Tire and Wheel Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The tires on all new production models have a tire performance criteria (TPC) rating number molded on the sidewall. The TPC rating will appear as a 4-digit number preceded by the letters TPC SPEC on the tire wall near the tire size. A replacement tire should have the same TPC rating.
| Callout | Component Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hard Cornering/Underinflation |
| 2 | Incorrect Alignment/Lack of Rotation |
| 3 | Incorrect Alignment/Non-uniform Tire |
| 4 | Heavy Acceleration/Over inflation |
| 5 | Wear Indicator |
Inspect the tire and wheel assemblies for the following conditions:
- Unusual wear such as cupping, flat spots, and/or heel-and-toe wear
These conditions can cause tire growl, tire howl, slapping noises, and/or vibrations throughout the vehicle.
- Proper inflation to specifications for the vehicle
- Bulges in the sidewalls
Do not confuse bulges, which are an abnormal condition, with normal ply splices which are commonly seen as indentations in the sidewall.
- Bent rim flanges