2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT tire pressure

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 the vehicle's original
tires and the inflation pressures needed to obtain
the gross weight capacity of the vehicle. This is
called Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.The Certification/Tire label also tells you the
maximum weights for the front and rear axles,
called Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find
out the actual loads on the front and rear axles,
you need to go to a weigh station and weigh the
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can help you with this.
Be sure to spread out the load equally on both
sides of the center line.
Never exceed the GVWR for the vehicle, or the
GAWR for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, it should be
spread out.
{WARNING:
In the case of a sudden stop or collision,
things carried in the bed of your truck could
shift forward and come into the passenger
area, injuring you and others. If you put
things in the bed of your truck, you should
make sure they are properly secured.
6-36

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 seeLoading the Vehicle
on page 6‑32for 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.
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Section 7 Service and Appearance Care
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement. . . . . . . . . . .7-56
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-57
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-58
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-61
Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-64
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-65
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-66
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-67
Tire Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-70
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-71
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-72
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-74
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-74
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-76
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-76
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-77
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-78
Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-79
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-80
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-84
Secondary Latch System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-89
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . 7-92
Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-96 Appearance Care
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-96
Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-96
Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98
Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-99
Wood Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-99
Speaker Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-99
Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-99
Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-100
Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-100
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-100
Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101
Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103
Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103
Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103
Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103
Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-104
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . 7-104
Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-104
7-2

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires
made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever
have questions about your tire warranty and
where to obtain service, see your vehicle
Warranty booklet for details. For additional
information refer to the tire manufacturer.
{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. SeeLoading the Vehicle
on page 6‑32.
(Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
.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. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure
on
page 7‑64
.
.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 7‑65for
inflation pressure adjustment for high speed
driving.
7-57

(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification)
:Original equipment tires designed
to GM's specific tire performance criteria have a
TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.
GM's TPC specifications meet or exceed all
federal safety guidelines.
(C) DOT (Department of Transportation)
:
The Department of Transportation (DOT) code
indicates that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards.
(D) Tire Identification Number (TIN)
:The letters
and numbers following DOT code are the Tire
Identification Number (TIN). The TIN shows the
manufacturer and plant code, tire size, and date
the tire was manufactured. The TIN is molded
onto both sides of the tire, although only one side
may have the date of manufacture. (E) Tire Ply Material
:The type of cord and
number of plies in the sidewall and under the
tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
:Tire
manufacturers are required to grade tires based
on three performance factors: treadwear, traction,
and temperature resistance. For more information,
see Uniform Tire Quality Grading
on page 7‑74.
(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 7‑64and
Loading the Vehicle
on page 6‑32.
7-59

Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire's height
to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread. Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Inflation - Tire Pressure
on
page 7‑64
.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an
alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
See Loading the Vehicle
on page 6‑32.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. See Loading the Vehicle
on page 6‑32.
7-61

GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear
axle. See Loading the Vehicle
on page 6‑32.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric unit for air
pressure.
Light Truck (LT‐Metric) Tire
:A tire used on light
duty trucks and some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned number ranging from
1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carrying
capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:The maximum
air pressure to which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is molded onto the
sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The load rating for a tire
at the maximum permissible inflation pressure for
that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
:The sum of
curb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacity
weight, and production options weight. Normal Occupant Weight
:The number of
occupants a vehicle is designed to seat multiplied
by 150 lbs (68 kg). See Loading the Vehicle
on
page 6‑32
.
Occupant Distribution
:Designated seating
positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The side of an
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side that
faces outward when mounted on a vehicle.
The side of the tire that contains a whitewall,
bears white lettering, or bears manufacturer,
brand, and/or model name molding that is higher
or deeper than the same moldings on the other
sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:A tire used on
passenger cars and some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation Pressure
:Vehicle
manufacturer's recommended tire inflation
pressure as shown on the tire placard.
See Inflation - Tire Pressure
on page 7‑64
andLoading the Vehicleon page 6‑32.
7-62

Radial Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the ply
cords that extend to the beads are laid at
90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a tire and upon which
the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire between the tread
and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric code assigned
to a tire indicating the maximum speed at which a
tire can operate.
Traction
:The friction between the tire and the
road surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that comes into
contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow bands, sometimes
called wear bars, that show across the tread of
a tire when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread
remains. See When It Is Time for New Tires
on
page 7‑71
. UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards)
:A tire information system that
provides consumers with ratings for a tire's
traction, temperature, and treadwear. Ratings
are determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the tire. See Uniform
Tire Quality Grading
on page 7‑74.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The number of
designated seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs
(68 kg) plus the rated cargo load. See Loading the
Vehicle
on page 6‑32.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire
:Load on
an individual tire due to curb weight, accessory
weight, occupant weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard
:A label permanently attached
to a vehicle showing the vehicle's capacity
weight and the original equipment tire size and
recommended inflation pressure. See “Tire and
Loading Information Label” underLoading the
Vehicle
on page 6‑32.
7-63