Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-15546003) - 2022 - CRC - 5/5/21
Driving and Operating 305
For example, adding a 318 kg (700 lb) snow
plow actually adds more than 318 kg (700 lb)
to the front axle. Using the formula, if the
snow plow is 122 cm (4 ft) in front of the
front axle and the wheelbase is 305 cm
(10 ft), then:IW = 318 kg (700 lb)
IA = 122 cm (4 ft)
IW.B. = 305 cm (10 ft)
(W x (A + W.B.)/W.B. = (318 x (122 + 305))/305
= 445 kg (980 lb)
This means if the front axle reserve capacity
is more than 445 kg (980 lb), the snow plow
could be added without exceeding the
front GAWR.
Heavier equipment can be added on the
front of the vehicle if less cargo or fewer
passengers are carried, or by positioning
cargo toward the rear. This reduces the load
on the front. However, the front GAWR, rear
GAWR, and Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) must never be exceeded.{Warning
On some vehicles that have certain front
mounted equipment, such as a snow
plow, it may be possible to load the front
axle to the front Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) but not have enough
weight on the rear axle to have proper
braking performance. If the brakes cannot
work properly, the vehice could crash.
Always follow the snow plow
manufacturer or installer's
recommendation for rear ballast to
ensure a proper front and rear weight
distribution ratio. Maintaining a proper
front and rear weight distribution ratio is
necessary to provide proper braking
performance.
See your dealer for additional advice and
information about using a snow plow on the
vehicle. Also, see Vehicle Load Limits 0220.
Pickup Conversion to Chassis Cab
We are aware that some vehicle owners
might consider having the pickup box
removed and a commercial or recreational
body installed. Owners should be aware
that, as manufactured, there are differences
between a chassis cab and a pickup with the
box removed which could affect vehicle
safety. The components necessary to adapt
a pickup to permit its safe use with a
specialized body should be installed by the
body builder.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-15546003) - 2022 - CRC - 5/5/21
Vehicle Care 347
(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) Load Range
:Load Range.
(7) Service Description
:The service
description indicates the load index and
speed rating of a tire. If two numbers
are given as in the example, 120/116,
then this represents the load index for
single versus dual wheel usage (single/
dual). 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 Pressure0349. 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 0220.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the front axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0220.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating
for the rear axle. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0220.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-15546003) - 2022 - CRC - 5/5/21
348 Vehicle Care
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side
of an asymmetrical tire that must
always face outward when mounted on
a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric unit for air
pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A tire used
on light duty trucks and some
multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned number
ranging from 1 to 279 that corresponds
to the load carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:The
maximum air pressure to which a cold
tire can be inflated. The maximum air
pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The load rating
for a tire at the maximum permissible
inflation pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight
:The
sum of curb weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and production
options weight. Normal Occupant Weight
:The number
of occupants a vehicle is designed to
seat multiplied by 68 kg (150 lb). See
Vehicle Load Limits 0220.
Occupant Distribution
:Designated
seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The side of
an asymmetrical tire that has a
particular side that faces outward when
mounted on a vehicle. The side of the
tire that contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears manufacturer,
brand, and/or model name molding
that is higher or deeper than the same
moldings on the other sidewall of
the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:A tire used
on passenger cars and some light duty
trucks and multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation Pressure
:
Vehicle manufacturer's recommended
tire inflation pressure as shown on the
tire placard. See Tire Pressure0349 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0220. Radial Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in
which the ply cords that extend to the
beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a tire and
upon which the tire beads are seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire between
the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric code
assigned to a tire indicating the
maximum speed at which a tire can
operate.
Traction
:The friction between the tire
and the road surface. The amount of
grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that comes
into contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow bands,
sometimes called wear bars, that show
across the tread of a tire when only
1.6 mm (1/16 in) of tread remains. See
When It Is Time for New Tires 0358.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Standards)
:A tire information system
that provides consumers with ratings
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-15546003) - 2022 - CRC - 5/5/21
Vehicle Care 349
for a tire's traction, temperature, and
treadwear. Ratings are determined by
tire manufacturers using government
testing procedures. The ratings are
molded into the sidewall of the tire.
SeeUniform Tire Quality Grading
0 360.
Vehicle Capacity Weight
:The number
of designated seating positions
multiplied by 68 kg (150 lb) plus the
rated cargo load. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0220.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire
:
Load on an individual tire due to curb
weight, accessory weight, occupant
weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard
:A label permanently
attached to a vehicle showing the
vehicle capacity weight and the original
equipment tire size and recommended
inflation pressure. See “Tire and Loading
Information Label” underVehicle Load
Limits 0220.
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air
pressure to operate effectively.
{Warning
Neither tire underinflation nor
overinflation is good. Underinflated
tires, or tires that do not have
enough air, can result in:
.Tire overloading and overheating,
which could lead to a blowout.
.Premature or irregular wear.
.Poor handling.
.Reduced fuel economy.
Overinflated tires, or tires that have
too much air, can result in:
.Unusual wear.
.Poor handling.
.Rough ride.
.Needless damage from road
hazards. The Tire and Loading Information label
on the vehicle indicates the original
equipment tires and the correct cold
tire inflation pressures. The
recommended pressure is the minimum
air pressure needed to support the
vehicle's maximum load carrying
capacity.
For additional information regarding
how much weight the vehicle can carry,
and an example of the Tire and Loading
Information label, see
Vehicle Load
Limits 0220. How the vehicle is loaded
affects vehicle handling and ride
comfort. Never load the vehicle with
more weight than it was designed to
carry.
When to Check
Check the pressure of the tires once a
month or more.
Do not forget the spare tire, if the
vehicle has one. See Full-Size Spare Tire
0 374 for additional information.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-15546003) - 2022 - CRC - 5/5/21
362 Vehicle Care
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 LT275/65R20 size tires,
do not use tire chains. There is not
enough 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(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
traction device if it is contacting the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used, install them
on the rear tires.
Caution
Use tire chains only where legal and only
when necessary. Use chains that are the
proper size for the tires. If the vehicle has
LT235/80R17 size tires, install the chains
on the tires of the rear axle only. If the
vehicle has LT245/75R17, LT265/70R17,
or LT275/70R18 size tires, install the
chains on the tires of the front and 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.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD/3500 HD Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.
S./Canada/Mexico-15546003) - 2022 - CRC - 5/5/21
378 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
recovery. The vehicle must be in
N (Neutral) with the electric parking
brake released when using the tow eye.
Contact a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be transported. GM
recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
If equipped, a tow eye may be located near
the spare tire or emergency jack. Do not use
the tow eye to pull the vehicle from the
snow, mud, sand, or ditch. Tow eye threads
may 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 12-volt battery is dead and/or
electric parking brake is not released, the
vehicle will not move. Try to jump start
the vehicle with a known good 12-volt
battery, shift the car into N (Neutral), and
release the electric parking brake. Refer to
Jump Starting - North America 0374.
.If unsuccessful, the vehicle will not move.
Tire skates or dollies must be used under
the non-rolling tires to prevent vehicle
damage.
Front Attachment Points
The vehicle is equipped with specific
attachment points to be used to pull the
vehicle onto a flatbed car carrier from a flat
road surface. Do not use these attachment
points to pull the vehicle from snow, mud
or sand.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as a
motor home. The two most common types
of recreational vehicle towing are dinghy
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 on a dolly.
Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.Before towing the vehicle, 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. Read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's recommendations.
.How far the vehicle can be towed. Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and
how long the vehicle can be towed.
.Whether the vehicle has the proper
towing equipment. See your dealer or
trailering professional for additional
advice and equipment recommendations.