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456 Vehicle Care
have right or left-hand
threads. Use caution when
installing or removing the
tow eye.
The vehicle must be in
N (Neutral) and the electric
parking brake must be
released when loading the
vehicle onto a flatbed tow
truck.
.If the vehicle is equipped
with car wash mode and has
12-volt battery power, refer
to“Car Wash Mode” under
Automatic Transmission
0 277 to place the vehicle in
N (Neutral).
.If the 12-volt battery is dead
and/or the engine will not
start, the vehicle will not
move. Try to jump start the
vehicle. Refer to Jump
Starting - North America
0 452 and if the jump start is
successful, retry the “Car
Wash Mode” procedure.
.If jump starting is
unsuccessful, the vehicle will
not move. Tire skates or
dollies must be used under
the non-rolling tires to
prevent vehicle damage.
V-Series Blackwing Only
Due to low ramp angles on the
V-Series Blackwing, use care
when loading the vehicle onto
a flatbed carrier. Front spring
spacers were provided for
lifting the front suspension if
more clearance is necessary
when towing.
Front Tow Eye
The vehicle is equipped with a
tow eye. Only use the tow eye
to pull the vehicle onto a
flatbed car carrier from a flat
road surface. Do not use the
tow eye to pull the vehicle
from snow, mud, or sand. The
tow eye is located under the
carpet in the trunk.
Carefully open the cover in the
fascia by using the small notch
that conceals the tow eye
socket.
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Install the tow eye into the
socket and turn it until it is
fully tightened. When the tow
eye is removed, reinstall the
cover with the notch in the
original position.
Rear Tow Eye
If equipped, carefully open the
cover by using the small notch
that conceals the rear tow eye
socket. Install the tow eye into
the socket and turn it until it is
fully tightened. When the tow
eye is removed, reinstall the
cover with the notch in the
original position.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Caution
Dolly towing or dinghy
towing the vehicle may
cause damage because of
reduced ground clearance.
Always put the vehicle on a
flatbed truck or trailer.
The vehicle was neither
designed nor intended to be
towed with any of its wheels
on the ground. If the vehicle
must be towed, see
Transporting a Disabled
Vehicle 0455.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the
factory. Use a de-icing agent
only when necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants
0476.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use
petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents
as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions
regarding correct product
usage, necessary safety
precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
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Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm
(12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can
result in damage or removal
of paint and decals.
Automatic Car Wash
Caution
Automatic car washes can
cause damage to the
vehicle, wheels, ground
effects, and convertible top
(if equipped).
Do not use automatic car
washes due to lack of
clearance for the
undercarriage, wide rear
tires, and wheels.
Caution
To avoid damage to a matte
paint finish, do not use an
automatic car wash
equipped with brushes or
scrubbers. Only use
touchless automatic car
washes.
If using an automatic car wash,
follow the car wash
instructions. The windshield
wiper and rear window wiper,
if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that
may be damaged or interfere
with the car wash equipment.
Hand Wash
Rinse the vehicle well, before
and after washing, to remove
all cleaning agents completely.
If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel
to avoid surface scratches
and water spotting. Cleaning Underhood
ComponentsCaution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood
that has this
esymbol.
This could cause damage to
the vehicle that would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Avoid using solvents or
abrasive cleaners that may
harm underhood components.
GM recommends using only
water to clean underhood
components.
If using a pressure washer,
ensure the following criteria
is met:
.Water pressure must be
kept below 14 000 KPa
(2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be
below 80 °C (180 °F).
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.A spray nozzle with a
40 degree wide angle spray
pattern or wider must be
used, and must be kept at
least 30 cm (1 ft) away from
all surfaces.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket
clearcoat sealant/wax
materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are
damaged, see your dealer to
have the damage assessed
and repaired. Materials such
as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road
oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle finish if
they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as
soon as possible. If necessary,
use non-abrasive cleaners that
are marked safe for painted
surfaces to remove foreign
matter.Occasional hand waxing or
mild polishing should be done
to remove residue from the
paint finish. See your dealer
for approved cleaning
products.
Caution
Do not apply waxes or
polishes to uncoated plastic,
vinyl, rubber, decals,
simulated wood, or matte
paint as damage can occur.
Caution
Machine compounding or
aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish may damage it. Use
only non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish on the vehicle.
To keep the paint finish
looking new, keep the vehicle
garaged or covered whenever
possible. Protecting Exterior Bright
Metal Moldings
Caution
Failure to clean and protect
the bright metal moldings
can result in a hazy white
finish or pitting. This damage
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
The bright metal moldings on
the vehicle are aluminum,
chrome, or stainless steel. To
prevent damage, always follow
these cleaning instructions:
.Be sure the molding is cool
to the touch before applying
any cleaning solution.
.Use only approved cleaning
solutions for aluminum,
chrome, or stainless steel.
Some cleaners are highly
acidic or contain alkaline
substances and can damage
the moldings.
.Always dilute a concentrated
cleaner according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
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.Do not use cleaners that are
not intended for
automotive use.
.Use a nonabrasive wax on
the vehicle after washing to
protect and extend the
molding finish.
Carbon Fiber Care
Carbon fiber composite parts
can be washed and waxed like
any other parts. Use a clear or
black pigmented wax. See
Composite Materials 0266.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses, Emblems, Decals,
and Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold
water, a soft cloth, and a car
washing soap to clean exterior
lamps, lenses, emblems,
decals, and stripes. Follow
instructions under "Washing
the Vehicle" previously in this
section.
Lamp covers are made of
plastic, and some have a UV
protective coating. Do not
clean or wipe lamp covers when dry. This can cause
scratches to the surface of
the lamp cover.
Do not use any of the
following items on lamp
covers:
.Abrasive or caustic agents.
.Washer fluids and other
cleaning agents in higher
concentrations than
suggested by the
manufacturer.
.Solvents, alcohols, fuels,
or other harsh cleaners.
.Ice scrapers or other hard
items.
.Aftermarket appearance
caps or covers while the
lamps are illuminated, due to
excessive heat generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps
properly can cause damage
to the lamp cover that would
not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black
finish stripes can increase
the gloss level and create a
non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and
water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air
intakes between the hood and
windshield when washing the
vehicle.
Shutter System
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The vehicle may have a
shutter system designed to
help improve fuel economy.
Always keep the shutter
system clear of debris, snow
and ice. If the check engine
light is activated, please check
to see if the shutter system is
clear of debris, snow or ice.
Windshield and Wiper
Blades
Clean the outside of the
windshield with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber wiper blades
using a lint-free cloth or paper
towel soaked with windshield
washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the
windshield thoroughly when
cleaning the blades. Bugs,
road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if
they are worn or damaged.
Damage can be caused byextreme dusty conditions,
sand, salt, heat, sun, snow,
and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant
on weatherstrips to make
them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak.
Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry
climates may require more
frequent application. Black
marks from rubber material on
painted surfaces can be
removed by rubbing with a
clean cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0476.
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.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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 that
have been sprayed with
magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are
used on roads for conditions
such as dust control. Always
wash the chrome with soap
and water after exposure.
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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
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.
Underbody Maintenance
Every six months, use plain
water to flush any corrosive
materials from the underbody.
Take care to thoroughly clean
any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash
the transfer case and/or
front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can
overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid.
Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the
body repair shop applies
anti-corrosion material to
parts repaired or replaced to
restore corrosion protection.
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Original manufacturer
replacement parts will provide
the corrosion protection while
maintaining the vehicle
warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up
materials available from your
dealer to avoid corrosion.
Larger areas of finish damage
can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall
upon and attack painted
vehicle surfaces causing
blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small,
irregular dark spots etched
into the paint surface. See
“Finish Care”previously in this
section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle
abrasions, regularly clean the
vehicle's interior. Before using cleaners, read and follow all
safety instructions on the
label. While cleaning the
interior, open the doors and
windows to get proper
ventilation. Newspapers or
dark garments can transfer
color to the vehicle’s interior.
Caution
Immediately remove
cleaners, hand lotions,
sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior
surfaces or permanent
damage may result.
Caution
Use cleaners specifically
designed for the surfaces
being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage to the
vehicle. Apply all cleaners
directly to a cleaning cloth.
Do not spray cleaners on
any switches or controls.
When using liquid soap
cleaners, follow the directions
on the specific cleaner or soap
solution for dilution
instructions.
Caution
To prevent damage:
.Never use a razor or any
other sharp object to
remove soil from any
interior surface
.Never use a brush with
stiff bristles.
.Never rub any surface
aggressively or with too
much pressure.
.Do not get any exposed
electrical components wet.
.Do not use laundry
detergents or dishwashing
soaps with degreasers. Do
not use solutions that
contain strong or
caustic soap.
(Continued)