Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
186 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —too
much speed or steering in a curve
causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by
taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
. Ease your foot off the accelerator
pedal and steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. The vehicle may
straighten out. Be ready for a
second skid if it occurs. .
Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions.
Stopping distance can be longer
and vehicle control can be affected
when traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other material
on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues —such as enough
water, ice, or packed snow on the
road to make a mirrored surface
— and slow down when you have
any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking, including
reducing vehicle speed by shifting
to a lower gear. Any sudden
changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid
only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be used
for off-road driving. Vehicles without
four-wheel drive and vehicles not
equipped with All Terrain (AT) or
On-Off Road (OOR) tires must not be
driven off-road except on a level, solid surface. For contact information about
the original equipment tires, see the
warranty manual.
One of the best ways for successful
off-road driving is to control the
speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction can
easily throw you out of position.
This could cause you to lose control
and crash. You and your passengers
should always wear seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.
Have all necessary maintenance
and service work completed.
. Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels,
and check inflation pressure in all
tires, including the spare,
if equipped.
. Read all the information about
four-wheel-drive vehicles in this
manual.
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Low-Profile Tires
The vehicle has low profile tires
that 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 Driving 0186,
for additional information.
Caution
Low-profile tires are more
susceptible to damage from road
hazards or curb impact than
standard profile tires. Tire and/or
wheel assembly damage can occur
when coming into contact with
road hazards like potholes, or sharp
edged objects, or when sliding into
a curb. The warranty does not cover
this type of damage. Keep tires set
to the correct inflation pressure and
when possible, avoid contact with
curbs, potholes, and other road
hazards.
All-Terrain Tires
This vehicle may have all-terrain tires.
These tires provide good performance
on most road surfaces, weather
conditions, and for off-road driving.
See Off-Road Driving 0186.
The tread pattern on these tires may
wear more quickly than other tires.
Consider rotating the tires more
frequently than at 12 000 km
(7,500 mi) intervals if irregular wear is
noted when the tires are inspected.
See Tire Inspection 0312.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is
molded into the sidewall. The
example shows a typical passenger
vehicle tire sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric)/Spare Tire
(1) Tire Size:The tire size code is
a combination of letters and
numbers used to define a
particular tire's width, height,
aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the
“Tire Size ”illustration later in this
section for more detail.
(2) TPC Spec (Tire Performance
Criteria Specification)
:Original
equipment tires designed to GM's
specific tire performance criteria
have a TPC specification code
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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308 VEHICLE CARE
with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function
properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 308.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0372.Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS is
designed to warn the driver when a
low tire pressure condition exists.
TPMS sensors are mounted onto each
tire and wheel assembly, excluding the
spare tire and wheel assembly. The
TPMS sensors monitor the air
pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the
low tire pressure warning light on the
instrument cluster. If the warning
light comes on, stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tires to the
recommended pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0193. A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC
warning message come on at each
ignition cycle until the tires are
inflated to the correct inflation
pressure. Using the DIC, tire pressure
levels can be viewed. For additional
information and details about the DIC
operation and displays see
Driver
Information Center (DIC) 0145.
The low tire pressure warning light
may come on in cool weather when
the vehicle is first started, and then
turn off as the vehicle is driven. This
could be an early indicator that the air
pressure is getting low and needs to
be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label,
attached to your vehicle, shows the
size of the original equipment tires
and the correct inflation pressure for
the tires when they are cold. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0193 for an
example of the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location.
Also see Tire Pressure 0305.
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The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not
replace normal tire maintenance. See
Tire Inspection0312, Tire Rotation
0 312, and Tires0299.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all
the same. A non-approved tire
sealant could damage the TPMS
sensors. TPMS sensor damage
caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use only
the GM approved tire sealant
available through your dealer or
included in the vehicle.
TPMS Malfunction Light and
Message
The TPMS will not function properly if
one or more of the TPMS sensors are
missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the low
tire pressure warning light flashes for
about one minute and then stays on
for the remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning message also displays.
The malfunction light and DIC
warning message come on at each
ignition cycle until the problem is
corrected. Some of the conditions that
can cause these to come on are:
.
One of the road tires has been
replaced with the spare tire. The
spare tire does not have a TPMS
sensor. The malfunction light and
DIC message should go off after
the road tire is replaced and the
sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See “TPMS
Sensor Matching Process ”later in
this section.
. The TPMS sensor matching
process was not done or not
completed successfully after
rotating the tires. The malfunction
light and the DIC message should
go off after successfully
completing the sensor matching
process. See "TPMS Sensor
Matching Process" later in this
section.
. One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The
malfunction light and the DIC message should go off when the
TPMS sensors are installed and
the sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See your
dealer for service.
. Replacement tires or wheels do
not match the original equipment
tires or wheels. Tires and wheels
other than those recommended
could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. See Buying
New Tires 0314.
. Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning
properly, it cannot detect or signal a
low tire pressure condition. See your
dealer for service if the TPMS
malfunction light and DIC message
come on and stay on.
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Tire Fill Alert (If Equipped)
This feature provides visual and
audible alerts outside the vehicle to
help when inflating an underinflated
tire to the recommended cold tire
pressure.
When the low tire pressure warning
light comes on:1. Park the vehicle in a safe, level place.
2. Set the parking brake firmly.
3. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
4. Add air to the tire that is underinflated. The turn signal
lamp will flash.
When the recommended
pressure is reached, the horn
sounds once and the turn signal
lamp will stop flashing and
briefly turn solid.
Repeat these steps for all
underinflated tires that have
illuminated the low tire pressure
warning light. If the tire is overinflated by more than
35 kPa (5 psi), the horn will sound
multiple times and the turn signal
lamp will continue to flash for
eight seconds after filling stops. To
release and correct the pressure, while
the turn signal lamp is still flashing,
briefly press the center of the valve
stem. When the recommended
pressure is reached, the horn
sounds once.
If the turn signal lamp does not flash
within 15 seconds after starting to
inflate the tire, the tire fill alert has
not been activated or is not working.
If the hazard warning flashers are on,
the tire fill alert visual feedback will
not work properly.
The TPMS will not activate the tire fill
alert properly under the following
conditions:
.
There is interference from an
external device or transmitter.
. The air pressure from the inflation
device is not sufficient to inflate
the tire. .
There is a malfunction in
the TPMS.
. There is a malfunction in the horn
or turn signal lamps.
. The identification code of the
TPMS sensor is not registered to
the system.
. The battery of the TPMS sensor
is low.
If the tire fill alert does not operate
due to TPMS interference, move the
vehicle about 1 m (3 ft) back or
forward and try again. If the tire fill
alert feature is not working, use a tire
pressure gauge.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification
code needs to be matched to a new
tire/wheel position after rotating the
vehicle’s tires or replacing one or more
of the TPMS sensors. The TPMS
sensor matching process should also
be performed after replacing a spare
tire with a road tire containing the
TPMS sensor. The malfunction light
and the DIC message should go off at
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Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires,
including the spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, be inspected for
signs of wear or damage at least
once a month.
Replace the tire if:
.The indicators at three or more
places around the tire can
be seen.
.There is cord or fabric showing
through the tire's rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is
cracked, cut, or snagged deep
enough to show cord or fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut,
or other damage that cannot
be repaired well because of the
size or location of the damage.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km (7,500 mi). See
Maintenance Schedule0347.
Tires are rotated to achieve a
uniform wear for all tires. The first
rotation is the most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed,
rotate the tires as soon as
possible, check for proper tire
inflation pressure, and check for
damaged tires or wheels. If the
unusual wear continues after the
rotation, check the wheel
alignment.
See When It Is Time for New Tires
0 313 and Wheel Replacement
0 317.
Use this rotation pattern when
rotating the tires.
Do not include the spare tire in
the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to
the recommended inflation
pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information label after the tires
have been rotated.
See Tire Pressure 0305 and Vehicle
Load Limits 0193.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0308.
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Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See“Wheel
Nut Torque ”under Capacities and
Specifications 0359.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any rust
or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an
emergency, a cloth or a paper towel
can be used; however, use a scraper
or wire brush later to remove all
rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the center of the
wheel hub with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or
rust build-up. Do not get grease
on the flat wheel mounting
surface or on the wheel nuts or
bolts.
When It Is Time for New
Tires
Factors, such as maintenance,
temperatures, driving speeds, vehicle
loading, and road conditions affect the
wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to
tell when it is time for new tires.
Treadwear indicators appear when the
tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or
less of tread remaining. Some
commercial truck tires may not have
treadwear indicators. See
Tire Inspection 0312 and Tire
Rotation 0312 for additional
information.
The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple factors including
temperatures, loading conditions, and
inflation pressure maintenance affect
how fast aging takes place. GM
recommends that tires, including the
spare if 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
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Warning (Continued)
This vehicle may have a
different size spare than the
road tires originally installed on
the vehicle. When new, the
vehicle included a spare tire and
wheel assembly with a similar
overall diameter as the road
tires and wheels, so it is all
right to drive on it. The spare
tire was developed for use on
this vehicle and will not affect
vehicle handling.
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the
vehicle may cause the wheel rim
flanges to develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail suddenly
and cause a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels
on the vehicle. Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H, V,
W, Y and ZR speed rated tires.
Never exceed the winter tires’
maximum speed capability when
using winter tires with a lower
speed rating.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size, load
range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure
monitoring system could give an
inaccurate low-pressure warning if
non-TPC Spec rated tires are
installed. See
Tire Pressure Monitor
System 0307.
The Tire and Loading Information
label indicates the original
equipment tires on the vehicle.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0193 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
(Continued)