wheel size GMC SIERRA 2006 Owner's Manual

Page 398 of 600

Weight Distributing Hitches and Weight
Carrying Hitches
A:Body to Ground Distance
B:Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing hitch, the hitch must
be adjusted so the distance (A) remains the same both
before and after coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle.If you use a step-bumper hitch, the bumper could be
damaged in sharp turns. Make sure there is ample room
when turning to avoid contact between the trailer and the
bumper.
If you will be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will weigh
more than 5,000 lbs (2 270 kg) be sure to use a properly
mounted weight-distributing hitch and sway control of the
proper size. This equipment is very important for proper
vehicle loading and good handling when driving. Always
use a sway control if the trailer will weigh more than these
limits. You can ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.
Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Trailering
Notice:Pulling a fth-wheel trailer with a vehicle
that is equipped with the SS trim package could
damage the vehicle. Do not pull a fth-wheel trailer
with a vehicle equipped with the SS trim package.
Fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers can be used with
many pickup models. These trailers place a larger
percentage of the weight (kingpin weight) on the tow
vehicle than conventional trailers. Make sure this weight
does not cause the vehicle to exceed GAWR or GVWR.
4-86

Page 414 of 600

Bulb Replacement..........................................5-63
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-63
Headlamps..................................................5-63
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and
Daytime Running Lamps.............................5-64
Roof Marker Lamps......................................5-66
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
and Cargo Lamp........................................5-67
Pickup Box Identication and Fender
Marker Lamps...........................................5-68
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Back-up Lamps.........................................5-68
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-70
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-71
Tires..............................................................5-72
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-73
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-76
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-79
Dual Tire Operation.......................................5-80
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-81
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-83
Buying New Tires.........................................5-84
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-85Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-86
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-87
Wheel Replacement......................................5-87
Tire Chains..................................................5-89
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-90
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-91
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-92
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-96
Secondary Latch System..............................5-105
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...........5-108
Spare Tire.................................................5-112
Appearance Care..........................................5-113
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle...............5-113
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-114
Leather......................................................5-115
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and
Other Plastic Surfaces..............................5-115
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-116
Weatherstrips.............................................5-116
Washing Your Vehicle..................................5-116
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-117
Finish Care................................................5-117
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

Page 487 of 600

Tire Size
The following examples show the different parts of a
tire size.
(A) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter P as the
rst character in the tire size means a passenger vehicle
tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire and Rim
Association.(A) Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letters LT as
the rst two characters in the tire size means a light
truck tire engineered to standards set by the U.S. Tire
and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates the
tire section width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that indicates
the tire height-to-width measurements. For example,
if the tire size aspect ratio is 75, as shown in item C of
the light truck (LT-Metric) tire illustration, it would
mean that the tire’s sidewall is 75% as high as it is wide.
(D) 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; and the letter B
means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:The service description
indicates the load range and speed rating of a tire.
The load index can range from 1 to 279. Speed ratings
range from A to Z. Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
5-75

Page 495 of 600

Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.
See “Wheel Nut Torque” underCapacities and
Specications on page 5-133.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all
the rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on
page 5-91.
When It Is Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it is
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires
have only 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) or less of
tread remaining.
Some commercial truck
tires may not have
treadwear indicators.
You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged
deep enough to show cord or fabric.
The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that
cannot be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.
5-83

Page 496 of 600

Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specic tires for your
vehicle. The original equipment tires installed on
your vehicle, when it was new, were designed to meet
General Motors Tire Performance Criteria Specication
(TPC spec) system rating. If you need replacement
tires, GM strongly recommends that you get tires with
the same TPC Spec rating. This way, your vehicle
will continue to have tires that are designed to give the
same performance and vehicle safety, during normal
use, as the original tires.
GM’s exclusive TPC Spec system considers over a
dozen critical specications that impact the overall
performance of your vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling, traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring performance. GM’s TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire’s sidewall by the
tire manufacturer. If the tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC spec number will be followed by an
MS for mud and snow. SeeTire Sidewall Labeling
on page 5-73for additional information.{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control
while driving. If you mix tires of different sizes,
brands or types (radial and bias-belted tires),
the vehicle may not handle properly, and you
could have a crash. Using tires of different
sizes, brands or types may also cause damage
to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same size,
brand, and type tires on all wheels.
Your vehicle may have a different size spare
than the road tires (those originally installed
on your vehicle). When new, your vehicle
included a spare tire and wheel assembly with
a similar overall diameter as your vehicle’s
road tires and wheels, so it is all right to drive
on it. Because this spare was developed for
use on your vehicle, it will not affect vehicle
handling.
5-84

Page 497 of 600

{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim anges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s tires with those that
do not have a TPC Spec number, make sure they
are the same size, load range, speed rating, and
construction type (radial and bias-belted tires) as your
vehicle’s original tires.
Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are listed on the
Tire and Loading Information Label. This label is
attached to the vehicle’s center pillar (B-pillar). See
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-48, for more information
about the Tire and Loading Information Label and its
location on your vehicle.
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size than
your original equipment wheels and tires, this may
affect the way your vehicle performs, including its
braking, ride and handling characteristics, stability and
resistance to rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle
has electronic systems such as, antilock brakes; traction
control; and electronic stability control, the performance
of these systems can be affected.
{CAUTION:
If you add different sized wheels, your vehicle
may not provide an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels are selected.
You may increase the chance that you will
crash and suffer serious injury. Only use GM
specic wheel and tire systems developed for
your vehicle, and have them properly installed
by a GM certied technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-84andAccessories
and Modications on page 5-4for additional information.
5-85

Page 501 of 600

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has dual wheels or P265/75R16,
LT265/75R16, P265/70R17 or P275/55R20 size
tires, do not use tire chains. They can damage
your vehicle because 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 you to lose control of
your vehicle and you or others may be injured
in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your vehicle’s wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the rear tires.Notice:If your vehicle does not have dual wheels
and is equipped with a tire size other than
P265/75R16, LT265/75R16, P265/70R17 or
P275/55R20, use tire chains only where legal and
only when you must. Use chains that are the proper
size for your tires. Install them on the tires of the
rear axle. Don’t use chains on the tires of the front
axle. Tighten them as tightly as possible with
the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow
the chain manufacturer’s instructions. If you can
hear the chains contacting your 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 your vehicle.
5-89

Page 524 of 600

Spare Tire
Your vehicle, when new, had a fully-inated spare tire.
A spare tire may lose air over time, so check its
ination pressure regularly. SeeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-79andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-48
for information regarding proper tire ination and loading
your vehicle. For instruction on how to remove, install
or store a spare tire, seeRemoving the Flat Tire
and Installing the Spare Tire on page 5-96andStoring
a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools on page 5-108.
Your vehicle may have a different size spare tire than
the road tires originally installed on your vehicle.
This spare tire was developed for use on your vehicle,
so it is all right to drive on it. If your vehicle has
four-wheel drive and the different size spare tire is
installed, keep the vehicle in two-wheel drive.Notice:If your vehicle has four-wheel drive and the
different size spare tire is installed on your vehicle,
do not drive in four-wheel drive until you can have
your at tire repaired and/or replaced. You could
damage your vehicle, and the repair costs would not
be covered by your warranty. Never use four-wheel
drive when the different size spare tire is installed
on your vehicle.
After installing the spare tire on your vehicle, you should
stop as soon as possible and make sure the spare
tire is correctly inated. Have the damaged or at road
tire repaired or replaced as soon as you can and
installed back onto your vehicle. This way, the spare tire
will be available in case you need it again.
Do not mix tires and wheels of different sizes, because
they will not t. Keep your spare tire and its wheel
together. If your vehicle has a spare tire that does not
match your vehicle’s original road tires and wheels
in size and type, do not include the spare in the
tire rotation.
5-112

Page 599 of 600

Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning...............................................5-118
Buying New Tires........................................5-84
Chains.......................................................5-89
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-91
Cleaning...................................................5-119
Different Size..............................................5-85
Dual Tire Operation.....................................5-80
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-90
Ination -- Tire Pressure...............................5-79
Inspection and Rotation................................5-81
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-96
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-96
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-92
Secondary Latch System............................5-105
Spare Tire................................................5-112
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools..........5-108
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-73
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-76
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-86
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-87
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-87
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-83
Tonneau Cover...............................................2-80
Tow/Haul Mode...............................................2-31
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-50
Towing
Power Take-Off (PTO)..................................4-97
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-62Towing (cont.)
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-67
Your Vehicle...............................................4-62
Traction
Assist System (TAS)...................................... 4-8
Manual Selectable Ride................................4-10
Off Light.....................................................3-43
Trailer
Recommendations.......................................4-96
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic..................................5-28, 5-30
Fluid, Manual..............................................5-33
Temperature Gage.......................................3-44
Up-Shift Light..............................................3-41
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-26
Transmission Operation, Manual........................2-34
Trip Odometer................................................3-33
Truck-Camper Loading Information....................4-59
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-7
U
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-130
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-86
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-75
Operation...................................................2-76
Up-Shift Light.................................................3-41
13

Page 600 of 600

V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-5
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-48
Parking Your...............................................2-56
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Customization, DIC..............................3-64
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders.................................................... 7-9
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)............................................5-122
Service Parts Identication Label..................5-122
Vehicle Personalization....................................2-82
Memory Seat..............................................2-83
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-30
Visors...........................................................2-18
Voltmeter Gage..............................................3-40
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-31
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-55
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-6
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. ivWheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-87
Different Size..............................................5-85
Replacement...............................................5-87
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-40
Windows.......................................................2-16
Manual......................................................2-16
Power........................................................2-17
Sliding Rear................................................2-18
Swing-Out Windows.....................................2-18
Windshield
Wiper Blades, Cleaning..............................5-118
Windshield Washer.........................................3-10
Fluid..........................................................5-46
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement......................................5-71
Fuses......................................................5-123
Windshield Wipers......................................... 3-9
Winter Driving................................................4-42
X
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System..............3-133
Y
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................... 6-2
14