040310013G

Bulletin No.: 04-03-10-013G
Date: Oct-2012
Subject:
Driving Characteristics of Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicles and Available Winter Tires
Models:
2012-2013 Buick Regal GS
2005-2011 Cadillac STS
2008-2013 Cadillac CTS Sedan
2009-2013 Cadillac CTS-V
2010-2013 Cadillac CTS Wagon
2011-2013 Cadillac CTS Coupe
2013 Cadillac ATS
2010-2013 Chevrolet Camaro
2012-2013 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
2008-2009 Pontiac G8
This bulletin is being revised to add new models and to update the Available Winter Tires table for 2013. Some
vehicles have the same recommended tire as the last revision of this document, but have revised part numbers.
Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-10-013F (Section 03 – Suspension).
Increasing Winter Traction
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 severe winter climates where snowfall may be significant, these
tires may be found to provide less traction. Winter tires are a viable alternative that may greatly enhance winter driving.
Recent General Motors performance oriented vehicles being introduced are rear wheel drive. Rear wheel drive takes advantage of the natural weight
shift rearward during acceleration increasing dry road traction on the driven wheels. Rear wheel drive also contributes to neutral steering as it takes
the burden off the front wheels to both power and turn the vehicle. The connection between the steering and the powertrain is also eliminated,
removing any tendency for engine power to influence the steering under heavy acceleration or rough roads.
Generally front wheel drive vehicles offer additional winter traction due to the weight of the engine / transaxle sitting directly above the driving wheels,
and are found to be satisfactory for winter driving when factory equipped with all-season tires. In the case of the Regal GS, this model is standard
with summer or “3 season” performance tires that optimize dry and wet handling. Winter Tires may greatly enhance the available traction on this
vehicle in severe winter climates where snowfall may be significant.
Use and Application Tips
The vehicles listed in this bulletin are rear-wheel drive with the exception of the Buick Regal GS, which is front wheel drive. In ALL cases, if a decision
is made to switch to winter tires, you MUST replace all four tires. When selecting winter tires, you should keep to the same size and aspect ratio as
the original equipment tires, unless otherwise directed by the chart below. If you deviate from the original size, you may create clearance issues,
speedometer error and/or alter the handling characteristics of the vehicle. These factors have been considered in the recommendations below. No
other variance in size should be considered.
Acknowledge Any Revised Speed Ratings and Adjust Your Driving Accordingly
Winter tires, in general, are optimized for increased traction on snow and ice. In some instances, this may translate into decreased dry road traction,
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increased road noise and shorter tread life. You should drive cautiously after switching tires and get acclimated to the new handling and braking
performance characteristics. If winter tires are not available in the same speed rating as the original equipment tires, you must be sure not to exceed
the speed rating of the winter tire chosen.
Some Available Choices
The tires listed in the chart below are some of the choices in winter tires currently available in sizes that match the OE tire. Due to seasonal model
changes and constantly changing availability, all of the tires listed below are not guaranteed to be in stock. We believe these sources and their
equipment to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or
assume any responsibility for the products or equipment from these firms or for any such items which may be available from other sources. A
product's inclusion in the chart below does not imply any guaranteed level of performance. Purchase of any of the tires below is at the customer's
cost and any and all warranties expressed are the sole responsibility of the tire manufacturer.
Parts Information
The following tires are available for order through the GM Tire Program. Some tires may specify revised load ratings and/or recommended
pressures.
Important: Please note that in all cases, winter tires are designed to be used as a set of 4 tires. Do Not install winter tires only on the driving wheels.
Available Winter Tires
Model Year
Vehicle
O.E. Rim
Positio
n
(Fr/Rr)
O.E. Tire
Size
Winter Tire
Size
Speed
Rating
Winter
Rim (If
Required)
Winter Tire
Brand /
Pattern
GM Part #
2009-2013
CTS-V
19 x 9.0
Fr
255/40ZR19
96Y
255/40R19
XL
V
19 x 9.0
Pirelli W240
Sottozero
19164570
19 x 9.5
Rr
285/35ZR19
99Y
285/35R19
XL
V
19 x 9.5
Pirelli W240
Sottozero
19160922
18 x 8.5
Fr
P235/50R18
97v
235/50R18
XL
V
18 x 8.5
Dunlop SP
Winter Sport
3D
19191065
18 x 9.0
Rr
P265/45R18
101V
255/45R18
V
18 x 9.0
Dunlop SP
Winter Sport
3D
19254193
19 x 8.5
Fr
P
98Y
245/45R19
XL
V
19 x 8.5
Pirelli W240
Sottozero S2
19249698
19 x 9.5
Rr
P
101Y
275/40R19
XL
V
19 x 9.5
Pirelli W240
Sottozero S2
19249709
2011-2013
CTS
COUPE
2010-2013
CTS
SEDAN
&
WAGO
N
19 x 8.5
ALL
245/45ZR19
98Y
245/45R19
XL
V
19 x 8.5
Pirelli W240
Sottozero S2
19249698
2008-2013
CTS
SEDAN
17 x 8.0
ALL
P235/55R17
98H
235/55R17
V
17 x 8.0
Michelin Pilot
Alpin PA3
19236758
18 x 8.5
ALL
P235/50R18
97V
235/50R18
XL
V
18 x 8.5
Dunlop SP
Winter Sport
3D
19191065
2
2005-2011
2010-2013
2012-2013
STS
CAMAR
O
CAMAR
O ZL-1
235/50ZR18
97Y
235/50R18
XL
V
18 x 8.5
Dunlop SP
Winter Sport
3D
19191065
ALL
P235/50R17
95S
235/50R17
XL
H
17 x 7.5
Pirelli W210
Sottozero
19160939
Fr
P235/50R17
95V
235/50R17
XL
H
Pirelli W210
Snowsport
19160939
17 x 8.0
Rr
P255/45R17
98V
18 x 7.5
ALL
P245/50R18
102T
19 x 8.0
ALL
20 x 8.0
17 x 7.5
(extra load
replaces split
V-rated sizes)
H
17 x 8.0
245/55R18
H
18 x 7.5
Pirelli
Scorpion Ice &
Snow
19193153
P
104W
245/50R19
V
19 x 8.0
Pirelli
Scorpion Ice &
Snow
19193152
Fr
P
103Y
245/45R20
V
20 x 8.0
Pirelli
Scorpion Ice &
Snow
19189647
20 x 9.0
Rr
P
106Y
275/40R20
V
20 x 9.0
Pirelli
Scorpion Ice &
Snow
19249680
21 x 8.5
Fr
P
100Y
245/45R20
V
*20 x 8.0
Pirelli
Scorpion Ice &
Snow
19189647
21 x 9.5
Rr
P
103Y
275/40R20
V
*20 x 9.0
Pirelli
Scorpion Ice &
Snow
19249680
20 x10.0
Fr
285/35R20
100Y
285/35R20
V
20 x 10.0
Pirelli W240
Sottozero S2
19253727
V
2008-2009
G8
20 x 11.0
Rr
305/35R20
104Y
305/35R20
V
20 x 11.0
Pirelli W240
Sottozero
19160926
18 x 8.0
ALL
245/45R18
96V
245/45R18
V
18 x 8.0
Pirelli W240
Sottozero
19142774
V
2013
ATS
SEDAN
19 x 9.0
ALL
245/40R19
94W
245/40R19
V
19 x 9.0
Pirelli W240
Sottozero
19160917
17 x 8.0
ALL
P225/45R17
90H/V
225/45R17
V
17 x 8.0
Bridgestone
Blizzak LM-25
RFT
19250234
3
2012-2013
Regal
GS
18 x 8.0
ALL
225/40R18
92V
225/40R18
H
18 x 8.0
Bridgestone
Blizzak LM60RFT
19250224
18 x 8.5
Fr
225/40RF18
88W
225/40R18
V
18 x 8.0
Pirelli W240
Sottozero S2
RunFlat
19241089
18 x 9.5
Rr
255/35RF18
90W
255/35RF1
8
V
18 x 9.0
Pirelli W240
Sottozero S2
RunFlat
19249704
19 x 8.5
ALL
255/35R20
97Y XL
255/35R20
V
20 x 8.5
Pirelli W240
Sottozero
19185696
Alt. —
Bridgestone
Blizzak LM60
19250193
H
*For the Chevrolet Camaro equipped with 21” wheels, the suggested tires for winter use require downsizing to 20” wheels.
Warranty Information
This service is provided as a customer pay option.
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 CERTIFICATION
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