2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX tires

Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with
the headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free your
vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-22.
If your vehicle has a traction system, it can often help to
free a stuck vehicle. Refer to your vehicle’s traction
system in the Index. If the stuck condition is too severe
for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the rocking method.
{CAUTION:
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can overheat,
causing an engine compartment re or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little as possible
and avoid going above 35 mph (55 km/h) as
shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
seeTire Chains on page 5-74.
4-21

Tire and Loading Information Label
A vehicle specic Tire and Loading Information
label is attached to the vehicle’s center pillar
(B-pillar). With the driver’s door open, you will nd
the label attached below the door lock post
(striker). The tire and loading information label lists
the number of occupant seating positions (A),
and the maximum vehicle capacity weight (B) in
kilograms and pounds. The vehicle capacity weight
includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.The Tire and Loading Information label also lists
the tire size of the original equipment tires (C) and
the recommended cold tire ination pressures (D).
For more information on tires and ination, see
Tires on page 5-52andInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-59.
There is also important loading information on the
Certication/Tire label. It tells you the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axles.
See “Certication/Tire Label” later in this section.
Label Example
4-23

Refer to your vehicle’s tire and loading information
label for specic information about your vehicle’s
maximum vehicle capacity weight and seating
positions. The combined weight of the driver,
passengers, and cargo should never exceed your
vehicle’s maximum vehicle capacity weight.
Certication Label
A vehicle specic Certication/Tire label is found
on the rear edge of the driver’s door, or on
the vehicle’s center pillar (B-pillar).The label shows the size of your original tires and
the ination 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 Certication/Tire label also tells you the
maximum weights for the front and rear axles,
called the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To
nd 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 centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle or the
GAWR for either the front or rear axle.
4-26

To tow your vehicle from the front with all four wheels
on the ground:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it.
2. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
5. Shift your transmission to NEUTRAL (N).6. To prevent your battery from draining while the
vehicle is being towed, disconnect the vehicle’s
battery. Contact your dealer/retailer for more
information on the battery disconnection procedure.
7. Release the parking brake.
Notice:If you tow your vehicle without performing
each of the steps listed under “Dinghy Towing,”
you could damage the automatic transmission. Be
sure to follow all steps of the dinghy towing
procedure prior to and after towing your vehicle.
Notice:If you exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while
towing your vehicle, it could be damaged. Never
exceed 65 mph (105 km/h) while towing your vehicle.
Once you have reached your destination:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Put the vehicle in PARK (P).
3. Re-connect the vehicle’s battery. Contact your
dealer/retailer for more information on the battery
connection procedure.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF and remove the
key from the ignition.
Notice:Don’t tow a vehicle with the front drive
wheels on the ground if one of the front tires is a
compact spare tire. Towing with two different tire
sizes on the front of the vehicle can cause severe
damage to the transmission.
4-30

If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you will be driving. A good source for this
information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches” later in
this section.
Do not tow a trailer at all during the rst 500 miles
(800 km) your new vehicle is driven. Your engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
During the rst 500 miles (800 km) that you tow a
trailer, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h) and do not
make starts at full throttle. This helps your engine
and other parts of your vehicle wear in at the
heavier loads.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
Weight of the trailer
Weight of the trailer tongue
Weight on your vehicle’s tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
Your vehicle can tow up to 3,500 lbs (1 575 kg).
But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how you plan to use your rig. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature and how much your vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. It can also depend on any
special equipment that you have on your vehicle, and
the amount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in this section for
more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.
Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or
advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance
Offices. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 7-5
for more information.
4-34

Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure your vehicle’s tires are inated to the upper limit
for cold tires. You will nd these numbers on the
Certication/Tire Label at the rear edge of the driver’s
door, or seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-22.
Then be sure you do not go over the GVW limit for your
vehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are
a few reasons why you will need the right hitch. Here
are some rules to follow:
If you will be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will
weigh more than 2,000 lbs (900 kg), be sure to use
a properly mounted, weight-carrying hitch and sway
control of the proper size. This equipment is very
important for proper vehicle loading and good
handling when you’re driving.
Will you have to make any holes in the body of your
vehicle when you install a trailer hitch?
If you do, remember to seal the holes when you
remove the hitch. If you do not seal them, deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from your exhaust can get
into your vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-35.
Dirt and water can, too.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated from the
hitch. Instructions about safety chains may be provided
by the hitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attaching
safety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.
Always leave just enough slack so you can turn with your
rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes – and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so you will be able to install, adjust and
maintain them properly.
Because your vehicle may have anti-lock brakes, do not
try to tap into your vehicle’s brake system. If you do,
both brake systems will not work well, or at all.
4-36

Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have the liftgate open and you pull a
trailer with your vehicle, carbon monoxide (CO)
could come into your vehicle. You cannot see
or smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness or
death. SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-35.To
maximize your safety when towing a trailer:
Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
Keep the liftgate closed.
If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
the climate control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. SeeClimate Control System
on page 3-19.Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you will 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.
4-37

Tires..............................................................5-52
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-53
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-56
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-59
High-Speed Operation...................................5-61
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-62
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-63
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-67
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-68
Buying New Tires.........................................5-69
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-71
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-71
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-73
Wheel Replacement......................................5-73
Tire Chains..................................................5-74
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-75
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-76
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-77
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-79
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-86
Compact Spare Tire......................................5-88
Appearance Care............................................5-89
Interior Cleaning...........................................5-89
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-90
Leather.......................................................5-92Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces..................................................5-93
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-93
Weatherstrips...............................................5-93
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-94
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-94
Finish Care..................................................5-95
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-95
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim.....5-96
Tires...........................................................5-97
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-97
Finish Damage.............................................5-97
Underbody Maintenance................................5-97
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-97
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials..................5-98
Vehicle Identication......................................5-99
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................5-99
Service Parts Identication Label.....................5-99
Electrical System..........................................5-100
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................5-100
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-100
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................5-100
Instrument Panel Fuse Block........................5-101
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-103
Capacities and Specications........................5-107
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2