2017 - 2018 Corvette: Service Bulletin: #16-NA-296: Tire Performance and Characteristics

#16-NA-296: Tire Performance and Characteristics - (Jun 9, 2017)

Every new GM vehicle has high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. See the owner’s manual for information regarding the tire warranty and where to get service. For additional information refer to the tire manufacturer.

The chart included in this bulletin lists vehicles that have been equipped with special tires that are categorized by High Performance Summer, Competition Oriented Summer, RunFlat All-Season, RunFlat Summer, and Sealant. These tire types have been optimized for specific performance attributes and as a result have special considerations that need to be understood and followed.

It is important that the dealership identify these tires to its customers and provide proper counsel to them on usage and limitations consistent with this bulletin.

SUMMER TIRES

 

High Performance Summer Tires (see “Summer Tire” column in chart)

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 winter climates where snowfall may occur these tires may be found to provide less traction. Winter tires are a viable alternative that may greatly enhance winter driving.

Cold Weather Operation

Important: Customers need to know that their vehicle is equipped with a high performance summer tire that will have reduced traction performance at temperatures below approximately 5°C (40°F). It is recommended that suitable winter tires (if available) be installed below this temperature. All of these tires are not intended to be driven on snow or icy road surfaces.

The rubber used in these tires loses flexibility and may develop surface cracks (1) in the tire tread/shoulder area at colder temperatures. Refer to the photos below for examples.

Important: While the cracking will not result in air loss, it is damaging to the tire. Tires that have been used in cold climates and exhibit tread cracks should be discarded. This is not a warrantable item if the customer has driven the car in temperatures below approximately 5°C (40°F).

Tire Surface Cracks

Surface cracks are cosmetic and will not result in a loss of air, however special tread and compounds used on these performance tires will cause a decrease in performance in cold climates. Driving with high performance summer tires on snow, ice or cold road surfaces may cause loss of control.

Refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-10-013: Driving Characteristics of Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles and Available Winter Tires for further information on available replacement winter tires for cold climate operation. Additionally, dealers in the United States may call the GM Tire Program at 877-728-4737 for help with late season tire availability or substitutions.

Competition Oriented Summer Tires (see “Competition Tire” column in chart)

For vehicles repaired under the Bumper-to-Bumper coverage (Canada Base Warranty coverage), use the following labor operation. Reference the Applicable Warranties section of Investigate Vehicle History (IVH) for coverage information.

Competition oriented tires are DOT approved for street use, but primary use would for track events and competitive driving. Competition oriented tires use a special tread pattern and compound that provide more grip than normal road tires. The minimum tread depth will be reached earlier than typical tires, resulting in reduced tire life. This special tread pattern and compound will have decreased performance in cold climates, heavy rain, and standing water. It is recommended that winter tires be installed on the vehicle when driving at temperatures below approximately 10°C (50°F) or on ice or snow covered roads. Refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-10-013 for additional information on winter tires.

Important: Driving on wet roads, in heavy rain, or through standing water with competition oriented tires may cause hydroplaning and loss of control. Use extreme caution and drive slowly on wet roads. Driving with competition oriented tires on snow, ice, or cold road surfaces can cause loss of control or an accident. Competition oriented tires are summer season tires and are not intended to be driven on snow, ice, or road surfaces below 10°C (50°F). Do not drive a vehicle equipped with competition oriented tires in these conditions.

Important: Track courses put high loads on tires operating at high speed, which can lead to tire failure if not inflated properly. Refer the customer to the vehicle specific owner’s manual for specific information on track usage.

Cold Weather Operation

Important: Competition oriented tires have rubber compounds that lose flexibility and may develop surface cracks in the tread area at temperatures below -7°C (20°F). Always store competition oriented tires indoors and at temperatures above -7°C (20°F) when not in use. If the tires have been subjected to -7°C (20°F) or less, let them warm up in a heated space to at least 10°C (50°F) for 24 hours or more before being installed or driving a vehicle on which they are installed. Do not apply heat or blow heated air directly on the tires. Always inspect tires before use.

Tire Surface Cracks

Surface cracks are cosmetic and will not result in a loss of air, however special tread and compounds used on these performance tires will cause a decrease in performance in cold climates. Driving with high performance summer tires on snow, ice or cold road surfaces may cause loss of control.

Refer to the latest version of Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-10-013: Driving Characteristics of Rear Wheel Drive Vehicles and Available Winter Tires for further information on available replacement winter tires for cold climate operation. Additionally, dealers in the United States may call the GM Tire Program at 877-728-4737 for help with late season tire availability or substitutions

Summer Tire Storage

It is recommended that High Performance and Competition Oriented Summer tires are stored indoors at temperatures above -7°C (20°F) when not in use. If the tires have been subjected to -7°C (20°F) or less, let them warm up in a heated space to at least 5°C (40°F) for 24 hours or more before being installed or driving a vehicle on which they are installed. Inflate the tires only after they have been warmed above 5°C (40°F). Do not place tires near heaters or heating devices used to warm the room where the tires are stored. Do not apply heat or blow heated air directly on the tires. Always inspect tires before use after being stored.

Run Flat Tires (see “Run Flat” column in chart)

Vehicles equipped with Run Flat tires typically do not come equipped with a spare tire, tire changing equipment, or place to store a tire in the vehicle.

Run-flat tires can be driven on with no air pressure. There is no need to stop on the side of the road to change the tire. Continue driving; however, do not drive too far or too fast. Driving on the tire may not be possible if there is permanent damage. To prevent permanent damage, the tire can be driven with no air pressure for up to 80 km (50 mi) at speeds slower than 80 km/h (50 mph). As soon as possible, contact the nearest Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac Dealership for inspection and repair or replacement.

When driving on a deflated run-flat tire, avoid potholes and other road hazards that could damage the tire and/or wheel beyond repair. When a tire has been damaged, or if driven any distance while on a deflated. run-flat tire, check with an authorized GM servicing facility to determine whether the tire can be repaired or should be replaced. To maintain the run-flat feature, all replacement tires must be run-flat tires.

To locate the nearest Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac Dealership, call Customer Assistance.

Self Sealing Tires (see “Self Sealing” column in chart)

Vehicles equipped with Self Sealing tires typically do not come equipped with a spare tire, tire changing equipment, or place to store a tire in the vehicle.

Self sealing tires have a material contained inside the tire that can seal punctures up to 6 mm (0.25 in) in the tread area. The tire may lose air pressure if the sidewall is damaged or if the tread puncture is too large. If the Tire Pressure Monitor System indicates the tire pressure is low, inspect the tire for damage and inflate it to the recommended pressure. If the tire is unable to maintain the recommended pressure, contact the nearest Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac Dealership immediately for inspection and repair or replacement. To locate the nearest GM servicing facility, call GM Customer Assistance.

Important: Self sealing tires are not like run flats and can not be driven with no air pressure. Do not drive on a deflated self-sealing tire as this could damage the tire. Make sure the tire is inflated to the recommended pressure or have it immediately repaired or replaced.

When tire replacement is needed replace with a self-sealing tire, because the vehicle typically does not come with a spare tire or tire changing equipment.

Low Profile Tires (see “Low Profile” column in the chart)

Low profile tires is a classification of tire based on the tire’s dimensions. These tires have a shorter sidewall or a lower aspect ratio than standard profile tires.

Important: Low-profile tires are more susceptible to damage from road hazards or curb impact than standard profile tires. Tire and/or wheel assembly damage can occur when coming into contact with road hazards like, potholes, or sharp edged objects, or when sliding into a curb. The GM Vehicle warranty does not cover this type of damage. Keep tires set to the correct inflation pressure and when possible, avoid contact with curbs, potholes, and other road hazards.

Tire Usage Chart for Bulletin

Note: Some tires may not be available in all markets.

Name Plate	Model	Tire Size	Service Desc.	Tread Type	Supplier Name	Tire Trade Name	RPO	Summer Tire	Competition Oriented	Run Flat	Self Seal Tire	Low Profile
Buick	Regal GS	255/35ZR20	(97Y)	HW4	Pirelli	P Zero	QI9	Y				Y
Cadillac	XTS	P245/40R20	95V	AL3	Bridgestone	Potenza RE97AS	RAL					Y
Chevrolet	Impala	P245/40R20	95V	AL3	Bridgestone	Potenza RE97AS	RAL					Y
Buick	Cascada	P245/40R20	95V	AL3	Bridgestone	Potenza RE97AS	RAL					Y
Chevrolet	Chev SS	245/40R19	98Y	HW4	Bridgestone	Potenza RE050A	RJ8	Y				Y
Chevrolet	Chev SS	275/35R19	100Y	HW4	Bridgestone	Potenza RE050A	RJ8	Y				Y
Cadillac	ATS	225/35R19	88Y	RF4	Bridgestone	Potenza RE050A RFT	RJP, SD2	Y		Y		Y
Cadillac	ATS	255/30R19	91Y	RF4	Bridgestone	Potenza RE050A RFT	RJP, SD2	Y		Y		Y
Cadillac	ATS	225/40R18	92V	RF3	Michelin	Primacy MXM4 ZP	RB7			Y		Y
Cadillac	ATS	225/40RF18	88W	RF4	Bridgestone	Potenza RE050A RFT	QFN	Y		Y		Y
Cadillac	ATS	255/35RF18	90W	RF4	Bridgestone	Potenza RE050A RFT	QFN	Y		Y		Y
Cadillac	ATS	P225/45R17	90V	RF3	Michelin	Primacy MXM4 ZP	RA6			Y
Cadillac	ATS - Coupe	225/40RF18	88W	RF4	Bridgestone	Potenza RE050A RFT	QFN, XBZ	Y		Y		Y
Cadillac	ATS - Coupe	255/35RF18	90W	RF4	Bridgestone	Potenza RE050A RFT	QFN, XBZ	Y		Y		Y
Cadillac	ATS - Coupe	255/35R18	90V	RF3	Continental	Pro Contact RX	QLC			Y		Y
Cadillac	ATS - Coupe	225/40R18	88V	RF3	Continental	Pro Contact RX	QLC			Y		Y
Cadillac	ATS-V	255/35ZR18	(94Y)	HW4	Michelin	Pilot SuperSport	R65, XB0	Y				Y
Cadillac	ATS-V	275/35ZR18	(99Y)	HW4	Michelin	Pilot SuperSport	R65, XB0	Y				Y
Cadillac	ATS-V Coupe	255/35ZR18	(94Y)	HW4	Michelin	Pilot SuperSport	R65, XB0	Y				Y
Cadillac	ATS-V Coupe	275/35ZR18	(99Y)	HW4	Michelin	Pilot SuperSport	R65, XB0	Y				Y
Cadillac	CTS	P245/45RF17	(95V)	RF3	Bridgestone	Potenza RE97 AS RFT	RHN			Y
Cadillac	CTS	P245/40R18	(93V)	RF3	Pirelli	P-Zero Nero A/S R-F	RHP			Y		Y
Cadillac	CTS	255/35R19	(96V)	RF3	Pirelli	P7 All Season R-F	RHS, SD2			Y		Y
Cadillac	CTS	245/40R18	(93Y)	RF4	Pirelli	P-Zero R-F	RKK, RMO	Y		Y		Y
Cadillac	CTS	275/35R18	(95Y)	RF4	Pirelli	P-Zero R-F	RKK	Y		Y		Y
Cadillac	CTS-V	265/35ZR19	(98Y)	HW4	Michelin	Pilot SuperSport	R64, XB6	Y				Y
Cadillac	CTS-V	295/30ZR19	(100Y)	HW4	Michelin	Pilot SuperSport	R64, XB6	Y				Y
Chevrolet	Camaro	245/40R20	95V	RF3	Goodyear	Eagle F1 Asymmetric A/S RoF	R29			Y		Y
Chevrolet	Camaro	245/40ZR20	95Y	RF4	Goodyear	Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 RoF	R0F	Y		Y		Y
Chevrolet	Camaro	275/35ZR20	98Y	RF4	Goodyear	Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 RoF	R0F	Y		Y		Y
Chevrolet	Camaro LT	245/50/R18	100V	AL3	Goodyear	Eagle Sport A/S	R0H					Y
Chevrolet	Camaro LT	245/40/R20	95V	RF3	Goodyear	Eagle F1 Asymmetric A/S EMT	R29			Y		Y
Chevrolet	Camaro LT 1LE	275/35/ZR20 (Rear)	98Y	RF4	Goodyear	Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 RoF	R0F	Y		Y		Y
Chevrolet	Camaro SS 1LE, ZL1	285/30/ZR20 (Front)	(95Y)	HW4	Goodyear	Eagle F1 SuperCar	R0G	Y				Y
Chevrolet	Camaro SS 1LE, ZL1	305/30/ZR20 (Rear)	(99Y)	HW4	Goodyear	Eagle F1 SuperCar	R0G	Y				Y
Chevrolet	Camaro ZL1 1LE	305/30/R19 (Front)	(98Y)	HW5	Goodyear	Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R	R6O	Y				Y
Chevrolet	Camaro ZL1 1LE	325/30/ZR19 (Rear)	(101Y)	HW5	Goodyear	Eagle F1 SuperCar 3R	R6O	Y				Y
Chevrolet	Cruze	P225/40R18	88V	AL3	Michelin	Primacy MXM4	REW					Y
G2KX-Z	Bolt	215/50R17	91H	ALS-S	Michelin	Energy Save A/S	QBM				Y
G2KX-Z	Bolt	215/50R17	91H	HW1-S	Michelin	Primacy 3	QBW	Y			Y
Chevrolet	SONIC	215/45ZR18	93Y	AL3	Continental	ExtremeContact DWS	R0M					Y
Cadillac	CT6	245/40R20	95W	AL3	Goodyear	Eagle Touring	QP1					Y
Cadillac	CT6	245/40ZR20XL	(99Y)	HW4	Pirelli	P Zero	RE2	Y				Y
Cadillac	CT6	245/40ZR20	99Y	HW4	Pirelli	P Zero	5EH	Y				Y
Cadillac	XT5	235/55R20	102W	HW4	Continental	Cross Contact UHP	QJO	Y
Cadillac	XT5	235/65R18	106H	HW3	Michelin	Primacy SUV	R93	Y
GMC	Acadia	235/55R20	102W	HW4	Continental	Cross Contact UHP	QJO	Y
GMC	Acadia	235/65R18	106H	HW3	Michelin	Primacy SUV	R93	Y
Chevrolet	Corvette	P245/40ZR18	(93Y)	RF4	Michelin	Pilot SuperSport zp	XBK	Y		Y		Y
Chevrolet	Corvette	P285/35ZR19	(99Y)	RF4	Michelin	Pilot SuperSport zp	XBK	Y		Y		Y
Chevrolet	Corvette	P285/30ZR19	(94Y)	RF4	Michelin	Pilot SuperSport zp	XFK	Y		Y		Y
Chevrolet	Corvette	P335/25ZR20	(99Y)	RF4	Michelin	Pilot SuperSport zp	XFK	Y		Y		Y
Chevrolet	Corvette	P285/30ZR19	(94Y)	RF5	Michelin	Pilot Sport Cup2 zp	XFM	Y	Y	Y		Y
Chevrolet	Corvette	P245/35ZR19	(89Y)	RF4	Michelin	Pilot SuperSport zp	XFJ	Y		Y		Y
Chevrolet	Corvette	P285/30ZR20	(95Y)	RF4	Michelin	Pilot SuperSport zp	XFJ	Y		Y		Y
Chevrolet	Corvette	P335/25ZR20	(99Y)	RF5	Michelin	Pilot Sport Cup2 zp	XFM	Y	Y	Y		Y
Buick	LaCrosse	P245/40R20	95V	AL3	Bridgestone	Potenza RE97AS	RAL					Y

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Article ID: 1366
Created: June 12, 2017
Last Updated: June 12, 2017

Online URL: https://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/knowledgebase/article/2017-2018-corvette-service-bulletin-16-na-296-tire-performance-and-characteristics-1366.html