File in Section:

Service Bulletin

03 - Suspension

Bulletin No.:

13-03-10-001A

Date:

February, 2014

INFORMATION
Subject:

Information on Tire Cold Weather Cracking

Models:

2012-2014 Buick Regal GS
2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport
2012-2014 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Z/28
2013-2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS with RPO 1LE
2014 Chevrolet Corvette, Corvette Z51, 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 is being revised to add additional models and expand the information found in
this publication. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 13-03-10-001.

Cold Weather Operation

Tire Surface Cracks

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.
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.

3274901

Copyright 2014 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Page 2

February, 2014

Bulletin No.: 13-03-10-001A

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.

3701321

2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport
The 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport is equipped with
245/40R18 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, dealers in the
United States may call the GM Tire Program at
877-728-4737 for help with late season tire availability
or substitutions.
2012-2014 Camaro Models RPO (ZL1, 1LE or Z28)
The Camaro ZL1 and RPO 1LE vehicles come with
285/35ZR20 and/or 305/35ZR20 Goodyear F1
Supercar G2 D.O.T. approved ultra high performance,
track capable summer tires as standard equipment.
The Camaro Z/28 is equipped with 305/30ZR19 Pirelli
P Zero Trofeo R of similar capabilities.
All of these Camaro models 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.

2014 Corvette, Corvette Z51
The 2014 Corvette is equipped with Michelin Pilot
Super Sport ZP Runflat tires. This tire is an ultra high
performance, track capable summer tire.
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 Chevrolet SS
The 2014 SS 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.
2012-2014 Buick Regal GS
The 2014 SS 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 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.

Bulletin No.: 13-03-10-001A

February, 2014

Page 3

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.

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