1997 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 286
1997 Pontiac Sunfire Manual
Page 286 highlights
When It's Time forNew Tires I Rust or dirt on wheel, or on the parts to a which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose after a time. The wheel could come off and cause an accident. Whenyou change a wheel, remove any rustor dirt from places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; be but sure to use a scraperor wire brush later, if you need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. (See ('Changing a Flat Tire" inthe Index.) One way to tell when it's time for new tires is to check the treadwear indicators, which will appear when your tires have only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining. You need a new tire if any the following statements of are true: You can see the indicators at three or more places around the tire. You can see cord or fabric showing through the tire's rubber. 0 The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric. 0 The tire has a bump, bulge or split. 0 The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that can't be repairedwell because of the size or location of the damage. 6-42