File in Section:

Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:
Date:

03 - Suspension
04-03-10-013I
December, 2014

INFORMATION
Subject:

Driving Characteristics of Rear-Wheel Drive Vehicles and Available Winter Tires

Models:

2012-2015 Buick Regal GS
2013-2015 Cadillac ATS
2010-2013 Cadillac CTS Sedan
2014-2015 Cadillac CTS Sedan (VIN A)
2010-2015 Cadillac CTS-V
2014-2015 Cadillac CTS-V Sport
2010-2014 Cadillac CTS Wagon
2011-2015 Cadillac CTS Coupe
2010-2015 Chevrolet Camaro
2012-2015 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
2014-2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
2014-2015 Chevrolet Corvette, Corvette Z51
2014-2015 Chevrolet SS

Attention: This Bulletin also applies to any of the above models that may be Europe, Russia,
Japan, South Korea and China Export vehicles.
This Bulletin has been revised to add the 2015 Model Year, remove the Pontiac G8 and
Cadillac STS and to update the Available Winter Tires table. Some vehicles have the same
recommended tires as the last revision of this document, but have revised part numbers.
Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-03-10-013H.

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 offered with All-Season or Summer (3 season)
performance tires that optimize dry and wet handling. Winter Tires may greatly enhance the available traction on this
vehicle if originally equipped with “Summer” tires. (The Regal GS is also available in AWD both with Summer or
All-Season Tires. Summer tire equipped models will perform better in the snow with Winter Tires)

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, 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
GM does not have an approved winter tire available for the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06/Z07.
Model
Year
Vehicle

20132015

20102015

ATS
Sedan/
Coupe

O.E. Rim

Position
(Fr/Rr)

O.E.
Tire Size

Winter
Tire Size

Speed
Rating

Winter
Rim (If
Required)

Winter Tire
Brand/
Pattern

17 x 8.0

Bridgestone
Blizzak
LM-25 RFT

19250234

Bridgestone
Blizzak
LM-60 RFT

19250224

P/N

17 x 8.0

ALL

P225/
45R17
90H/V

225/
45R17

V

18 x 8.0

ALL

225/
40R18 92V

225/
40R18

H

18 x 8.0

Fr

225/
40RF18
88W

225/
40R18

V

18 x 8.0

Pirelli W240
Sottozero
S2 RunFlat

19295842

18 x 9.0

Rr

255/
35RF18
90W

255/
35RF18

V

18 x 9.0

Pirelli W240
Sottozero
S2 RunFlat

19249704

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

CTS-V

18 x 8.0

Model
Year
Vehicle

20112015

20102013

O.E. Rim

Position
(Fr/Rr)

O.E.
Tire Size

Winter
Tire Size

Speed
Rating

Winter
Rim (If
Required)

Winter Tire
Brand/
Pattern

18 x 8.5

Fr

P235/
50R18 97V

235/
50R18

V

18 x 8.5

Dunlop SP
Winter Sport
4D 97V

19298018

18 x 9.0

Rr

P265/
45R18
101V

255/
45R18

V

Dunlop SP
Winter
Sport 3D

19254193

19 x 8.5

Fr

P245/
45ZR19
98Y

245/
45R19

V

19 x 8.5

Pirelli W240
Sottozero S2

19249716

19 x 9.5

Rr

P275/
40ZR19
101Y

275/
40R19

V

19 x 9.5

Pirelli W240
Sottozero S2

19253722

19 x 8.5

ALL

245/
45ZR19
98Y

245/
45R19

V

19 x 8.5

Pirelli W240
Sottozero S2

19249716

17 x 8.0

ALL

P235/
55R17 98H

235/
55R17

V

17 x 8.0

Michelin
X-ICE

19295495

P235/
50R18 97V

235/
50R18

V

18 x 8.5

Dunlop SP
Winter Sport
4D 97V

19298018

235/
50ZR18
97Y

235/
50R18

V

18 x 8.5

Dunlop SP
Winter Sport
4D 97V

19298018

CTS Coupe

CTS Sedan
18 x 8.5

20102014

20142015

20112015

CTS Wagon

CTS Sedan
(VIN A)
CTS–V
Sport

ALL

18 x 9.0

P/N

19 x 8.5

ALL

245/
45ZR19