
GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-10664916) - 2018 - crc - 9/15/17
320 Vehicle Care
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.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's
tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive slow
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 front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. See Tires
0 300. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if there is ever 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
(Continued)

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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332 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Never use oil or grease on bolts
or nuts because the nuts might
come loose. The vehicle's wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
11. Reinstall the wheel nuts. Tighten each nut by hand until
the wheel is held against
the hub.
12. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle
counterclockwise.
{Warning
Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause
the wheels to become loose or
come off. The wheel nuts should
be tightened with a torque wrench
to the proper torque specification
after replacing. Follow the torque
specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
using accessory locking wheel
nuts. SeeCapacities and
Specifications 0366 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
0 366 for the wheel nut torque
specification.13. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence, as
shown.
14. Lower the jack all the way and remove the jack from under the
vehicle.
15. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly with the wheel wrench.
When reinstalling the wheel cover or
center cap on the full-size tire,
tighten all five plastic caps hand
snug with the aid of the wheel
wrench and tighten them with the
wheel wrench an additional
one-quarter of a turn.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-10664916) - 2018 - crc - 9/15/17
334 Vehicle Care
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one
compact spare tire at a time could
result in loss of braking and
handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be
injured. Use only one compact
spare tire at a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare
tire, it was fully inflated when new;
however, it can lose air over time.
Check the inflation pressure
regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check
that the spare tire is correctly
inflated after being installed on the
vehicle. The compact spare tire is
designed for temporary use only.
The vehicle will perform differently
with the spare tire installed and it is
recommended that the vehicle
speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare tire, have the standard tire
repaired or replaced as soon as
convenient and return the spare tire
to the storage area.
When using a compact spare tire,
the AWD (if equipped), ABS, and
Traction Control systems may
engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle,
especially on slippery roads. Adjust
driving to reduce possible
wheel slip.
Caution
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 the compact spare on
other vehicles. Do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires.
They will not fit. Keep the spare tire
and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact
spare. Using them can damage
the vehicle and the chains. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-10664916) - 2018 - crc - 9/15/17
Vehicle Care 337
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the good
battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) terminal of the
good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) grounding stud for
the discharged battery.
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run
the engine at idle speed for at
least four minutes. 10. Try to start the vehicle that had
the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it
probably needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct order,
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle
and removing the jumper cables,
allow it to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Use only a flatbed tow truck for
towing a disabled vehicle. Never
use a sling type lift or damage will
occur. Use ramps to help reduce
approach angles if necessary.
A towed vehicle should have its
drive wheels off the ground.
Consult a professional towing
service if the disabled vehicle must
be towed.
The vehicle is equipped with a tow
eye. Only use the tow eye to pull
the vehicle onto a flatbed car carrier

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-10664916) - 2018 - crc - 9/15/17
Vehicle Care 339
Install the tow eye into the socket by
turning it until it stops.
When the tow eye is removed,
reinstall the cover with the notch in
the original position.
To tow the vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes,
such as behind a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing0339.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle –such as behind a motor
home. The two most common types
of recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly. Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.
The towing capacity of the
towing vehicle. Be sure to read
the tow vehicle manufacturer's
recommendations.
. How far the vehicle will be
towed. Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
. The proper towing equipment.
See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice
and equipment
recommendations.
. If the vehicle is ready to be
towed. Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground. The vehicle may be towed

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-10664916) - 2018 - crc - 9/15/17
340 Vehicle Care
using a platform trailer with all four
wheels off the ground. Some
vehicles may be dolly towed. See
the following information on dolly
towing.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles cannot be
towed with two wheels on the
ground. To properly tow these
vehicles, they should be placed on
a platform trailer with all four wheels
off of the ground.
Dolly Towing
(Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
Tow the vehicle with the two rear
wheels on the ground and the front
wheels on a dolly.
To tow the vehicle from the front
with the rear wheels on the ground:1. Put the front wheels on the dolly.
2. Shift the transmission to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park
0 192.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly. 5. Follow the dolly manufacturer's
instructions for preparing the
vehicle and dolly for towing.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Turn the vehicle off.
8. Open the hood.
9. Wait 2 minutes.
10. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal connector from the
12–volt battery.
11. Close and latch the hood.Caution
If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded
while towing the vehicle, it could
be damaged. Never exceed
105 km/h (65 mph) while towing
the vehicle.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 345
Caution
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.
Caution
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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
Caution
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.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper attachment,
connections, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect all other brake
parts for cracks and leaks.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, steel
fuel door hinge, and power assist
step hinges, unless the components
are plastic. Applying silicone grease

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-10664916) - 2018 - crc - 9/15/17
Index 405
Tires (cont'd)Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 251
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 251
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 339
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . 257
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . 257
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375 Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 317
Universal Remote System . . . . . . 147Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 365
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 132 Vehicle Care
Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . 328
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
W
Wait to Start Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Warning
Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 234
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Water in Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
What Fuel to Use in Canada and Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
What Fuel to Use in the U.S. . . . 239
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . 319
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317