1997 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 261

If you ever replace your tires with those not having a Uniform Tire Quality Grading TPC Spec number, make sure they are same size, the The following information relates to the system load range, speed rating and construction type (bias, developed by the United States National Highway bias-belted or radial)as your original tires. Traffic Safety Administration, which grades tires by treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This applies only to vehicles sold the United States.) The in grades are molded on sidewalls of most passenger the I car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system d Mixing tires could causeyou to lose control while not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare tires, tires with f driving. I you mix tiresof different sizes or types nominal rim diametersof 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), (radial andbias-belted tires), the vehicle may not or to some limited-production tires. handle properly,and you could havea crash. Using tires of different sizes may also cause While the tires available on General Motors passenger damage to your vehicle. Be sure touse the same cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these grades, they must also conform to Federal safety size and type tires on all wheels. requirements and additional General Motors Tire It's all right to drive with your compact spare, Performance Criteria (TPC) standards. though. It was developed for use on yourvehicle. 6-40