2009 GMC CANYON tires

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on at or rolling terrain. Tips for driving
in these conditions include:
Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
Check all uid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition
off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they could get so hot
that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.
Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
SeeOff-Road Driving on page 4-12for information
about driving off-road.
4-28

Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice
can occur at about 32°F (0°C) when freezing rain
begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate
gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under
the tires slick, so there is even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.If the vehicle has theTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-8, it improves the ability to accelerate on slippery
roads, but slow down and adjust your driving to the road
conditions. When driving through deep snow, turn off the
traction control system to help maintain vehicle motion at
lower speeds.
TheAntilock Brake System (ABS) on page 4-5improves
vehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads, but
apply the brakes sooner than when on dry pavement.
Allow greater following distance on any slippery road
and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on
otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface
of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.
4-29

To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off
and close the window most of the way to save heat.
Repeat this until help arrives but only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about to
keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then
when you run the engine, push the accelerator pedal
slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle
and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible to save fuel.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the
vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-32.If the vehicle has a traction system, it can often help to
free a stuck vehicle. Refer to the vehicle’s traction system
in the Index. If stuck too severely 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 the vehicle,
seeTire Chains on page 5-76.
4-31

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 latch post.Vehicle’s without a center pillar, like extended cab
models, will have the Tire and Loading Information
label attached to the driver’s side extended cab
door, above the door latch post. The Tire and
Loading Information label shows the number of
occupant seating positions (A), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (B) in kilograms and
pounds.
The Tire and Loading Information label also shows
the 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 5-54andInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-61.
There is also important 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
4-34

Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
the 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) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the rst 500 miles (800 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
Vehicles with automatic transmissions can tow in
D (Drive), but you may want to shift to a lower
gear selection if the transmission shifts too often
(e.g., under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions).
If the vehicle has a manual transmission it is better
not to use the highest gear.Three important considerations have to do with weight:
The weight of the trailer
The weight of the trailer tongue
The weight on the vehicle’s tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used. For example, speed,
altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how
much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. It can depend on any special equipment on
the 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.
4-48

It is important that the vehicle does not exceed any of its
ratings — GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Maximum Trailer
Rating or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure it is
not exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh the vehicle
and trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inated to the upper limit
for cold tires. These numbers can be found on the
Certication/Tire label located at the bottom of the center
pillar on the driver’s side of the vehicle, or seeLoading
the Vehicle on page 4-33. Make sure not to go over the
GVW limit for the vehicle, or the GAWR, including the
weight of the trailer tongue. If using a weight distributing
hitch, make sure not to go over the rear axle limit before
applying the weight distribution spring bars.
Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads
are a few reasons why the right hitch is needed.
Weight-Distributing Hitches and
Weight Carrying Hitches
A step bumper hitch can be used for trailers up to
2,000 lbs (907 kg) total weight, and 200 lbs (90 kg)
tongue weight.Notice:If a step-bumper hitch is used, the bumper
could be damaged in sharp turns. Make sure there is
ample room when turning to avoid contact between
the trailer and the bumper.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and the 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. For trailers up to 2,000 lbs
(907 kg) safety chains may be attached to the attaching
points on the bumper. For heavier trailers, follow the
trailer or hitch manufacturer’s recommendation for
attaching safety chains. Always leave just enough slack
so the rig can turn. Never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more than 1,000 lbs
(450 kg) needs to have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the trailer. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted and maintained properly.
Since the vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak
®, the trailer
cannot tap into the vehicle’s hydraulic brake system.
4-53

Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
When towing a trailer, exhaust gases may collect
at the rear of the vehicle and enter if the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most window is open.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
To maximize safety when towing a trailer:
Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks
and make necessary repairs before starting
a trip.
Never drive with the liftgate, trunk/hatch, or
rear-most window open.
Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air and set the fan
speed to the highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide,
seeEngine Exhaust on page 2-35.Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Get to know the rig before setting out for the open road.
Get acquainted 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 longer and not as
responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the
brakes are working. This checks the electrical connection
at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakes
are still working.
While towing a trailer or when exposed to long periods
of sunshine, the oor of the truck bed may become
very warm. Avoid putting items in the truck bed
that might be affected by high ambient temperatures.Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations that require heavy
braking and sudden turns.
4-54

Tires..............................................................5-54
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-55
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-58
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-61
High-Speed Operation...................................5-62
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-63
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-65
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-68
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-69
Buying New Tires.........................................5-70
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-72
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-72
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-74
Wheel Replacement......................................5-74
Tire Chains..................................................5-76
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-77
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-78
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-79
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire..........................................5-83
Secondary Latch System...............................5-90
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools............5-94
Spare Tire...................................................5-98
Appearance Care..........................................5-100
Interior Cleaning.........................................5-100
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-101
Leather......................................................5-102Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-102
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-102
Weatherstrips.............................................5-103
Washing Your Vehicle..................................5-103
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-103
Finish Care................................................5-104
Windshield and Wiper Blades.......................5-104
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim................................................5-105
Tires.........................................................5-106
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-106
Finish Damage...........................................5-106
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-106
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-107
Vehicle Identication.....................................5-107
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)................5-107
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-108
Electrical System..........................................5-108
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................5-108
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-109
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................5-109
Engine Compartment Fuse Block...................5-109
Capacities and Specications........................5-115
Capacities and Specications........................5-115
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2