Rky Mtn C6

Taken from pdf document sent to my Corvette Club by our sponsoring dealership. They have been getting C7s and Z28s off the trucks with ruined tires.

Document ID: 4032290 Page 1 of 4
2014 Chevrolet Corvette | Corvette VIN Y Service Manual 5533811 | Document ID: 4032290

#13-03-10-0018: Information on Tire Cold Weather Cracking - (Jan 7, 2015)

Subject: Information on Tire Cold Weather Cracking
Models: 2012-2015 Buick Regal GS
2014-2015 Cadillac CTS Vspor t
2012- 2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZLl , Z/28
2013- 2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS with RPO ILE
2014- 2015 Chevrolet Corvette, Corvette Z06, SS

Attention: Advise customers of these vehicles that they are equipped with a high performance summer-only tire that will have reduced traction performance at temperatures below approximately 40°F (5°C). GM recommends installing winter tires if driving below these temperatures. Avoid driving, moving, or test-driving vehicles equipped with high performance summer-only tires below 20°F (-7°C), as operating at these temperatures can cause damage to the tires.

This bulletin has been revised to add the 2015 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 13-03-10-OOlA.

Cold Weather Operation

The vehicles referenced above are all equipped with 3 season performance tires commonly referred to as "Summer Tires." 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. (photos didn't transfer from the pdf document)

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.

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.


Tire Surface Cracks
© 2015 General Motors. All rights reserved.
https://gsi.ext.gm.com/gsi/showDoc.d...032290&from=sm 2/19/2015 Document ID: 4032290 Page 2 of 4 2014-2015 Cadillac CTS Vsport The 2014 and 2015 Cadillac CTS Vsport is equipped with 245/40R1 8 and 275/35R18 Pirelli P-Zero
Nero (RPO RKK) ultra-high performance summer tires.

Please advise customers that this vehicle is equipped with an ultra-high performance summer tire that will have reduced traction performance at temperatures below approximately 5°C (40°F). GM recommends installing winter tires if driving below these temperatures
.
Avoid driving, moving, or test-driving CTSs equipped with Pirelli P-Zero Nero (RPO RKK) tires below -7°C (20°F) as operating at these temperatures can cause damage to the tires.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, dealer s in the United States may call the GM Tire Program at 877-728-473 7 for help with late season tire availability or substitutions.

https://gsi.ext.gm.com/gsi/showDoc.d...032290&from=sm 2/19/2015 Document ID: 4032290 Page 3 of 4 2012-2015 Camaro Models RPO (ZLl , ILE or Z28) The Camaro ZL l and RPO ILE vehicles come with 285/35ZR2 0 and/or 305/35ZR2 0 Goodyear F l Supercar G2 D.O.T. approved ultra high performance, track capable summer tires as standard equipment. The Camaro Z/28 is equipped with 305/30ZR1 9 Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R of similar capabilities, All of these Camaro model s tires are not intended to be driven on snow, ice or road surfaces below -7°C (20°F).

If the ambient temperature in your location is at or below -7°C (20°F), DO NOT MOVE THIS VEHICLE. Driving the vehicle, when the temperature is below -7°C (20°F), may result in surface cracks in the tread area of the tire. 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.

2014-2015 Corvette, Corvette Z06 The 2014 and 2015 Corvette is equipped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP Runflat tires or Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 ZP tires. These tires are ultra high performance, track capable summer tires. This tire has reduced capability below 5°C (40°F) and it is recommended that suitable winter tires be fitted below this temperature. Avoid driving, moving, or test-driving Corvettes equipped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP tires below -7°C (20°F) as operating at these temperatures can cause damage to the tires.

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.

2014-2015 Chevrolet SS The 2014 and 2015 S S is equipped with Bridgestone ultra-high performance summer tires. This tire has reduced capability below 5°C (40°F) and it is recommended that suitable winter tires be fitted below this temperature. 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.

2012-2015 Buick Regal GS
The 2012-2015 Regal GS is equipped with ultra-high performance summer tires. This tire has reduced capability below 5°C (40°F) and it is recommended that suitable winter tires be fitted below this temperature.

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.

Tire Storage
It is recommended that 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.

https://gsi.ext.gm.com/gsi/showDoc.d...032290&from=sm 2/19/2015 Document ID: 4032290 Page 4 of 4 which they are installed. Inflate the tires only after they have been warme d 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.

Customer Information
Please share this Information with the customer, including a copy of this message.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians , NOT a "do-it-yourselfer" . They are written to inform these 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 your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATIONhttps://gsi.ext.gm.com/gsi/showDoc.d...032290&from=sm 2/19/2015

Marina Blue

Thanks for posting!

This information should be considered before replacing to Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP tires for anyone living in northern states. Has anyone heard anything like this happening to the Goodyears?

Virtual Geezer

Have you posted this in C7 General? In the past, there has been some discussion about tires cracking in low-temp situations.

I live in Minneapolis -- I wonder if any of the new Vettes parked outside at dealerships here will be adversely affected. It's been below 20 degrees for many days here -- more like weeks. The bulletin warns about driving and even simply moving them. Damn.

It sounds like several brands of these three-season high performance tires are vulnerable to cold temps.

joeking

Wow! It is hard to believe a tire would crack so easily. Thanks for the info.

R&L's C6

Kinda dispels the myth that they design/intend these cars for winter driving ....

Rky Mtn C6

It's there now.

ls1121

just another step towards stupid, let's put tires on this $70,000 car that cannot be used when it's cold outside. Great job GM.

dryadsdad

I'm surprised that this comes as a surprise to any here who I take to be enthusiasts. I don't mean the cracking which as me baffled, but the lack of grip.

40F seems to be some sort of line for summer tires. The issue is the pavement temps, I think. It's obvious in my C6 which has the OEM tires but fantastically obvious on my bikes one of which has Mich high perf tires. I won't say riding these tires when the pavement temps are below 40F is the same as riding on ice, but I treat it almost the same. It's not at all a pleasant experience. Ditto the car.

R&L's C6

40 to 50 degrees below their recommended low.

wayback

All depends on where you live.

I use an All Season tire anyway....that way I can drive 365 days a year instead of 362. Lol

Snake.Oiler

Why not just attached the PDF document to the post?

weathermaker

This also applies to the Caddy CTS-V. I'm sure most owners up north use, or want to use their cars all year long.

v1 rot8

I have notice as most of you have, there is a big difference in Acceleration traction once the temps get below 55-50F. The C5 was the way.

Rky Mtn C6

Lets see if it works.

Landru

Neither the GYs or Bridgestone PPs replacements ever had a cracking issue I'd heard of. ~& I do drive in very cold temps providing there's no ice/snow.
Poor traction in cold weather, using any brand, goes w/o saying.

Frankly I've never heard of a tire cracking due to low temps until the new C7 & its Michelin tires.

Woodson

For crying out loud. Ever heard of winter tires? See that symbol on weather mode? It's a snowflake.

Red08

"GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians , NOT a "do-it-yourselfer" I guess the information doesn't apply to me.

C3-PO

Burnouts on ice .... No problem.

Mad*Max

I hope my Firestones are okay, I'll have to take a look...

surfinva27

These replies crack me up. Not in any way saying its you personally making the opposite argument, so don't be offended. But if GM put all season tires on from the factory, for every 1 person that agreed with you, there would be 5 saying jeez GM you make a 70,000 "track capable car" and you slapped all season tires on it instead of high performance tires? wtf?

They can't please everyone, people are buying a track capable car.