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VEHICLE CARE 305
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0300.
Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel
Nut Torque ”under Capacities and
Specifications 0353, and
“Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire ”under
Tire Changing 0312.
{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 a crash. 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 inner diameter of
the wheel hub opening with wheel
bearing grease after a wheel
change or tire rotation to prevent
corrosion or rust buildup. Do not
get grease on the 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 0304 and
Tire Rotation 0304 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. To
identify the age of a tire, use the tire
manufacture date which 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.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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306 VEHICLE CARE
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 areneeded, 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. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0293 for additional
information.
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 0304 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. Only your
dealer or authorized tire service
center should mount or
dismount the tires.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 311
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(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 0152.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous.
The vehicle can slip off the jack and
roll over or fall 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 in P (Park). (Continued)
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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320 VEHICLE CARE
3. Assemble the two jack handleextensions (4) and wheel
wrench (5).
Caution
Use of an air wrench or other power
tools with the hoist mechanism is
not recommended and could
damage the system. Use only the
tools supplied with the hoist
mechanism.
4. Insert the open end of theextension (7) through the hole in
the rear bumper (8) (hoist shaft
access hole).
5. Raise the tire part way upward. Make sure the retainer is seated
in the wheel opening.
6. Raise the tire fully against the underside of the vehicle by
turning the wheel wrench
clockwise until you hear two
clicks or feel it skip twice. The
cable cannot be overtightened.7. Make sure the tire is storedsecurely. Push, pull, and then try
to turn the tire. If the tire moves,
use the wheel wrench to tighten
the cable.
Repeat this tightness check
procedure when checking the
spare tire pressure according to
the scheduled maintenance
information or any time the
spare tire is handled due to
service of other components.
Correctly Stored
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332 VEHICLE CARE
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
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 Wheel Trim
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 chrome wheel
trim may be damaged if the vehicle
is not washed after driving on roads
that have been sprayed with(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
magnesium chloride or calcium
chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap
and water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels
and wheel trim, do not use strong
soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, or brushes. Use only GM
approved cleaners. Do not drive the
vehicle through an automatic car
wash that uses silicon carbide tire/
wheel 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 hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake linings/
shoes for wear or cracks. Inspect all
other brake parts.
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.
For 1500 Series vehicles, at least every
other oil change lubricate the outer tie
rod ends.
Control arm ball joints on 1500 Series
vehicles are maintenance-free.
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VEHICLE CARE 333
Caution
Lubrication of applicable steering/
suspension points should not be
done unless the temperature is
−12 °C (10 °F) or higher, or damage
could result.
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 on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any corrosive
materials from the underbody. Take
care to thoroughly clean any areas
where mud and other debris can
collect. If equipped with power assist
steps, extend them and then use a
high pressure wash to clean all joints
and gaps.Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate
the fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case
and/or axles and should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires
sheet metal repair or replacement,
make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to
parts repaired or replaced to restore
corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See
“Finish Care”previously in
this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild soap
solution, immediately remove hand
lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result.
Use cleaners specifically designed for
the surfaces being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage. Apply all cleaners
directly to the cleaning cloth. Do not
spray cleaners on any switches or
controls. Remove cleaners quickly.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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338 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Special Application Services
Special Application Services . . . . . 345
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
General Information
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes the
required maintenance for the vehicle.
Follow this schedule to help protect
against major repair expenses
resulting from neglect or inadequate
maintenance. It may also help to
maintain the value of the vehicle if it
is sold. It is the responsibility of the
owner to have all required
maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up-to-date tools and equipment for
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online scheduling
to assist with service needs.
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.
Caution
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.
Do not have chemical flushes that
are not approved by GM performed
on the vehicle. The use of flushes,
solvents, cleaners, or lubricants that
are not approved by GM could
damage the vehicle, requiring
expensive repairs that are not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
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.
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SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 339
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 0178.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0234.
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.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause serious
injury. Perform maintenance work
only if the required information,
proper tools, and equipment are
available. If they are not, see your
dealer to have a trained technician
do the work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0257.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0261.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation pressures,
including the spare. See Tire
Pressure 0297.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0304.
. Check the windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0271.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the engine
oil life system may not indicate the
need for vehicle service for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and the
oil life system must be reset. Your
trained dealer technician can perform