Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Storage 81
To prevent damage or loss of cargo when
driving, check to make sure crossrails and
cargo are securely fastened. Loading cargo
on the roof rack will make the vehicle’s
center of gravity higher. Avoid high speeds,
sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking,
or abrupt maneuvers; otherwise it may
result in loss of control. If driving for a long
distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds,
occasionally stop the vehicle to make sure
the cargo remains in its place. Do not
exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when
loading the vehicle. For more information
on vehicle capacity and loading, seeVehicle
Load Limits 0187.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 187
Warning (Continued)
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0200.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system
to free the vehicle, turn the traction system
off and use the rocking method. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
0
206.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. See
Driver Mode Control 0208 and
All-Wheel Drive 0203.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the vehicle
does need to be towed out, see Towing the
Vehicle 0304.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much
weight the vehicle can carry. This weight is
called the vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all occupants, cargo,
and all nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may show how
much weight it may properly carry, the Tire
and Loading Information label and the
Certification/Tire label.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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188 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This
can cause systems to break and change
the way the vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a crash.
Overloading can also reduce stopping
distance, damage the tires, and shorten
the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information Label
Example Label A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading
Information label is attached to the center
pillar (B-pillar). The tire and loading
information label shows the number of
occupant seating positions (1), and the
maximum vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.
The Tire and Loading Information label also
shows the size of the original equipment
tires (3) and the recommended cold tire
inflation pressures (4). For more information
on tires and inflation see
Tires0279 and
Tire Pressure 0285.
There is also important loading information
on the vehicle Certification/Tire label. It may
show the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for the front and rear axle. See
“Certification/Tire Label” later in this section.
“Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit– 1. Locate the statement "The combined weight of occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs." on
your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle. 3. Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if the "XXX"
amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle,
the amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.”
See Trailer Towing 0237 for important
information on towing a trailer, towing
safety rules and trailering tips.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 189
Example 1
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1= 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg (300 lbs).
3. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs).
Example 2
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2= 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg (750 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg (250 lbs).
Example 3
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3= 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to the vehicle's tire and loading
information label for specific information
about the vehicle's capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined weight of
the driver, passengers, and cargo should
never exceed the vehicle's capacity weight.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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190 Driving and Operating
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification/Tire label is
attached to the center pillar (B-pillar).
The label may show the size of the vehicle's
original tires and the inflation pressures
needed to obtain the gross weight capacity
of the vehicle. The label shows the gross
weight capacity of the vehicle. This is called
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label may also show
the maximum weights for the front and rear
axles, called the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). To find out the actual loads on the front and rear axles, weigh the vehicle at a
weigh station. Your dealer can help with
this. Be sure to spread the load equally on
both sides of the centerline.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can strike and
injure people in a sudden stop or turn,
or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. In the cargo area, put them as
far forward as possible. Try to spread
the weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above the tops of
the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the vehicle.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not leave a seat folded down
unless needed.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
800 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
300 km (200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Driving and Operating 237
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear ofthe chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0316. It is especially important to
check the automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0258.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the weight of the
loaded vehicle and trailer must be within
the weight ratings for the vehicle.
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating
.GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight See
“Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment”
under Towing Equipment 0240 to
determine if equalizer bars are required to
obtain the maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0240 to determine if brakes are
required based on your trailer's weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously injured
or killed if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for the load.
The vehicle may be damaged, and the
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in this
section have been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and information about
towing a trailer.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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238 Driving and Operating
Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of the
completely loaded vehicle and trailer
including any fuel, passengers, cargo,
equipment, and accessories. Do not exceed
the GCWR for your vehicle. The GCWR for
the vehicle is on the tow rating chart later
in this section.
To check that the weight of the vehicle and
trailer are within the GCWR for the vehicle,
follow these steps:1. Start with the "curb weight" from the Trailering Information label.
2. Add the weight of the trailer loaded with cargo and ready for the trip.
3. Add the weight of all passengers.
4. Add the weight of all cargo in the vehicle.
5. Add the weight of hitch hardware such as a draw bar, ball, load equalizer bars,
or sway bars.
6. Add the weight of any accessories or aftermarket equipment added to the
vehicle. The resulting weight cannot exceed the
GCWR value on the Trailering Information
label.
The gross combined weight can also be
confirmed by weighing the truck and trailer
on a public scale. The truck and trailer
should be loaded for the trip with
passengers and cargo.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, see
Vehicle Load
Limits 0187. When calculating the GVWR
with a trailer attached, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as part of the
weight the vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle has a
driver, a front seat passenger, and all
required trailering equipment. Weight of
additional optional equipment, passengers,
and cargo in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the trailer weight rating.
Use the tow rating chart to determine how
much the trailer can weigh, based on the
vehicle model, powertrain and trailering
options.
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Vehicle Care 283
passenger vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire and Rim
Association.
(2) Tire Width
:The three-digit number
indicates the tire section width in
millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio
:A two-digit number
that indicates the tire height-to-width
measurements. For example, if the tire
size aspect ratio is 60, as shown in
item (3) of the illustration, it would
mean that the tire's sidewall is
60 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code
:A letter code is
used to indicate the type of ply
construction in the tire. The letter “R”
means radial ply construction; the letter
“D” means diagonal or bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the
wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load index and
speed rating of the tire. The load index
represents the load carrying capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is
certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside
the tire pressing outward on each
square inch of the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi
(pounds per square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The combined
weight of optional accessories. Some
examples of optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a
tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that hold
the tire onto the rim. Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which
the plies are laid at alternate angles
less than 90 degrees to the centerline
of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in kPa
(kilopascal) or psi (pounds per square
inch) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure0285.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor
vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum
capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The
DOT code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand, and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0187.