GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
200 Driving and Operating
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 256
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . 266
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible.
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.On AWD vehicles, see Driver Mode Control
0 228.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Vehicle Care 269
Damage to suspension components caused
by modifying vehicle height outside of
factory settings will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting
from modifications or the installation or use
of non-GM certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is not
covered under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement
and function with other systems on the
vehicle. See your dealer to accessorize the
vehicle using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 063.Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on your
vehicle if you do not have the proper
knowledge, service manual, tools,
or parts. Always follow owner’s manual
procedures and consult the service
manual for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service work, use
the proper service manual. It tells you much
more about how to service the vehicle than
this manual can. To order the proper service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0371. This vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 63.
If equipped with remote vehicle start, open
the hood before performing any service
work to prevent remote starting the vehicle
accidentally. See Remote Vehicle Start 013.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service
work performed. See Maintenance Records
0 357.
Caution
Even small amounts of contamination can
cause damage to vehicle systems. Do not
allow contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
278 Vehicle Care
Viscosity Grade
For the 2.0L L4 Turbo and the 2.5L L4
engines, use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade
engine oil.
For the 3.6L V6 engine, use SAE 5W-30
viscosity grade engine oil. Cold Temperature
Operation: In an area of extreme cold,
where the temperature falls below−29 °C
(−20 °F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. An
oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier
cold starting for the engine at extremely
low temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade, it is recommended to select
an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos1
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination of
factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system
might indicate that an oil change is not
necessary for up to a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least once a
year and, at this time, the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service people
who will perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check the oil
regularly over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
364 Customer Information
We encourage you to call the toll-free
number in order to give your inquiry
prompt attention. Have the following
information available to give the Customer
Assistance representative:
.Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is
available from the vehicle registration or
title, or the plate at the top left of the
instrument panel and visible through the
windshield.
.Dealership name and location.
.Vehicle delivery date and present mileage.
When contacting GMC, remember that your
concern will likely be resolved at a dealer's
facility. That is why we suggest following
Step One first.
STEP THREE —U.S. Owners : Both General
Motors and your dealer are committed to
making sure you are completely satisfied
with your new vehicle. However, if you
continue to remain unsatisfied after
following the procedure outlined in
Steps One and Two, you can file with the
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Auto Line
Program to enforce your rights. The BBB Auto Line Program is an
out-of-court program administered by the
BBB National Programs, Inc. to settle
automotive disputes regarding vehicle
repairs or the interpretation of the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. Although you
may be required to resort to this informal
dispute resolution program prior to filing a
court action, use of the program is free of
charge and your case will generally be heard
within 40 days. If you do not agree with the
decision given in your case, you may reject
it and proceed with any other venue for
relief available to you.
You may contact the BBB Auto Line Program
using the toll-free telephone number or
write them at the following address:
BBB Auto Line Program
BBB National Programs, Inc.
3033 Wilson Blvd.
Suite 600
Arlington, VA 22201
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
http://www.bbb.org/council/
programs-services/
dispute-handling-and-resolution/bbb-auto-lineThis program is available in all 50 states and
the District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited
by vehicle age, mileage, and other factors.
General Motors reserves the right to change
eligibility limitations and/or discontinue its
participation in this program.
STEP THREE
—Canadian Owners : In the
event that you do not feel your concerns
have been addressed after following the
procedure outlined in Steps One and Two,
General Motors of Canada Company wants
you to be aware of its participation in a
no-charge Mediation/Arbitration Program.
General Motors of Canada Company has
committed to binding arbitration of owner
disputes involving factory-related vehicle
service claims. The program provides for the
review of the facts involved by an impartial
third party arbiter, and may include an
informal hearing before the arbiter. The
program is designed so that the entire
dispute settlement process, from the time
you file your complaint to the final decision,
should be completed in about 70 days. We
believe our impartial program offers
advantages over courts in most jurisdictions
because it is informal, quick, and free of
charge.
GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14608671) - 2021 - CRC - 10/26/20
Customer Information 369
well as a signed and completed rental
agreement and meet state/provincial, local,
and rental vehicle provider requirements.
Requirements vary and may include
minimum age requirements, insurance
coverage, credit card, etc. Additional fees
such as fuel, rental vehicle insurance, taxes,
levies, usage fees, excessive mileage,
or rental usage beyond the completion of
the repair are also your responsibility.
It may not be possible to provide a like
vehicle as a courtesy rental.
Additional Program Information
All program options, such as shuttle service,
may not be available at every dealer.
Contact your dealer for specific availability.
General Motors reserves the right to
unilaterally modify, change, or discontinue
Courtesy Transportation at any time and to
resolve all questions of claim eligibility
pursuant to the terms and conditions
described herein at its sole discretion.
Collision Damage Repair
If the vehicle is involved in a collision and it
is damaged, have the damage repaired by a
qualified technician using the proper
equipment and quality replacement parts.Poorly performed collision repairs diminish
the vehicle resale value, and safety
performance can be compromised in
subsequent collisions.
Collision Parts
Genuine GM Collision parts are new parts
made with the same materials and
construction methods as the parts with
which the vehicle was originally built.
Genuine GM Collision parts are the best
choice to ensure that the vehicle's designed
appearance, durability, and safety are
preserved. The use of Genuine GM parts can
help maintain the GM New Vehicle Limited
Warranty.
Recycled original equipment parts may also
be used for repair. These parts are typically
removed from vehicles that were total losses
in prior crashes. In most cases, the parts
being recycled are from undamaged sections
of the vehicle. A recycled original equipment
GM part may be an acceptable choice to
maintain the vehicle's originally designed
appearance and safety performance;
however, the history of these parts is not
known. Such parts are not covered by the
GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any
related failures are not covered by that
warranty.Aftermarket collision parts are also available.
These are made by companies other than
GM and may not have been tested for the
vehicle. As a result, these parts may fit
poorly, exhibit premature durability/
corrosion problems, and may not perform
properly in subsequent collisions.
Aftermarket parts are not covered by the
GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and any
vehicle failure related to such parts is not
covered by that warranty.
Repair Facility
GM also recommends that you choose a
collision repair facility that meets your
needs before you ever need collision repairs.
Your dealer may have a collision repair
center with GM-trained technicians and
state-of-the-art equipment, or be able to
recommend a collision repair center that has
GM-trained technicians and comparable
equipment.
Insuring the Vehicle
Protect your investment in the GM vehicle
with comprehensive and collision insurance
coverage. There are significant differences in
the quality of coverage afforded by various
insurance policy terms. Many insurance
policies provide reduced protection to the