2007 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE wiper blades

Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
53(Headlamp High/Low Beam Changer):
To change the headlamps from low to high beam,
push the lever toward the instrument panel.
To return to low-beam headlamps, pull the
multifunction lever toward you. Then release it.
When the high beams
are on, this indicator
light on the instrument
panel cluster will also
be on.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use your high-beam
headlamps to signal a driver in front of you that
you want to pass. It works even if your headlamps
are in the automatic position.
To use it, pull the turn signal lever toward you,
then release it.If your headlamps are in the automatic position
or on low beam, your high-beam headlamps
will turn on. They will stay on as long as you hold
the lever toward you. The high-beam indicator
on the instrument panel cluster will come on.
Release the lever to return to normal operation.
Windshield Wipers
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper
blades before using them. If they are frozen to
the windshield, gently loosen or thaw them.
Damaged wiper blades may not clear the
windshield well, making it harder to see and
drive safely. If the blades do become damaged,
install new blades or blade inserts. For more
information, seeWindshield Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 491.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor.
A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it
cools down. Clear away snow or ice to prevent
an overload.
209

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble.
On a wet road, you cannot stop, accelerate, or turn
as well because your tire-to-road traction is not
as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires do not
have much tread left, you will get even less
traction. It is always wise to go slower and be
cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving.The surface may get wet suddenly when your
reexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, see
Four-Wheel Drive on page 132for transfer case
mode selection.
The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see.
Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good
shape, a heavy rain can make it harder to see
road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings,
the edge of the road, and even people walking.
It is wise to keep your wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer uid
reservoir lled with washer uid. Replace your
windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of
streaking or missing areas on the windshield,
or when strips of rubber start to separate from
the inserts.
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Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you
checked all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the
lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough
for long-distance driving? Are the tires
all inated to the recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather
outlook along your route? Should you
delay your trip a short time to avoid a
major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway
hypnosis? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the
wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of
awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road
with the same scenery, along with the hum of the
tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make
you sleepy. Do not let it happen to you! If it does,
your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis?
First, be aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with
a comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead
and to the sides. Check your vehicle’s mirrors
and instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get
some exercise, or both. For safety, treat
drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.
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Washing Your Vehicle............................... 541
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 541
Finish Care............................................... 541
Windshield and Wiper Blades.................... 542
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels......... 542
Tires......................................................... 543
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 544
Finish Damage.......................................... 544
Underbody Maintenance............................ 544
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 544
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 545
Vehicle Identication.................................. 546
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)........... 546
Service Parts Identication Label............... 546Electrical System........................................ 547
Add-On Electrical Equipment..................... 547
Windshield Wiper Fuses............................ 547
Power Windows and Other
Power Options....................................... 547
Fuses and Circuit Breakers....................... 548
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..................... 548
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block......... 550
Underhood Fuse Block.............................. 551
Capacities and Specications.................... 556
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
431

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for
wear or cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 563.
Replacement blades come in different types and
are removed in different ways. To replace the
wiper blade assembly, do the following:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm connector away
from the windshield.
2. Squeeze the grooved areas on each side of
the blade, and rotate the blade assembly
away from the arm connector.3. Install the new blade onto the arm connector
and make sure the grooved areas are fully set
in the locked position.
For the proper type and size, seeNormal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 576.
491

Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and
other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree
sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial
chimneys, etc., can damage your vehicle’s nish if
they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle
as soon as possible. If necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces
to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging,
weather and chemical fallout that can take their toll
over a period of years. You can help to keep
the paint nish looking new by keeping your
vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly
to keep their luster. Washing with water is all
that is usually needed. However, you may
use chrome polish on chrome or stainless steel
trim, if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid
damaging protective trim, never use auto or
chrome polish, steam or caustic soap to clean
aluminum. A coating of wax, rubbed to high polish,
is recommended for all bright metal parts.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer, or if the wiper blade chatters
when running, wax, sap, or other material may
be on the blade or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a glass
cleaning liquid or powder and water solution.
The windshield is clean if beads do not form when
it is rinsed with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper
blades and affect their performance. Clean
the blade by wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked
in full-strength windshield washer solvent. Then
rinse the blade with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as
necessary; replace blades that look worn.
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
Your vehicle may have either aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth
with mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water.
After rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean
towel. A wax may then be applied.
542

Scheduled Maintenance (cont’d)
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid
as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Check transmission uid level and add uid as needed.•
565

Maintenance Footnotes
†The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that
the failure to perform this maintenance item will not
nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability
prior to the completion of the vehicle’s useful life.
We, however, urge that all recommended
maintenance services be performed at the indicated
intervals and the maintenance be recorded.
#Lubricate the front suspension, steering linkage,
transmission shift linkage, and parking brake
cable guides. Control arm ball joints are
maintenance-free.
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for
proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang,
etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect other brake
parts, including calipers, parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing
parts, signs of wear or lack of lubrication. Inspect
power steering lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joints, rubber
boots, and axle seals for leaks.(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced
if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated.
Inspect all pipes, ttings, and clamps; replace with
genuine GM parts as needed. To help ensure
proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling
system and pressure cap and cleaning the outside
of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or
cracking. Replace wiper blades that appear worn
or damaged or that streak or miss areas of
the windshield.
(e)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. Also
look for any opened or broken airbag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. The
airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
568