Your trailer’s brake system can tap into the
vehicle’s hydraulic brake system only if:
The trailer parts can withstand 3,000 psi
(20 650 kPa) of pressure.
The trailer’s brake system will use less than
0.02 cubic inch (0.3 cc) of uid from your
vehicle’s master cylinder. Otherwise,
both braking systems won’t work well. You
could even lose your brakes.
If everything checks out this far, then make the
brake uid tap at the port on the master cylinder
that sends uid to the rear brakes. But don’t
use copper tubing for this. If you do, it will bend
and nally break off. Use steel brake tubing.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of
experience. Before setting out for the open road,
you’ll want to get to know your rig. Acquaint
yourself with the feel of handling and braking with
the added weight of the trailer. And always
keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is
now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer
moving and then apply the trailer brake controller
by hand to be sure the brakes are working.
This lets you check your electrical connection at
the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure
that the load is secure, and that the lamps and any
trailer brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead
as you would when driving your vehicle without
a trailer. This can help you avoid situations
that require heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a
good deal longer, you’ll need to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before you can
return to your lane.
308
Bulb Replacement....................................... 361
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 361
Headlamps................................................ 362
Front Turn Signal, Parking and
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).............. 363
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) ... 364
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps...................................... 364
License Plate Lamp................................... 366
Replacement Bulbs................................... 366
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 367
Tires............................................................ 369
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 370
Tire Terminology and De nitions............... 374
In ation - Tire Pressure............................. 377
Tire Pressure Monitor System................... 378
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 383
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 385
Buying New Tires...................................... 386
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 388
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 389
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 390
Wheel Replacement.................................. 390Tire Chains............................................... 392
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 393
Changing a Flat Tire................................. 394
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools.......... 395
Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire......................... 398
Secondary Latch System........................... 406
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...... 410
Spare Tire................................................. 413
Appearance Care........................................ 415
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 415
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 416
Leather...................................................... 417
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces........................... 418
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 418
Weatherstrips............................................ 418
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 419
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 419
Finish Care............................................... 419
Windshield and Wiper Blades.................... 420
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels......... 421
Tires......................................................... 422
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
314
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 vehicle’s tires can
cause overheating as a result of too
much friction. You could have an
air-out and a serious accident. See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 286.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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 vehicle’s tires are cold. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 377.
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
the tire’s tread is badly worn, or if your
vehicle’s tires have been damaged,
replace them.
369
(E) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord and
number of plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG):Tire
manufacturers are required to grade tires
based on three performance factors: treadwear,
traction and temperature resistance. For more
information seeUniform Tire Quality Grading on
page 389.
(G) Maximum Cold In ation Load Limit:
Maximum load that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to support that load.
(A) Temporary Use Only:The compact spare
tire or temporary use tire has a tread life of
approximately 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and should
not be driven at speeds over 65 mph (105 km/h).
The compact spare tire is for emergency use when
a regular road tire has lost air and gone at.
See “Compact Spare Tire” underSpare Tire on
page 413for additional information.
Compact Spare Tire Example
371