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4-44
Loading Your Vehicle
The Certification/Tire label is found on the rear edge of
the driver's door.
The label shows the size of your original tires and the
inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight
capacity of your vehicle. This is called the GVWR
(Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo.The Certification/Tire label also tells you the maximum
weights for the front and rear axles, called Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads on
your front and rear axles, you need to go to a weigh
station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help
you with this. Be sure to spread out your load equally on
both sides of the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the
GAWR for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.
CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten the life
of your vehicle.
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6-43
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your GM Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause overheating
as a result of too much friction. You could
have an air
-out and a serious accident. See
ªLoading Your Vehicleº in the Index.
Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Overinflated tires are more likely to be cut,
punctured or broken by a sudden impact
--
such as when you hit a pothole. Keep tires
at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
Inflation -- Tire Pressure
The Certification/Tire label, which is on the rear edge of
the driver's door, or on the incomplete vehicle document
in the cab, shows the correct inflation pressures for your
tires when they're cold. ªColdº means your vehicle has
been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more
than 1 mile (1.6 km).
You can operate some vehicles at reduced inflation
pressures only when you'll be carrying reduced loads. On
those vehicles, the minimum cold inflation pressures for a
typical reduced load are printed on the Improved Ride Tire
Pressure label located on the driver's door. Weigh the
vehicle to find the load on each tire and see the label for
the minimum cold inflation pressures for that load.
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6-44
NOTICE:
Don't let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It's not. If your tires
don't have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:
Too much flexing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Bad wear
Bad handling
Bad fuel economy.
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:
Unusual wear
Bad handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road hazards.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more. Also, check the
tire pressure of the spare tire.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket
-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles
(10 000 to 13 000 km). Any time you notice unusual wear,
rotate your tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
See ªWhen It's Time for New Tiresº and ªWheel
Replacementº later in this section for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first
rotation is the most important. See ªScheduled
Maintenance Servicesº in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
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6-45
When rotating your tires, always use one of the correct
rotation patterns shown here.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the
Certification/Tire label. Make certain that all wheel nuts
are properly tightened. See ªWheel Nut Torqueº in
the Index.
CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or 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; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you
need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. (See
ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index.)
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7-38
Part B: Owner Checks and Services
Listed in this part are owner checks and services which
should be performed at the intervals specified to help
ensure the safety, dependability and emission control
performance of your vehicle.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any fluids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Part D.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important for you or a service station attendant to
perform these underhood checks at each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See ªEngine Oilº in the Index for
further details.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX
-COOL
coolant mixture if necessary. See ªEngine Coolantº in
the Index for further details.Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer fluid level in the
windshield washer tank and add the proper fluid if
necessary. See ªWindshield Washer Fluidº in the Index
for further details.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inflation Check
Make sure tires are inflated to the correct pressures.
See ªTiresº in the Index for further details.
Cassette Deck Service
Clean cassette deck. Cleaning should be done every
50 hours of tape play. See ªAudio Systemsº in the Index
for further details.
At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
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9-5
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Capacity 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Speedometer 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garage Door Opener 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission 2-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials 6-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Headlamps 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-35, 6-36, 6-37, 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Front Seats 1-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-4, 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood, Checking Things Under 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood Release 6-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transmission Lock Check 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Rearview Mirror 2-43, 2-47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drive Axle 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust System 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfer Case (Four-Wheel Drive) 7-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .