2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT tires

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 seeTires
on page 7‑57andInflation - Tire
Pressure
on page 7‑64.
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.
SeeTowing a Trailer
on page 6‑42for
important information on towing a trailer,
towing safety rules and trailering tips.
6-33

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

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 first 500 miles
(800 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
.Then, during the first 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 can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
Important considerations that have to do with weight:
.The weight of the trailer
.The weight of the trailer tongue
.The weight on the vehicle's tires
.And the weight of the trailering combination
6-43

Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is very important
because it is also part of the vehicle weight. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the curb weight of the
vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and the people who will
be riding in the vehicle as well as trailer tongue weight.
Vehicle options, equipment, passengers and cargo in
the vehicle reduce the amount of tongue weight the
vehicle can carry, which will also reduce the trailer
weight the vehicle can tow. SeeLoading the Vehicle
on
page 6‑32for more information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity.
Trailer tongue weight (A) should be 10 percent to
15 percent and fifth wheel or gooseneck kingpin weight
should be 15 to 25 percent of the loaded trailer weight
up to the maximums for vehicle series and hitch type
shown below:
Vehicle Series Hitch Type Maximum
Tongue Weight
1500 Weight Carrying 272 kg (600 lbs)
1500 Weight Distributing 499 kg (1,100 lbs)
Do not exceed the maximum allowable tongue weight
for the vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch extension that
will position the hitch ball closest to the vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of trailer tongue weight on the
rear axle.
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.
6-45

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.
6-46

Driving with a Trailer
{WARNING:
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, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3‑44. Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of
experience. The combination you are driving is longer
and not as responsive as the vehicle itself. Get
acquainted with the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors,
lamps, tires and mirrors. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the
brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure and the lamps and any trailer brakes
still work.
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 heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.
The combination will not accelerate as quickly and is
longer so it is necessary to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before returning to the lane.
6-50

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

Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new
pads are needed. The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{WARNING:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to
an accident. When the brake wear warning sound
is heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts
in the proper sequence to torque specifications in
Capacities and Specifications on page 7‑112. Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every brake stop, the disc brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.
When parts of the braking system are replaced
—for
example, when the brake linings wear down and new
ones are installed —be sure to get new approved
replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance
between the front and rear brakes can change —for the
worse. The braking performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong replacement brake
parts are installed.
7-40