2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE brake

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
408 VEHICLE CARE
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) molded
into one side of the tire sidewall. The
last four digits of the TIN indicate the
tire manufactured date. The first two
digits represent the week and the last
two digits, the year. For example, the
third week of the year 2020 would
have a 4-digit DOT date of 0320. Week
01 is the first full week (Sunday
through Saturday) of each year.
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 amonth, 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. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0395 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. However,
if it is necessary to replace only
one axle set of worn tires, place
the new tires on the rear axle. See
Tire Rotation 0406.
{Warning
Tires could explode during
improper service. Attempting to
mount or dismount a tire could
cause injury or death. Only your
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Warning (Continued)
dealer or authorized tire service
center should mount or
dismount the tires.
{Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes
(other than those originally
installed on the vehicle), brands,
tread patterns, or types may
cause loss of vehicle control,
resulting in a crash or other
vehicle damage. Use the correct
size, brand, and type of tire on
all wheels.
{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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
The Tire and Loading Information
label indicates the original
equipment tires on the vehicle.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0240.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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 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 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
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Warning (Continued)
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 0153.
{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. Shift the vehicle to P (Park).
3. For vehicles with four-wheel drive with an 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. When the vehicle has a flat tire (2),
use the following example as a guide
to assist in the placement of the
wheel blocks (1), if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains
how to use the jack and change a tire.
Tire Changing
Before changing a flat tire, see
“Hands-Free Operation
”under Liftgate
0 20.
Removing the Spare Tire and
Tools
The equipment needed to change a
flat tire is stored in the rear of the
vehicle. The jacking tools are under

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
420 VEHICLE CARE
11. Turn the wheel wrenchcounterclockwise to lower the
vehicle. Lower the jack completely.
12. Tighten the nuts firmly in acrisscross sequence as shown by
turning the wheel wrench
clockwise.
{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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Follow the torque specification
supplied by the aftermarket
manufacturer when using accessory
locking wheel nuts. See Capacities
and Specifications 0455 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 0455 for the wheel
nut torque specification.
When reinstalling the regular wheel
and tire, also reinstall either the
center cap or the bolt-on hub cap,
depending on which one the
vehicle has.
.For center caps, 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.
.For bolt-on hub caps, line up the
plastic nut caps with the wheel nuts
and tighten clockwise by hand to
get them started. Then tighten with
the wheel wrench until snug.
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.
{Warning
Failure to follow these tire storage
instructions carefully could result
in personal injury or property (Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Caution
Ignoring these steps could result in
costly damage to the vehicle that
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Trying to start the vehicle
by pushing or pulling it will not
work, and it could damage the
vehicle.
1. Good Battery Positive Terminal
2. Good Battery Negative Terminal
3. Discharged Battery RemoteNegative Terminal
4. Discharged Battery Remote Positive Terminal
The jump start positive post (1) and
negative post (2) are on the battery of
the vehicle providing the jump start.
The jump start positive post (4) and
the negative grounding point (3) for
the discharged battery are on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
The positive jump start connection for
the discharged battery is under a
cover. Slide the cover to expose the
terminal.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. If you have a vehicle with a diesel engine with two batteries, you
should know before you begin that,
especially in cold weather, you may
not be able to get enough power
from a single battery in another vehicle to start your diesel engine.
If your vehicle has more than one
battery, using the battery that is
closer to the starter will reduce
electrical resistance. 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) before
setting the parking brake. If you
have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be
sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear, not in N (Neutral).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
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Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Caution
If the two-wheel-drive 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.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not
be towed with all four wheels on the
ground. Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drive
vehicles with a two speed transfer
case that has an N (Neutral) and a 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.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel Drive
0 256 for the proper procedure.
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 to P (Park).Caution
Failure to tow the vehicle with the
transmission in P (Park) can cause
damage to the transmission.
6. Turn off the engine.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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7. Place the vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY mode by pressing the
start button without stepping on
the brake pedal.
8. Release the parking brake only when you are confident it is
secured to tow vehicle and will
not roll.
Before going on to the next step, be
sure to take the mechanical key
with you. It will be needed to
re-enter the vehicle after the power
is disconnected. See “Drive Door
Key Lock Cylinder Access” under
Door Locks 015.
9. 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.
Caution
Failure to disconnect the negative
battery cable or to have it contact
the terminals can cause damage to
the vehicle. 10. Move the steering wheel to make
sure the steering column is
unlocked.
Caution
If the steering column is locked,
vehicle damage may occur.
11. Rock the vehicle to make sure the parking brake is not set and
transfer case is in N (Neutral).
Caution
Towing the vehicle with the parking
brake set can damage it. Always
release the parking brake prior to
towing the vehicle.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting the towed
vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface.
2. Connect the battery.
3. Apply the brake pedal.
{Warning
The vehicle can roll when the brake
pedal is released. Always apply and
hold the brake pedal when setting
the parking brake. Make sure the
parking brake is fully engaged
before releasing the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine and shift the transfer case out of N (Neutral) to
2
m. See “Shifting out of
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel Drive
0 256. See your dealer if the
transfer case cannot be shifted out
of N (Neutral).
5. Check that the vehicle is in 2
mby
shifting the transmission to
R (Reverse) and then to D (Drive).
There should be movement of the
vehicle while shifting.
6. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn off the vehicle.
7. Set the parking brake.
8. Release the parking brake.
9. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.