2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE flat tire

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is differentthan driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving inthese conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, coolingsystem, and transmission.
.Going down steep or long hills, shift to alower 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 cutacross the center of the road. Drive at speeds thatlet you stay in your own lane.
.Top of hills: Be alert—something could be in yourlane (stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocksarea, winding roads, long grades, passing orno-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
SeeOff-Road Drivingon page 6!13for informationabout driving off-road.
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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 seeTireson page 7!58andInflation - Tire
Pressureon 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.
SeeTowing a Traileron page 6!42for
important information on towing a trailer,
towing safety rules and trailering tips.
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Example 3
ItemDescriptionTotal
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)
CAvailable 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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Trailering may be limited by the vehicle's ability tocarry tongue weight. Tongue or kingpin weight cannotcause the vehicle to exceed the GVWR (Gross VehicleWeight Rating) or the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle WeightRating). See“Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires”laterin this section for more information.
After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then thetongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.If they are not, adjustments might be made by movingsome items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle's Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are inflated to the inflationpressures found on the Certification label on the driverdoor or seeLoading the Vehicleon page 6!32for moreinformation. Make sure not to exceed the GVWR limitfor the vehicle, or the RGAWR, with the tow vehicle andtrailer fully loaded for the trip including the weight of thetrailer tongue. If using a weight distributing hitch, makesure not to exceed the RGAWR before applying theweight distribution spring bars.
Weight of the Trailering Combination
It is important that the combination of the towvehicle and trailer does not exceed any of its weightratings—GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Trailer WeightRating or Tongue Weight. The only way to be sure it isnot exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh the towvehicle and trailer combination, fully loaded for the trip,getting individual weights for each of these items.
Hitches
The correct hitch equipment helps maintain combinationcontrol. Most small-to-medium trailers can be towedwith a weight carrying hitch which simply features acoupler latched to the hitch ball. Larger trailers mayrequire a weight distributing hitch that uses spring barsto distribute the trailer tongue weight among thetwo vehicle and trailer axles. See“Weight of the TrailerTongue”earlier in this section for rating limits withvarious hitch types.
If a step-bumper hitch will be used, the bumper couldbe damaged in sharp turns. Make sure there is ampleroom when turning to avoid contact between the trailerand the bumper.
Consider using sway controls with any trailer. Ask atrailering professional about sway controls or refer tothe trailer manufacturer's recommendations andinstructions.
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Section 7 Service and Appearance Care
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . 7-57
Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-58Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-60Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-62Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-65High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-66Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-67Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-68Tire Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-71When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-73Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-73Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-75Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-76Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-77Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-77Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-78If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-79Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-80Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-81Removing the Flat Tire and Installing theSpare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-86Secondary Latch System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-91Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . 7-94Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98
Appearance Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-99Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-100Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other PlasticSurfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101Wood Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101Speaker Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades . . . . 7-104Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheelsand Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-104Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-105Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-105Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106
Vehicle Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107
7-2

Headlamp Aiming
The vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aimingsystem. The aim of the headlamps have been preset atthe factory and should need no further adjustment.
However, if the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the aimof the headlamps may be affected and adjustment maybe necessary.
If oncoming vehicles flash their high beams at you, thismay mean the vertical aim of your headlamps needs tobe adjusted.
It is recommended that the vehicle is taken to yourdealer/retailer for service if the headlamps need to beadjusted. It is possible however, to re-aim theheadlamps as described.
The vehicle should:
.Be placed so the headlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m) froma light colored wall or other flat surface.
.Have all four tires on a level surface which is levelall the way to the wall or other flat surface.
.Be placed so it is perpendicular to the wall or otherflat surface.
.Not have any snow, ice, or mud on it.
.Be fully assembled and all other work stoppedwhile headlamp aiming is being performed.
.Be normally loaded with a full tank of fuel and oneperson 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 thevehicle.
Headlamp aiming is done with the vehicle's low-beamheadlamps. The high-beam headlamps will be correctlyaimed if the low-beam headlamps are aimed properly.
To adjust the vertical aim:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood Releaseon page 7!15for more information.
2. Locate the center ofthe projector lens ofthe low!beamheadlamp.
3. Record the distance from the ground to the centerof the projector lens of the low!beam headlamp.
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{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.
.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 Pressureon
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.
SeeHigh-Speed Operationon page 7!66for
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. SeeOff-Road
Drivingon page 6!13, for additional information.
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(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
seeInflation - Tire Pressureon page 7!65and
Loading the Vehicleon 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.
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