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Driving and Operating 203
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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.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.
.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.
(Continued)

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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214 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
To shift into D (Drive):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Pull the D (Drive) switch on the center stack.
To shift out of D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery
road conditions could result in skidding. See
“Skidding” underLoss of Control 0194.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If the
vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
If equipped with the 2.0L L4 engine, engine
speeds may be increased while driving at
highway speeds while the engine is still
warming up.
L : This position gives you access to gear
ranges. This provides more engine braking
but lower fuel economy than D (Drive). You
can use it on very steep hills, or in deep
snow or mud. See Manual Mode0214.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS) Mode
ERS or manual mode allows for the selection
of the range of gear positions. Use this
mode when driving downhill or towing a
trailer to limit the top gear and vehicle
speed. The shift position indicator within the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will display a
number next to the L indicating the highest
available gear under manual mode and the
driving conditions when manual mode was
selected.
To use this feature:
1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), press the L (Low) button.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 251
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment0255. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check the trailer brakes
work. During the trip, occasionally check
that the cargo and trailer are secure and
that the lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.
Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with
one hand. To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To move the
trailer to the right, move that hand to the
right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider arcs
when towing a trailer to prevent damage
to your vehicle. Making very sharp turns
could cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle. Make wider turns than normal when towing,
so the trailer will not go over soft shoulders,
over curbs, or strike road signs, trees,
or other objects. Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes may overheat and
result in reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift the
transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes, engine
coolant will boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the vehicle
could show signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let the engine
run, preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine
Overheating 0276.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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256 Driving and Operating
Hitch Cover
1. Upper Attachments
2. Fasteners
To remove hitch cover, if equipped:1. Remove the two fasteners on the lower tabs (2).
2. Pull the lower edge of the cover to about a 45 degree angle.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upper attachments (1).
To reinstall hitch cover: 1. Hold cover at a 45 degree angle to the vehicle and push the upper tabs into the
slots in the bumper. 2. Push the bottom of the cover forward
until the lower tabs line up with the
lower slots (1).
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners forward.
4. Reinstall the two fasteners on the lower tabs (2).
Consider using mechanical sway controls
with any trailer. Ask a trailering professional
about sway controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing hitch,
measure the front fender height distance (2)
before connecting the trailer. Adjust the
spring bars until the front fender height
distance (2) is the same height before the
trailer was connected. Do not reduce the
front fender height below the initial
distance (2).
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
0 293 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.
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.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Driving and Operating 259
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash and in
serious injury or death, even if the
vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing your
foot from the accelerator. Then pull over
to check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes, including an
improperly or overloaded trailer,
unrestrained cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly inflated or
incorrect vehicle or trailer tires. See
Towing Equipment0255 for trailer
ratings and hitch setup recommendations.
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)
0106. A device connected to the
DLC —such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —may
interfere with vehicle systems. This could
affect vehicle operation and cause a
crash. Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle or cause components to not
work and would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical equipment.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 261
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 262
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 262
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 263
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 265
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 270
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . 285
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 288
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . 290
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 297
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 301
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 302
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305 When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 306
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 308
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 308
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 309
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 312
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 324
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . 326
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336

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278 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use
washer fluid. Water can cause the
solution to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other parts of
the washer system.
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very cold.
This allows for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings are worn and
new linings are needed. The sound can come
and go or can be heard all the time when
the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound means
that soon the brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash. When the
brake wear warning sound is heard, have
the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
linings could result in costly brake
repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates can
cause a brake squeal when the brakes are
first applied, clearing up following several
applications. This does not mean something
is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary
to help prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake linings for wear
and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper
sequence to torque specifications. See
Capacities and Specifications 0348.
Brake pads should be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a
rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be
a sign that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts with
new, approved replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not work
properly. The braking performance can
change in many ways if the wrong brake
parts are installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0265 for the
location of the reservoir.

GMC Acadia/Acadia Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
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Vehicle Care 293
Wheels and Tires
Tires
Every new GM vehicle has high-quality
tires made by a leading tire
manufacturer. See the warranty manual
for information regarding the tire
warranty and where to get service. For
additional information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{Warning
.Poorly maintained and improperly
used tires are dangerous.
.Overloading the tires can cause
overheating as a result of too
much flexing. There could be a
blowout and a serious crash. See
Vehicle Load Limits0200.
.Underinflated tires pose the same
danger as overloaded tires. The
resulting crash could cause serious
injury. Check all tires frequently to
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be
checked when the tires are cold.
.Overinflated tires are more likely
to be cut, punctured, or broken by
a sudden impact —such as when
hitting a pothole. Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
.Worn or old tires can cause a
crash. If the tread is badly worn,
replace them.
.Replace any tires that have been
damaged by impacts with
potholes, curbs, etc.
.Improperly repaired tires can cause
a crash. Only your dealer or an
authorized tire service center
should repair, replace, dismount,
and mount the tires.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not spin the tires in excess of
56 km/h (35 mph) on slippery
surfaces such as snow, mud, ice,
etc. Excessive spinning may cause
the tires to explode.
See Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation 0300 for inflation pressure
adjustment for high-speed driving.
All-Season Tires
This vehicle may come with all-season tires.
These tires are designed to provide good
overall performance on most road surfaces
and weather conditions. Original equipment
tires designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC specification
code molded onto the sidewall. Original
equipment all-season tires can be identified
by the last two characters of this TPC code,
which will be “MS.”
Consider installing winter tires on the
vehicle if frequent driving on snow or
ice-covered roads is expected. All-season tires
provide adequate performance for most
winter driving conditions, but they may not