Buick Enclave: Tire Inspection. Tire Rotation. When It Is Time for New Tires

Tire Inspection

We recommend that the tires, including the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, be inspected for signs of wear or damage at least once a month.

Replace the tire if:

Tire Rotation

Tires should be rotated every 12 000 km (7,500 mi).

See Maintenance Schedule .

Tires are rotated to achieve a uniform wear for all tires.

The first rotation is the most important.

Any time unusual wear is noticed, rotate the tires as soon as possible and check the wheel alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.

See When It Is Time for New Tires  and Wheel Replacement .

Use this rotation pattern when rotating the tires.

If the vehicle has a compact spare tire, do not include it in the tire rotation.

Adjust the front and rear tires to the recommended inflation pressure on the Tire and Loading Information label after the tires have been rotated.

See Tire Pressure  and Vehicle Load Limits .

Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation .

Check that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” under Capacities and Specifications .

WARNING
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. When changing a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.

In an emergency, a cloth or a paper towel can be used; however, use a scraper or wire brush later to remove all rust or dirt.

Lightly coat the center of the wheel hub with wheel bearing grease after a wheel change or tire rotation to prevent corrosion or rust build-up.

Do not get grease on the flat wheel mounting surface or on the wheel nuts or bolts.

Check that the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, is stored properly. Push, pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, tighten the cable. See Tire Changing .

When It Is Time for New Tires

Factors such as maintenance, temperatures, driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.

Treadwear indicators are one way to tell when it is time for new tires.

Treadwear indicators appear when the tires have only 1.6mm (1/16 in) or less of tread remaining. See Tire Inspection  and Tire Rotation  for more information.

The rubber in tires ages over time.

This also applies for the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, even if it is never used. Multiple conditions including temperatures, loading conditions, and inflation pressure maintenance affect how fast aging takes place. Tires will typically need to be replaced due to wear before they may need to be replaced due to age. Consult the tire manufacturer for more information on when tires should be replaced.

Vehicle Storage

Tires age when stored normally mounted on a parked vehicle. Park a vehicle that will be stored for at least a month in a cool, dry, clean area away from direct sunlight to slow aging. This area should be free of grease, gasoline, or other substances that can deteriorate rubber.

Parking for an extended period can cause flat spots on the tires that may result in vibrations while driving. When storing a vehicle for at least a month, remove the tires or raise the vehicle to reduce the weight from the tires.