular/premature tire wear is aggravated by excessive toe-in (or toe-out). Excessive camber can also be a contributor, as can operating conditions, such as city driving with a lot of cornering. Irregular tire wear usually occurs on non-drive axles, such as the front wheel positions of rear drive vehicles. An early indication may be an increase in tire noise. In most cases, modified "X" tire rotation, which is a scheduled maintenance at 7500 miles, will equalize tire wear (See Figure No. 1). Some amount of wear is expected and should be considered normal. To determine if questionable tires meet the replacement criteria, follow the particular service procedure outlined for that brand tire. Whenever tires are replaced due to vehicle caused premature wear, alignment should be checked and reset to specification if necessary.
FIRESTONE AND GOODYEAR
IF WITHIN THE NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY PERIOD (12/12): -------------------------------------------------
A. Outer shoulder wear has progressed to the point that the outer shoulder is smooth (no tread visible), replace both front tires.
B. The outer shoulder tread is visible, use a tread depth gage (such as provided with Truck Service Bulletin 86-B-94) to determine the extent of the wear. Measurements must be made in a full depth tread groove shown in Figure No. 2. If tread depth is 5/32" or less, tire replacement will be necessary. It should be noted that at 5/32" tread depth the tire is normally only half worn in this area. If greater than 5/32", the tires should be rotated using the modified "X" pattern (See Figure No. 1). This method will best equalize wear after a few thousand miles.
GENERAL AND UNIROYAL
IF WITHIN THE NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY PERIOD (12/12): -------------------------------------------------
A. If only slight cupping is noticed, and the cross grooves in the tire's outside shoulder are still visible (See Figure No. 3), the tires should be rotated. The modified "X" pattern should be used (See Figure No. 1). This method will best equalize wear after a few thousand miles.
B. The cupping or wear is severe, and the cross grooves in the outside shoulder are not visible, tire replacement will be necessary (See Figure No. 4). It should be noted, however, that even when these grooves disappear, the tire is normally only half worn in this area.
If tires are needed for any of the previous conditions, they should be purchased from your local tire outlet. If tires are not readily available, contact the manufacturers toll-free assistance number provided below.
Firestone - 1-800-638-4730 General - 1-800-Tire-FIX - 1-800-426-4889 (Ohio) Goodyear - 1-800-321-2136 Uniroyal - 1-800-231-5893 (Except Texas) - 1-800-833-5906 (Texas)
The tire invoice amount should be entered as a net item on the warranty claim using the E0420 labor operation code for wheel and/or tire replacement.
Labor Op E0420 - Wheel and/or Tire-Replace
Replace One - .6 hr.
Each Additional Tire - .4 hr.
General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
