Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
240 Driving and Operating
The trailer tongue weight (1) should be 10–
15% of the loaded trailer weight (2). Some
specific trailer types, such as boat trailers,
fall outside of this range. Always refer to
the trailer owner’s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue weight for each
trailer. Never exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch and trailer.
After loading the trailer, separately weigh
the trailer and then the trailer tongue and
calculate the trailer load balance percentage
to see if the weights and distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the trailer
weight is too high, it may be possible to
transfer some of the cargo into your vehicle.If the trailer tongue weight is too high or
too low, it may be possible to rearrange
some of the cargo inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum allowable
tongue weight for your vehicle. Use the
shortest hitch extension available to position
the hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of the trailer tongue
weight on the trailer hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer hitch
receiver, choose a carrier that positions the
load as close to the vehicle as possible.
Make sure the total weight, including the
carrier, is no more than half of the
maximum allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle.
Ask your dealer for trailering information or
assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch equipment for
your vehicle. Crosswinds, large trucks going
by, and rough roads can affect the trailer
and the hitch.
Proper hitch equipment for your vehicle
helps maintain control of the vehicle-trailer
combination. Many trailers can be towedusing a weight-carrying hitch which has a
coupler latched to the hitch ball, or a tow
eye latched to a pintle hook. Other trailers
may require a weight-distributing hitch that
uses spring bars to distribute the trailer
tongue weight between your vehicle and
trailer axles. See
“Maximum Trailer Tongue
Weight” underTrailer Towing 0237 for
weight limits with various hitch types.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not attach to
the bumper.
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to support
loads while towing a trailer. See Tires
0 279 for instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle
and the trailer, and attach the chains to the
holes on the trailer hitch platform.
Instructions about safety chains may be
provided by the hitch manufacturer or by
the trailer manufacturer.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
Driving and Operating 241
Cross the safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated
from the hitch. Always leave just enough
slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb) must
be equipped with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer braking
equipment conforming to Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent, is
recommended.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking system if
the loaded weight of the trailer exceeds
certain minimums that can vary from state
to state. Read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained properly. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both the vehicle
anti-lock brakes and the trailer brakes may
not function, which could result in a crash.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are working at
the beginning of each trip, and periodically
on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer turn
signals should will illuminate to indicate the
vehicle is turning, changing lanes,
or stopping. When towing a trailer, the
arrows on the instrument cluster will
illuminate even if the trailer is not properly
connected or the bulbs are burned out.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from vehicle
tires. Trailer tires are designed with stiff
sidewalls to help prevent sway and to
support heavy loads. These features can
make it difficult to determine if the trailer
tire pressures are low only based on a visual
inspection.
Always check all trailer tire pressures before
each trip when the tires are cool. Low trailer
tire pressure is a leading cause of trailer tire
blow-outs.Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The trailer
tire sidewall will show the week and year
the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire
manufacturers recommend replacing tires
more than six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause of
trailer tire blow-outs. Never load your trailer
with more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load rating is
located on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed rating for
the trailer tires before driving. This may be
significantly lower than the vehicle tire
speed rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed rating is
not shown, the default trailer tire speed
rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is used for
vehicle service and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) 096.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
Vehicle Care 305
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:
.What is the towing capacity of the
towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow
vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
.What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have restrictions
on how far and how long they can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipment going to
be used? See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as
preparing the vehicle for a long trip,
make sure the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the towing
vehicle.
Dinghy Towing (Front-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
Caution
If the 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. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be towed
with all four wheels on the ground.
Dinghy Towing (All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles Only)
To dinghy tow the vehicle from the front
with all four wheels on the ground:
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
316 Service and Maintenance
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. SeeVehicle
Load Limits 0187.
.Are driven on reasonable road surfaces
within legal driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel. See
Recommended Fuel 0231.
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 0245.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See Engine Oil
0 250.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation pressures. See Tire
Pressure 0285.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0290.
.Check the windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0259.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON DIC
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 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
System 0252.
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.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14400528) - 2021 - CRC - 11/7/19
360 Index
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
StrutsGas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
System Engine Air Filter Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .253
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . .223
Global Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144
Roof Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Systems
Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269, 271
Teen Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279 Tires (cont'd)
All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .301
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . .287
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . 293
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 295
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . 291
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 Towing (cont'd)
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrakLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . 165
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . 337
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Turn Signal
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269, 271
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
UpdatesMap Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Using the Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . . .134