2008 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE mirror

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.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.Off-Road Driving
This off-road guide is for vehicles that have four-wheel
drive. Also, seeBraking on page 4-3. If your vehicle
does not have four-wheel drive, you should not
drive off-road unless you are on a level, solid surface.
The airbag system is designed to work properly under
a wide range of conditions, including off-road usage.
Observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough
terrain. As always, wear your safety belt.
Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have
some denite hazards. The greatest of these is
the terrain itself.
“Off-roading” means you have left the great North
American road system behind. Traffic lanes are not
marked. Curves are not banked. There are no
road signs. Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill, or
downhill. In short, you have gone right back to nature.
4-12

If the water is not too deep, drive slowly through it. At
faster speeds, water splashes on the ignition system and
your vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur if you get
the tailpipe under water. And, as long as the tailpipe is
under water, you will never be able to start the engine.
When you go through water, remember that when the
brakes get wet, it may take you longer to stop.
SeeDriving in Rain and on Wet Roads on page 4-28for
more information on driving through water.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on
the underbody, chassis, or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a re hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust
system for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and
cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due
to off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
for additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving
because some drivers are likely to be impaired — by
alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by
fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because headlamps can only light up
so much road ahead.
Watch for animals.
When tired, pull off the road.
Do not wear sunglasses.
Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns or
curves.
4-27

Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips
include:
Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
Keep the windshield washer uid reservoir lled.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 5-56.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel? Have up-to-date
maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, nd a
safe place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
4-29

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.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider turns than
normal. Do this so your trailer won’t strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or
sudden maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
4-55

Fuses Usage
24Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils
(Left Side)
25 Trailer Park Lamps
26 Driver Side Park Lamps
27 Passenger Side Park Lamps
28 Fog Lamps
29 Horn
30Passenger Side High-Beam
Headlamp
31 Daytime Running Lamps
32 Driver Side High-Beam Headlamp
33 Daytime Running Lights 2
34 Sunroof
35Key Ignition System, Theft Deterrent
System
36 Windshield Wiper
37 SEO B2 Uptter Usage (Battery)
38 Electric Adjustable Pedals
39 Climate Controls (Battery)
40 Airbag System (Ignition)
41 AmplierFuses Usage
42 Audio System
43Miscellaneous (Ignition),
Cruise Control
44 Liftgate Release
45 Airbag System (Battery)
46 Instrument Panel Cluster
47 Power Take-Off
48Auxiliary Climate Control (Ignition),
Compass-Temperature Mirror
49 Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
50 Rear Defogger
51 Heated Mirrors
52 SEO B1 Uptter Usage (Battery)
53Cigarette Lighter, Auxiliary Power
Outlet
54Automatic Level Control Compressor
Relay, SEO Uptter Usage
55 Climate Controls (Ignition)
56Engine Control Module, Secondary
Fuel Pump (Ignition)
5-113

Low Fuel Warning Light...................................3-50
Luggage Carrier..............................................2-72
Lumbar
Manual Controls............................................ 1-4
Power Controls............................................. 1-4
M
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services........................... 6-6
At Each Fuel Fill........................................... 6-9
At Least Once a Month................................6-10
At Least Once a Year..................................6-10
Introduction.................................................. 6-2
Maintenance Footnotes.................................. 6-7
Maintenance Record....................................6-17
Maintenance Replacement Parts....................6-15
Maintenance Requirements............................. 6-2
Owner Checks and Services........................... 6-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.............6-13
Scheduled Maintenance................................. 6-4
Using.......................................................... 6-3
Your Vehicle and the Environment................... 6-2
Malfunction Indicator Light................................3-43Manual Lumbar Controls.................................... 1-4
Manual Seats................................................... 1-2
Manual, Using..................................................... ii
Memory Seat, Mirrors, and Pedals...................... 1-6
Message
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-59
Midgate
®.......................................................2-12
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview with Compass
and Temperature Display...........................2-52
Automatic Dimming Rearview with OnStar
®,
Compass and Temperature Display.............2-49
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors....................2-56
Outside Power Mirrors..................................2-54
MP3 ....................................................3-96, 3-101
MyGMLink.com................................................ 7-4
N
Navigation System, Privacy..............................7-17
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual...............................3-107
New Vehicle Break-In......................................2-30
8

O
Odometer......................................................3-34
Odometer, Trip...............................................3-34
Off-Road Driving.............................................4-12
Off-Road Recovery..........................................4-10
Oil
Engine.......................................................5-15
Pressure Gage............................................3-46
Pressure Light.............................................3-47
Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-18
Older Children, Restraints................................1-35
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-17
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-61
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-64
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-31
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-20
Outside
Power Foldaway Mirrors...............................2-56
Power Mirrors.............................................2-54
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode....5-30
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-9
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage..............................................5-105
Park
Shifting Into................................................2-45
Shifting Out of............................................2-47
Park Aid........................................................2-58
Park Brake....................................................2-44
Parking
Assist........................................................2-58
Over Things That Burn.................................2-47
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-36
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-69
Passing.........................................................4-11
PASS-KEY
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer...............2-28
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation...................................................2-28
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California...... 5-4
Power
Door Locks.................................................2-10
Electrical System.......................................5-108
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-4
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-32
Running Boards..........................................2-22
Seat............................................................ 1-3
Steering Fluid.............................................5-36
Windows....................................................2-24
9

Privacy..........................................................7-16
Event Data Recorders..................................7-16
Navigation System.......................................7-17
OnStar .......................................................7-17
Radio Frequency Identication.......................7-17
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-11
R
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID), Privacy....7-17
Radio(s)........................................................3-78
Radios
Navigation/Radio System, see Navigation
Manual.................................................3-107
Rear Seat Audio........................................3-116
Reception.................................................3-119
Setting the Clock.........................................3-76
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-118
Rainsense™ II Wipers.....................................3-10
Reading Lamps..............................................3-18
Rear Axle......................................................5-47
Locking........................................................ 4-5
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-11
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)..................................3-116
Rear Seat Entertainment System.....................3-107
Rear Seat Operation.......................................1-12
Rear Storage Area..........................................2-73
Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
Compass and Temperature Display................2-52Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®, Compass and Temperature Display . . . 2-49
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-13
Recovery Hooks.............................................4-35
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-42
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System, Operation . . . 2-5
Remote Vehicle Start........................................ 2-7
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire..................................................5-85
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...................5-81
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-55
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-15
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-14
General Motors...........................................7-14
United States Government............................7-14
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-76
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-77
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-32
Roadside
Assistance Program....................................... 7-6
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-34
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-16
Running Boards, Power...................................2-22
Running Out of Fuel........................................2-48
10