2009 GMC SIERRA 1500 traction control

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
The following information relates to the
system developed by the United States National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
which grades tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies only to
vehicles sold in the United States. The grades are
molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car
tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver, or temporary use
spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters
of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors
passenger cars and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they must also conform
to federal safety requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specied
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half (1.5) times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart signicantly from the
norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are
AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specied government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
5-89

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has dual wheels or P265/65R18,
P275/55R20 or LT265/70R17 size tires, do not
use tire chains. They can damage your vehicle
because there is not enough clearance. Tire
chains used on a vehicle without the proper
amount of clearance can cause damage to
the brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains could cause
you to lose control of your vehicle and you or
others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
To help avoid damage to your vehicle, drive
slowly, readjust, or remove the device if it is
contacting your vehicle, and do not spin your
vehicle’s wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t, install
them on the rear tires.
Notice:If your vehicle does not have dual
wheels and has a tire size other than P265/65R18,
P275/55R20 or LT265/70R17, use tire chains only
where legal and only when you must. Use chains that
are the proper size for your tires. Install them on the
tires of the rear axle. Do not use chains on the tires
of the front axle. Tighten them as tightly as possible
with the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and
follow the chain manufacturer’s instructions. If you
can hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them. If the contact continues, slow down
until it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage your vehicle.
5-92

Tires (cont.)
Cleaning...................................................5-121
Different Size..............................................5-88
Dual Tire Operation.....................................5-78
High-Speed Operation..................................5-77
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-93
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-76
Inspection and Rotation................................5-84
Installing the Spare Tire..............................5-100
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-80
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-79
Removing the Flat Tire...............................5-100
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-95
Secondary Latch System............................5-107
Sidewall Labeling.........................................5-68
Spare Tire................................................5-114
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools..........5-110
Terminology and Denitions...........................5-73
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-89
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-90
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-90
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-86
Tow/Haul Mode ...............................................2-34
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-51
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-47
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-53
Trailer Recommendations..............................4-84
Your Vehicle...............................................4-47Traction
StabiliTrak®System....................................... 4-6
Trailer
Towing Recommendations.............................4-84
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic..................................5-24, 5-27
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-28
Transportation Program, Courtesy......................7-10
Trip Odometer................................................3-35
Truck-Camper Loading Information....................4-44
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-9
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-9
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............2-61
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-89
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-73
Operation...................................................2-74
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-3
Loading......................................................4-34
Running While Parked..................................2-56
Symbols......................................................... iv
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