
Black plate (27,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Hill and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in
these conditions include: .
Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape. .
Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission. .
Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.
{ WARNING: 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. { WARNING: 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.
See Off-Road Driving
on page 6 ‑ 13 for information
about driving off-road.
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Black plate (33,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
The Tire and Loading Information label also
shows the size of the original equipment tires (C)
and the recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (D). For more information on tires and
inflation see Tires
on page 7 ‑ 58 and Inflation - Tire
Pressure
on page 7 ‑ 65 .
There is also important loading information on the
vehicle Certification/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 “ Certification/Tire Label ” later
in this section.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 1.
Locate the statement “ The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs ” on your vehicle's placard.2.
Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3.
Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs. 4.
The resulting figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “ XXX ” amount equals
1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400 − 750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).5.
Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4. 6.
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine
how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle. See
Towing a Trailer
on page 6 ‑ 42 for important
information on towing a trailer, towing safety
rules and trailering tips.
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Black plate (35,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Example 3
Item Description Total
A Vehicle Capacity
Weight for
Example 3 = 1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
B Subtract Occupant
Weight @ 200 lbs
(91 kg) × 5 = 1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
C Available Cargo
Weight = 0 lbs (0 kg)
Refer to your vehicle's tire and loading information
label for specific information about your vehicle's
capacity weight and seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed your vehicle's
capacity weight.
Certification/Tire Label
A vehicle specific Certification/Tire label is
attached to the rear edge of the driver's door.
The label shows the size of your vehicle's original
tires and the inflation pressures needed to obtain
the gross weight capacity of your vehicle. This is
called Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle,
all occupants, fuel, and cargo.
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Black plate (46,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Trailering may be limited by the vehicle's ability to carry
tongue weight. Tongue or kingpin weight cannot cause
the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating). See “ Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires ” later
in this section for more information.
After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then the
tongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.
If they are not, adjustments might be made by moving
some items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires Be sure the vehicle's tires are inflated to the inflation
pressures found on the Certification label on the driver
door or see Loading the Vehicle
on page 6 ‑ 32 for more
information. Make sure not to exceed the GVWR limit
for the vehicle, or the RGAWR, with the tow vehicle and
trailer fully loaded for the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a weight distributing hitch, make
sure not to exceed the RGAWR before applying the
weight distribution spring bars. Weight of the Trailering Combination It is important that the combination of the tow
vehicle and trailer does not exceed any of its weight
ratings — GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Trailer Weight
Rating or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure it is
not exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh the tow
vehicle and trailer combination, fully loaded for the trip,
getting individual weights for each of these items.
Hitches The correct hitch equipment helps maintain combination
control. Most small-to-medium trailers can be towed
with a weight carrying hitch which simply features a
coupler latched to the hitch ball. Larger trailers may
require a weight distributing hitch that uses spring bars
to distribute the trailer tongue weight among the two
vehicle and trailer axles. See “ Weight of the Trailer
Tongue ” earlier in this section for rating limits with
various hitch types.
If a step-bumper hitch will be 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.
Consider using sway controls with any trailer. Ask a
trailering professional about sway controls or refer to
the trailer manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
6-46

Black plate (2,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Section 7 Service and Appearance CareWindshield Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 7-57
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-58
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-60
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-62
Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-65
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-66
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-67
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-68
Tire Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-71
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-73
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-73
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-75
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-76
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-77
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-77
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-78
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-79
Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-80
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-81
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-86
Secondary Latch System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-91
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . 7-94
Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98 Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-99
Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-99
Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-100
Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102
Wood Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102
Speaker Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102
Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103
Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103
Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-104
Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-104
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades . . . . 7-105
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107
Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107
Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107
Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107
Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-108
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-108
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . 7-108
Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-109
7-2

Black plate (52,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
Headlamp Aiming The vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aiming
system. The aim of the headlamps have been preset at
the factory and should need no further adjustment.
However, if the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the aim
of the headlamps may be affected and adjustment may
be necessary.
If oncoming vehicles flash their high beams at you, this
may mean the vertical aim of your headlamps needs to
be adjusted.
It is recommended that the vehicle is taken to your
dealer for service if the headlamps need to be adjusted.
It is possible however, to re-aim the headlamps as
described.
The vehicle should: .
Be placed so the headlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from
a light colored wall or other flat surface. .
Have all four tires on a level surface which is level
all the way to the wall or other flat surface. .
Be placed so it is perpendicular to the wall or other
flat surface. .
Not have any snow, ice, or mud on it. .
Be fully assembled and all other work stopped
while headlamp aiming is being performed. .
Be normally loaded with a full tank of fuel and one
person or 160 lbs (75 kg) sitting on the driver seat. .
Have the tires properly inflated. .
Have the spare tire is in its proper location in the
vehicle.
Headlamp aiming is done with the vehicle's low-beam
headlamps. The high-beam headlamps will be correctly
aimed if the low-beam headlamps are aimed properly.
To adjust the vertical aim:
1. Open the hood. See Hood Release
on page 7 ‑ 15
for more information.
2. Locate the center of
the projector lens of
the low ‐ beam
headlamp.
3. Record the distance from the ground to the center
of the projector lens of the low ‐ beam headlamp.
7-52

Black plate (59,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
{ WARNING: .
Poorly maintained and improperly used
tires are dangerous. .
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much
flexing. You could have an air-out and a
serious accident. See Loading the Vehicle
on page 6 ‑ 32 ..
Underinflated 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 tires are
cold. See Inflation - Tire Pressure
on
page 7 ‑ 65
. (Continued)WARNING: (Continued) .
Overinflated 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 your tread is badly worn, or if your tires
have been damaged, replace them.
See High-Speed Operation
on page 7 ‑ 66 for
inflation pressure adjustment for high speed
driving.
22 ‐ Inch Tires If your vehicle has the optional 22 ‐ inch
P285/45R22 size tires, they are classified as
touring tires and are designed for on ‐ road use.
The
low ‐ profile, wide tread design is not recommended
for off ‐ road driving. See Off-Road Driving
on
page 6 ‑ 13
, for additional information.
7-59

Black plate (61,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2010
(G) Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit :
Maximum load that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to support that load.
For information on recommended tire pressure
see Inflation - Tire Pressure
on page 7 ‑ 65 and
Loading the Vehicle
on page 6 ‑ 32 .
Tire Size The following examples show the different parts of
a tire size.
Passenger (P ‐ Metric) Tire
(A) Passenger (P ‐ Metric) Tire :
The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P
as the first character in the tire size means a
passenger vehicle tire engineered to standards
set by the U.S. Tire and Rim Association. (B) Tire Width :
The three ‐ digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio :
A two ‐ digit number that
indicates the tire height ‐ to ‐ width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 75, as
shown in item C of the light truck (LT ‐ Metric) tire
illustration, it would mean that the tire's sidewall is
75% as high as it is wide.
(D) Construction Code :
A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias ply construction;
and the letter B means belted ‐ bias ply
construction.
(E) Rim Diameter :
Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description :
These characters
represent the load index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is certified to
carry a load.
7-61