Black plate (66,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
10-66 Vehicle Care
All Passenger Car Tires Must
Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements In Addition To
These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test
course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and
a half (1½) 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 significantly 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
specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature –A, B, C
The temperature grades are
A (the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of
performance which all
passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Black plate (67,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-67
Wheel Alignment and
Tire Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned
and balanced at the factory to
provide the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
will not be necessary on a regular
basis. However, check the
alignment if there is unusual tire
wear or if the vehicle is pulling to
one side or the other. If the vehicle
vibrates when driving on a smooth
road, the tires and wheels might
need to be rebalanced. See your
dealer for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or
corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and
wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it.
Some aluminum wheels can be
repaired. See your dealer if any of
these conditions exist.Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have the
same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset, and be
mounted the same way as the one it
replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) sensors with new
GM original equipment parts.
{WARNING
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling of
the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing
a crash. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.
Notice: The wrong wheel can
also cause problems with bearing
life, brake cooling, speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height,
vehicle ground clearance, and tire
or tire chain clearance to the
body and chassis.
See
If a Tire Goes Flat on
page 10‑69 for more information.
Used Replacement Wheels
{WARNING
Replacing a wheel with a used
one is dangerous. How it has
been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.
Black plate (68,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
10-68 Vehicle Care
Tire Chains
{WARNING
If your vehicle has P215/70R16,
P235/75R16, P265/70R17, P235/
50R18, or P265/65R18 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.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
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.
To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust,
or remove the device if it is
contacting your vehicle. Do not
spin the vehicle's wheels.
If you do find traction devices that
will fit, install them on the rear
tires. Notice:
If your vehicle has a tire
size other than P215/70R16, P235/
75R16, P265/70R17, P235/50R18,
or P265/65R18 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.
Black plate (69,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-69
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it is much more likely to
leak out slowly. But if there ever is a
blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
{WARNING
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon
as possible.
{WARNING
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers on page 6‑4.
Black plate (85,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-85
Compact Spare Tire
Your vehicle may have a compact
spare tire. Although the compact
spare tire was fully inflated when
your vehicle was new, it can lose air
over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 kPa).
Notice:If the vehicle has
four-wheel drive and the compact
spare tire is installed on the
vehicle, do not drive in four-wheel
drive until you can have the flat
tire repaired and/or replaced. You
could damage the vehicle, and
the repair costs would not be
covered by your warranty. Never
use four-wheel drive when the
compact spare tire is installed on
the vehicle. After installing the compact spare
on your vehicle, you should stop as
soon as possible and make sure
your vehicle's spare tire is correctly
inflated. The compact spare is made
to perform well at speeds up to
62 mph (100 km/h) for distances up
to 500 miles (804 km). For heavy
payloads or towing, and for low
traction or four-wheel-drive
conditions, repair or replace the
full-size tire. Of course, it is best to
replace your vehicle's spare with a
full-size tire as soon as you can.
The spare tire will last longer and be
in good shape in case you need
it again.
Notice:
When the compact spare
is installed, do not take the
vehicle through an automatic
car wash with guide rails. The
compact spare can get caught on
the rails which can damage the
tire, wheel, and other parts of
the vehicle. Do not use your compact spare on
other vehicles.
And do not mix your compact spare
tire or wheel with other wheels or
tires. They will not fit. Keep your
spare tire and its wheel together.
Notice:
Tire chains will not fit the
compact spare. Using them can
damage the vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.
Black plate (86,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
10-86 Vehicle Care
Full-Size Spare Tire
Your vehicle may have a full-size
spare tire, which, when new, was
fully inflated. A spare tire may lose
air over time, so check its inflation
pressure regularly. SeeTire
Pressure on page 10‑54 and
Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑18
for information regarding proper tire
inflation and loading your vehicle.
For instruction on how to remove,
install, or store a spare tire, see
“Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire” and
“Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools” underTire Changing on
page 10‑70. Your vehicle may have a different
size spare tire than the road tires
originally installed on your vehicle.
This spare was developed for use
on your vehicle, so it is alright to
drive on it. If your vehicle has
four-wheel drive and the different
size spare tire is installed, keep the
vehicle in two-wheel drive.
Notice:
If the vehicle has
four-wheel drive and a different
size spare tire is installed, do not
drive in four-wheel drive until the
flat tire is repaired and/or
replaced. The vehicle could be
damaged and the repairs would
not be covered by the warranty.
Never use four-wheel drive when
a different size spare tire is
installed on the vehicle.
After installing the spare tire on your
vehicle, you should stop as soon as
possible and make sure the spare is
correctly inflated. The spare tire is
made to perform well at speeds up
to 62 mph (100 km/h) for distances
up to 500 miles (804 km). For heavy payloads or towing, and
for low traction or four-wheel-drive
conditions, repair or replace the
full-size tire. Have the damaged or
flat road tire repaired or replaced as
soon as you can and installed back
onto your vehicle. This way, the
spare tire will be available in case
you need it again.
Do not mix tires and wheels of
different sizes, because they will not
fit. Keep your spare tire and its
wheel together.
Black plate (98,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
10-98 Vehicle Care
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using lint-free
cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and
a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they
are worn or damaged. Damage can
be caused by extreme dusty
conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun,
snow and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply silicone grease on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑13.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Notice: Using petroleum-based
tire dressing products on the
vehicle may damage the paint
finish and/or tires. When applying
a tire dressing, always wipe off
any overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Trim —Aluminum
or Chrome
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft,
clean cloth with mild soap and
water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft,
clean towel. A wax may then be
applied. Notice:
Chrome wheels and other
chrome trim may be damaged if
the vehicle is not washed after
driving on roads that have been
sprayed with magnesium,
calcium, or sodium chloride.
These chlorides are used on
roads for conditions such as ice
and dust. Always wash the
chrome with soap and water
after exposure.
Notice: To avoid surface damage,
do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Black plate (2,1)GMC Canyon Owner Manual - 2012
11-2 Service and Maintenance
Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained
technicians, the dealer is the place
for routine maintenance such as
oil changes and tire rotations
and additional maintenance items
like tires, brakes, batteries, and
wiper blades.
Notice:Damage caused by
improper maintenance can lead to
costly repairs and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition. The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
frequent checks and services.
The Additional Required Services
‐
Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9‑18.
.Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
.Use the recommended fuel.
See Recommended Fuel on
page 9‑49. Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services
‐Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services ‐
Severe are for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or
competitive driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.