ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle
in front of you, you will not have time to apply your
brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though
you have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down firmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel
the brakes pulsate, or you may hear air exhausting if
you have air brakes, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. In
many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
4-9
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
If you have the Traction Control System (TCS),
remember: It helps avoid only the acceleration skid. See
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-12.Ifyou
do not have this system, or if the system is off, then an
acceleration skid is also best handled by easing
your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you
will 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 reducing vehicle speed 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 mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.If you have the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
remember: It helps avoid only the braking skid. If you do
not have ABS, then in a braking skid, where the
wheels are no longer rolling, release enough pressure
on the brakes to get the wheels rolling again. This
restores steering control. Push the brake pedal down
steadily when you have to stop suddenly. As long as the
wheels are rolling, you will have steering control.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
•Drive defensively.
•Do not drink and drive.
•Adjust the inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare
from headlamps behind you.
•Since you cannot see as well, you may need to
slow down and keep more space between you
and other vehicles.
4-18
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They may not
work as well in a quick stop and may cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a vehicle wash, apply your brake pedal
lightly until your brakes work normally.
Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some vehicle washes can cause
problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to
avoid puddles. But if you cannot, try to slow down
before you hit them.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up
under your tires that they can actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and
you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can if your
tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in
one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is
standing on the road. If you can see reflections
from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and
raindrops dimple the water’s surface, there could be
hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just is not a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
4-21
Loading Your Vehicle
There is a vehicle specific GVW Rating label on your
vehicle that shows how much weight it may properly
carry. It also 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 Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.The GVW Rating label is provided by the final
manufacturer and should be on the door or door jamb. It
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
center line.
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.
4-34
Other Service Items........................................5-70
Fuel Filter....................................................5-70
Primary Fuel Filter and Water Separator..........5-71
Secondary Fuel Filter and Water
Separator/Heater (Caterpillar
®Diesel)...........5-71
Automatic Ether Injection System
(Caterpillar
®Diesel)....................................5-72
Front Wheel Bearings with Oil-Filled Hubs........5-73
Air Conditioning System.................................5-74
Tires..............................................................5-74
Inflation - Tire Pressure.................................5-75
Wheel Loading.............................................5-75
Dual Tire Operation.......................................5-76
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-76
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-77
Tightening the Wheel Nuts.............................5-77
Wheel Replacement......................................5-81
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-82
Appearance Care............................................5-83
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-83
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-85
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces..................................................5-86
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-86
Weatherstrips...............................................5-86
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-87Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-87
Finish Care..................................................5-87
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-88
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels................5-89
Tires...........................................................5-89
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-89
Finish Damage.............................................5-89
Underbody Maintenance................................5-90
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-90
Vehicle Identi cation......................................5-91
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).................5-91
Service Statement.........................................5-92
Service Parts Identification Label.....................5-92
Electrical System............................................5-92
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-92
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-93
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................5-93
Fusible Links................................................5-93
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-93
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-93
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-94
Underhood Fuse Block..................................5-96
Capacities and Speci cations..........................5-99
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........5-104
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2
Air Conditioning System
Every now and then, have your dealership check your
air conditioning system to be sure it has not lost
any cooling ability. If you think the system is not working
properly, have your GM dealer check it out as soon
as possible.
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. For additional
information refer to the tire manufacturer’s booklet
included with your vehicle.
{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. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 4-34.
Underin ated 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. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-75.
Overin ated 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.
5-74