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328 VEHICLE CARE
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
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 nutsshould 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.
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
If the vehicle has 235/60R18 or
245/45R20 size tires, do not use tire
chains. There is not enough
(Continued)
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VEHICLE CARE 329
Warning (Continued)
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
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.
Caution
If the vehicle is equipped with a tire
size other than 235/60R18 or
245/45R20, use tire chains only
where legal and only when
necessary. Use low profile chains(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
that add no more than 12 mm
thickness to the tire tread and inner
sidewall. Use chains that are the
proper size for the tires. Install
them on the tires of the front axle.
Do not use chains on the tires of
the rear axle. Tighten them as
tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and
follow the chain manufacturer's
instructions. If the chains contact
the vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow
down until it stops. Driving too fast
or spinning the wheels with chains
on will damage the vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires are
maintained properly. See Tires0308.
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
(Continued)
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342 VEHICLE CARE
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.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
For more information about the
vehicle battery, see
Battery - North
America 0297.
If the battery has run down, try to use
another vehicle and some jumper
cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to
use the following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer. WASH
HANDS AFTER HANDLING. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning
0 282 and the back cover.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can
burn you.
.They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
.They contain enough electricity
to burn you.
(Continued)
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VEHICLE CARE 345
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. Do not
drag a locked wheel/tire. Use tire
skates or dollies under any locked
wheel/tire while loading the vehicle.
Do not use a sling type lift to tow
the vehicle. This could damage the
vehicle.
Caution
Improper use of the tow eye can
damage the vehicle. If equipped, use
the tow eye to load a disabled
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck
from a flat road surface, or to move
the vehicle a short distance. Use
caution and low speeds. The(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
transmission must be
in (N) Neutral when moving the
vehicle.
GM recommends a flatbed tow truck
to transport a disabled vehicle. Use
ramps to help reduce approach angles,
if necessary. A towed vehicle should
have its drive wheels off the ground.
Contact Roadside Service or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
The vehicle is equipped with specific
attachment points to be used by the
towing provider. These holes may be used to pull the vehicle from a flat
road surface onto the flatbed tow
truck.
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:
.Become familiar with the local laws
that apply to recreational vehicle
towing. These laws may vary by
region.
.The towing capacity of the towing
vehicle. Be sure to read the tow
vehicle manufacturer's
recommendations.
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VEHICLE CARE 351
material on painted surfaces can be
removed by rubbing with a clean
cloth. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0367.
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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
that have been sprayed with
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.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood
hinges, liftgate hinges, and the steel
fuel door 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.
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SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 357
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Special Application Services
Special Application Services . . . . . 364
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
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.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
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358 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
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 Limits0215.
.Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0267.
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 0283.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine
Oil 0286.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0316.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0322.
.Check the windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0295.
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
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SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 359
trained dealer technician can perform
this work. If the engine oil life system
is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since
the last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System0288.
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the engine
air filter should be replaced at the
next engine oil change. When the
REPLACE ENGINE AIR FILTER SOON
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. Reset the engine air
filter life system after the engine air
filter is replaced. See Engine Air Filter
Life System 0289.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This
service requires replacement of the
desiccant to help the longevity and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the following
services. See
Tire Rotation0323.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change
engine oil and filter, and reset oil
life system. See Engine Oil0286 and
Engine Oil Life System 0288.
.Check the air filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine air
filter and reset the engine air filter
life system. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0289.
.Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0291.
.Check windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0295.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See
Tire Pressure 0316.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 322.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0348.
.Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots,
loose or missing parts, or signs of
wear at least once a year. See
Exterior Care 0348.
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and drive
shafts for excessive wear, lubricant
leaks, and/or damage including:
tube dents or cracks, constant
velocity joint or universal joint
looseness, cracked or missing boots,
loose or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness, loose or
missing fasteners, and axle seal
leaks.