
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
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Vehicle Care 301
equipped, be replaced after six
years, regardless of tread wear. The
tire manufacture date is the last four
digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) which is molded into
one side of the tire sidewall. The
first two digits represent the week
(01-52) and the last two digits, the
year. For example, the third week of
the year 2010 would have a
four-digit DOT date of 0310.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park
a vehicle that will be stored for at
least a month in a cool, dry, clean
area away from direct sunlight to
slow aging. This area should be free
of grease, gasoline, or other
substances that can deteriorate
rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that
may result in vibrations while
driving. When storing a vehicle for
at least a month, remove the tires or
raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec)
system rating. When
replacement tires are needed,
GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specifications that impact
the overall performance of the
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring
performance. GM's TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire's
sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC Spec number
will be followed by MS for mud
and snow.GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling
performance may be adversely
affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time.
If proper rotation and
maintenance have been done,
all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. See
Tire
Rotation 0299 for information
on proper tire rotation. However,
if it is necessary to replace only
one axle set of worn tires, place
the new tires on the rear axle.
{Warning
Tires could explode during
improper service. Attempting
to mount or dismount a tire
could cause injury or death.
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
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Vehicle Care 303
Spec rated tires are installed.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor
System 0295.
The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the
vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 196, for the label location and
more information about the Tire
and Loading Information label.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, electronic stability control,
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance
of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. This
increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems
developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires 0301 and
Accessories and Modifications
0 259.
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
are not necessary on a regular
basis. Consider an alignment check
if there is unusual tire wear or the vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to
the left or right, depending on the
crown of the road and/or other road
surface variations such as troughs
or ruts, is normal. If the vehicle is
vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, the tires and wheels may 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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
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304 Vehicle Care
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.
Caution
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.
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.
Tire Chains
{Warning
Do not use tire chains. 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 loss of
control and a crash. Use another
type of traction device only if its(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
manufacturer recommends it for
the vehicle's tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive
slowly and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used, install
them on the rear tires.
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

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
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Vehicle Care 305
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 0170.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be
dangerous. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over or fall
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the shift lever inP (Park).
3. For vehicles with four-wheel-drive with a
N (Neutral) transfer case
position, be sure the
transfer case is in a drive
gear —not in N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
5. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
6. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of
the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being
changed.

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312 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
using accessory locking wheel
nuts. SeeCapacities and
Specifications 0342 for original
equipment wheel nut torque
specifications.
Caution
Improperly tightened wheel nuts
can lead to brake pulsation and
rotor damage. To avoid expensive
brake repairs, evenly tighten the
wheel nuts in the proper
sequence and to the proper
torque specification. See
Capacities and Specifications
0 342 for the wheel nut torque
specification.
When reinstalling the regular wheel
and tire, also reinstall the center
cap, if equipped. Line up the tab on
the center cap with the slot in the wheel. The cap only goes in one
way. Place the cap on the wheel
and press until it snaps into place.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{Warning
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in
the proper place.
Caution
Storing an aluminum wheel with a
flat tire under your vehicle for an
extended period of time or with
the valve stem pointing up can
damage the wheel. Always stow
the wheel with the valve stem
pointing down and have the
wheel/tire repaired as soon as
possible.
Caution
The tire hoist can be damaged if
there is no tension on the cable
when using it. To have the
necessary tension, the spare or
road tire and wheel assembly
must be installed on the tire hoist
to use it.
Store the tire under the rear of the
vehicle in the spare tire carrier.
Refer to the following graphics and
instructions to help you:
1. Hoist Assembly

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
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316 Vehicle Care
This is located on the
passenger side, in the rear of
the engine compartment.
3. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can
reach, but be sure the vehicles
are not touching each other.
If they are, it could cause an
unwanted ground connection.
You would not be able to start
your vehicle, and the bad
grounding could damage the
electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the
vehicles rolling, set the parking
brake firmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start
procedure. Put the automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in Neutral
before setting the parking
brake. For vehicles with
four-wheel-drive with a
N (Neutral) transfer case
position, be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear —not
N (Neutral).Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
4. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary
accessories plugged into the
accessory power outlets. Turn
off the radio and all the lamps
that are not needed. This will
avoid sparks and help save
both batteries. And it could
save the radio!
5. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the
positive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations on that
vehicle.
The positive (+) terminal is
under a red plastic cover at the
positive battery post. To uncover the positive (+)
terminal, open the red plastic
cover.
For more information on the
location of the remote
positive (+) and remote
negative (−) terminals, see
Engine Compartment Overview
0
261.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
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320 Vehicle Care
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drive
vehicles with a two-speed transfer
case that have an N (Neutral) and a
Four-Wheel Drive Low (4
n) setting.
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive
vehicle's transfer case into
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or others could
be injured. Set the parking brake
before shifting the transfer case
to N (Neutral).To dinghy tow:
1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle,
facing forward and on a level
surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine.
For vehicles with Electric
Parking Brakes (EPB), the EPB
cannot be applied and the tires
must be chocked.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel
Drive 0213. Check that the
vehicle is in N (Neutral) by
shifting the transmission to
R (Reverse) and then to D
(Drive). There should be no
movement of the vehicle while
shifting.
5. Shift the transmission into D (Drive). Turn the engine off.
Then shift the transmission into
P (Park). 6. Wait for at least 10 seconds,
then restart the engine.
7. Shift the transmission to D (Drive), then turn the engine off
again.
Caution
Failure to disconnect the negative
battery cable or to have it contact
the terminals can cause damage
to the vehicle.
8. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery and
secure the nut and bolt. Cover
the negative battery post with a
non-conductive material to
prevent any contact with the
negative battery terminal.
9. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
Caution
If the steering column is locked,
vehicle damage may occur.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
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Vehicle Care 321
10. Move the steering wheel tomake sure the steering column
is unlocked.
11. With a foot on the brake pedal, release the parking brake.
12. If equipped with Keyless Access, keep the RKE
transmitter outside of the
vehicle, and manually lock the
doors. Access the vehicle as if
it has a dead RKE transmitter
battery, by using the key in the
door lock.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting the towed
vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake, then shift the transmission to
P (Park).
3. Connect the battery.
4. Apply the brake pedal.
5. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off. Shift the
transfer case out of N (Neutral)
to 2
m. See “Shifting out of N (Neutral)”
underFour-Wheel
Drive 0213. See your dealer if
the transfer case cannot be
shifted out of N (Neutral).
6. Check that the vehicle is in 2
m
by starting the engine and
shifting the transmission to
R (Reverse) and then to D
(Drive). There should be
movement of the vehicle while
shifting.
7. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn off the
ignition.
8. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Release the parking brake.
10. Reset any lost presets. The outside temperature
display will default to 0 °C (32 °
F) but will reset with normal
usage.
Dolly Towing –Front Towing
(Front Wheels Off the Ground)
Caution
If a two-wheel-drive vehicle is
towed with the rear wheels on the
ground, the transmission could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Never tow the vehicle
with the rear wheels on the
ground.