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4-13
Loss of Control
Let's review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering
and acceleration) don't have enough friction where the
tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer and
constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not
ªoverdrivingº those conditions. But skids are
always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle's
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best
handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the
vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues
-- such as enough water, ice or packed snow
on the road to make a ªmirrored surfaceº
-- and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti
-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
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6-52
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. If your vehicle has dual rear wheels, also
see ªDual Tire Operationº later in this section.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.
If your vehicle has single rear wheels, always use one of
the correct rotation patterns shown here when rotating
your tires.
If your vehicle has front tires with different load ranges
or tread designs (such as all season vs. on/off road) than
the rear tires, don't rotate your tires front to rear.
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6-56
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a
TPC Spec number, make sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating and construction type (bias,
bias
-belted or radial) as your original tires.
CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes or types
(radial and bias
-belted tires), the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a crash.
Using tires of different sizes may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same
size and type tires on all wheels.
CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel could
fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only radial
-ply
tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system developed
by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, which grades tires by treadwear, traction
and temperature performance. (This applies only to
vehicles sold in the United States.) The grades are molded
on the sidewalls of most passenger car tires. The Uniform
Tire Quality Grading system does not apply to deep tread,
winter
-type snow tires, space-saver or temporary use spare
tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some limited
-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors passenger
cars and light trucks may vary with respect to these
grades, they must also conform to Federal safety
requirements and additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) standards.
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6-60 Tire Chains
NOTICE:
If your vehicle has dual wheels, P265/75R16 or
LT265/75R16 size tires, don't use tire chains.
They can damage your vehicle because there's
not enough clearance.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it's contacting your vehicle, and don't
spin your wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the rear tires.
NOTICE: (Continued)
NOTICE: (Continued)
If you don't have dual wheels or if you have a tire
size other than P265/75R16 or LT265/75R16, use
tire chains only where legal and only when you
must. Use chains that are the proper size for your
tires. Install them on the tires of the rear axle.
Don't use chains on the tires of the front axle.
Tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions. If you can
hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them. If the contact continues, slow
down until it stops. Driving too fast or spinning
the wheels with chains on will damage
your vehicle.
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6-68
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
PART NUMBERSIZEDESCRIPTIONUSAGE
99495423 in. x 25 in.Polishing Cloth ± Wax TreatedExterior polishing cloth
105017216 oz. (0.473 L)Tar and Road Oil RemoverRemoves tar, road oil and asphalt
105017316 oz. (0.473 L)Chrome Cleaner and PolishUse on chrome, stainless steel, nickel, copper and brass
105017416 oz. (0.473 L)White Sidewall Tire CleanerRemoves soil and black marks from whitewalls
105021432 oz. (0.946 L)Vinyl CleanerCleans vinyl tops, upholstery and convertible tops
105042723 oz. (0.680 L)Glass CleanerRemoves dirt, grime, smoke and fingerprints
105287016 oz. (0.473 L)Wash Wax ConcentrateCleans and lightly waxes
1052918**8 oz. (0.237 L)Armor All ProtectantProtects leather, wood, acrylics, Plexiglas, plastic,
rubber and vinyl
105292516 oz. (0.473 L)Multi-Purpose Interior
CleanerCleans carpets, seats, interior trim, door panels
and floor mats
105292916 oz. (0.473 L)Wheel CleanerSpray on and rinse with water
10529308 oz. (0.237 L)Capture Dry Spot RemoverAttracts, absorbs and removes soils
1234500216 oz. (0.473 L)Armor All CleanerCleans and shines a variety of surface types
123457212.5 sq. ft.Synthetic ChamoisShines vehicle without scratching
1234572512 oz. (0.354 L)Silicone Tire ShineSpray on tire shine
1237796416 oz. (0.473 L)Finish EnhancerRemoves dust, fingerprints and surface contaminants
1237796616 oz. (0.473 L)Cleaner WaxRemoves light scratches and oxidation and protects finish
1237798416 oz. (0.473 L)Surface CleanerRemoves contaminants, blemishes and swirl marks
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products. ** Not recommended for use on instrument panel vinyl.
See ªFluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
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6-76
Capacities and Specifications
Please refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index for more information.
Engine Type VIN Code Spark Plug Gap
ªVORTECº 5000 V8 M 0.06 inches (1.52 mm)
ªVORTECº 5700 V8 R 0.06 inches (1.52 mm)
ªVORTECº 7400 V8 J 0.06 inches (1.52 mm)
Wheels and Tires
Model Description Torque
C/K 1500 5 bolts (14 mm)
140 lb
-ft (190 N´m)
C/K 1500 and C/K 2500 6 bolts (14 mm)
140 lb
-ft (190 N´m)
C/K 2500 (w/C6P) 8 bolts (14 mm)
140 lb
-ft (190 N´m)
C/K 3500 (Single Rear Wheels) 8 bolts (14 mm)
140 lb
-ft (190 N´m)
C/K 3500 (Dual Rear Wheels) 8 bolts (14 mm)
140 lb
-ft (190 N´m)
C 3500 HD Front 5 bolts (5/8 in.)
175 lb
-ft (240 N´m)
C 3500 HD Rear 10 bolts (5/8 in.)
175 lb
-ft (240 N´m)
Tire Pressure See the Certification/Tire label on the rear edge of the driver's door
or the incomplete vehicle document in the cab.
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9-2
Brake
Adjustment 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid 6-34, 7-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Master Cylinder 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pedal Travel 6-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing System Parts 6-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Warning Light 2-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer 4-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transmission Shift Interlock Check 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear 6-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes, Anti-Lock 4-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Braking in Emergencies 4-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Break-In, New Vehicle 2-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BTSI Check 7-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Camper Wiring Harness 4-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Camper-Type Mirror 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canadian Roadside Assistance 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications 6-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide 2-31, 4-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player 3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cargo Lamp 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Deck Service 7-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player 3-10, 3-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cassette Tape Player Care 3-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Overhead Console 2-51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Center Passenger Position 1-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label 4-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Certification/Tire Label 4
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Safety 4-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire 6-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire 5-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Charging System Light 2-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Check Gages Light 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking Your Restraint Systems 1-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chemical Paint Spotting 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child Restraints 1-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position 1-54, 1-56 . . . . . .
Securing in the Center Seat Position 1-59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position 1-62, 1-64 . . . . .
Top Strap 1-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Where to Put 1-52, 1-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chrome Wheels, Cleaning 6-68 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breakers and Fuses 6-70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaner/Filter, Air 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels 6
-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exterior Lamps/Lenses 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fabric 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glass 6-64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside of Your Vehicle 6-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument Panel 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Plastic Components 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leather 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside of Your Vehicle 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Special Problems 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stains 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 6-67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .