flat tire CADILLAC ESCALADE 2020 Owner's Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 127
If the light does not come on, have
the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the
TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak/
ESC system have been disabled.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may display. Check the DIC
messages to determine which
feature(s) is no longer functioning and
whether the vehicle requires service.
If the light is on and flashing, the TCS
and/or the StabiliTrak/ESC system is
actively working.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0203.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the system
is working normally the indicator light
goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature
warning light indicates that the
vehicle has overheated. Driving with
this light on can damage the engine
and it may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. See Engine
Overheating 0269.
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens, pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. See
Engine Overheating 0269.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information about
tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the
tires are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display.
Stop as soon as possible, and inflate
the tires to the pressure value shown
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Tire Pressure 0297.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 167
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 237
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . 251
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 253
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage.
Here are some driving tips to get the
best fuel economy possible:
. Set the climate controls to the
desired temperature after the
engine is started, or turn them off
when not required.
. Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
. Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
. Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
. When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
. Always follow posted speed limits
or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
. Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated. .
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
. Replace the vehicle's tires with the
same TPC Spec number molded
into the tire's sidewall near
the size.
. Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and
can take your focus from the task of
driving. Exercise good judgment and
do not let other activities divert your
attention away from the road. Many
local governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your
eyes on the road, keep your hands on
the steering wheel, and focus your
attention on driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding
driving situations. Use a
hands-free method to place or
receive necessary phone calls.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 171
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by
taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator
pedal and steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. The vehicle may
straighten out. Be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions.
Stopping distance can be longer
and vehicle control can be affected
when traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other material
on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues —such as enough
water, ice, or packed snow on the
road to make a mirrored surface
— and slow down when you have
any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking, including
reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden
changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid
only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be used
for off-road driving. Vehicles without
four-wheel drive and vehicles not
equipped with All Terrain (AT) or
On-Off Road (OOR) tires must not be
driven off-road except on a level, solid
surface. For contact information about
the original equipment tires, see the
warranty manual.
One of the best ways for successful
off-road driving is to control the
speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction can
easily throw you out of position.
This could cause you to lose control
and crash. You and your passengers
should always wear seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
. Have all necessary maintenance
and service work completed.
. Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels,
and check inflation pressure in all
tires, including the spare,
if equipped.
. Read all the information about
four-wheel-drive vehicles in this
manual.
. Know the local laws that apply to
off-road driving.
To gain more ground clearance if
needed, it may be necessary to remove
the front fascia lower air dam,
if equipped. However, driving without
the air dam reduces fuel economy.
Caution
Operating the vehicle for extended
periods without the front fascia
lower air dam installed can cause
improper airf low to the engine.
Reattach the front fascia air dam
after off-road driving.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
176 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can
build up under the vehicle's tires so
they actually ride on the water. This
can happen if the road is wet enough
and you are going fast enough. When
the vehicle is hydroplaning, it has
little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping equipment
in good shape. .
Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper tread
depth. See Tires0291.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving on
flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle
on a long downhill slope can cause
brake overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a
loss of braking. Shift the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
transmission to a lower gear to let
the engine assist the brakes on a
steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or
with the ignition off is dangerous.
This can cause overheating of the
brakes and loss of steering assist.
Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills; something
could be in your lane (e.g., stalled
car, crash).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 179
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or
rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change
the way the vehicle handles.
This could cause loss of control
and a crash. Overloading can
also reduce stopping distance,
damage the tires, and shorten
the life of the vehicle.Tire and Loading Information Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the center pillar
(B-pillar). The tire and loading
information label shows the
number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds. The Tire and Loading Information
label also shows the size of the
original equipment tires (3) and
the recommended cold tire
inflation pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation
see
Tires 0291 and
Tire Pressure 0297.
There is also important loading
information on the vehicle
Certification/Tire label. It may
show the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
front and rear axles. See
“Certification/Tire Label” later in
this section.
“Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit–
1.
Locate the statement "The
combined weight of
occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s
placard.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 181
Example 3
1. Maximum Vehicle CapacityWeight for Example 3 =
453 kg (1,000 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs)
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and
Loading Information label for
specific information about the
vehicle's capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed the
vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Certification/
Tire label is attached to the
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. This is
called 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
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 center line.
The warranty does not cover parts
or components that fail because of
overloading.
The label will help determine how
much cargo and installed
equipment the vehicle can carry.
Using heavier suspension
components to get added
durability might not change the
weight ratings. Ask your dealer to
help load the vehicle properly.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 207
standard axle most of the time, but
when traction is low, this feature will
allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear
suspension comes as a part of the
Magnetic Ride Control system.
This type of level control is fully
automatic and will provide a better
leveled riding position as well as
better handling under a variety of
passenger and loading conditions. An
air compressor connected to the rear
shocks will raise or lower the rear ofthe vehicle to maintain proper vehicle
height. The system is activated when
the ignition is on and will
automatically adjust vehicle height
thereafter. The system may exhaust
(lower vehicle height) for up to
10 minutes after the ignition has been
turned off. You may hear the air
compressor operating when the height
is being adjusted.
If a weight-distributing hitch is being
used, it is recommended to allow the
shocks to inflate, leveling the vehicle
prior to adjusting the hitch.
Cruise Control
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at a
steady speed. Do not use cruise
control on winding roads or in
heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could
lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
If equipped with cruise control, a
speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or
more can be maintained without
keeping your foot on the accelerator.
Cruise control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 249
Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment
A weight-distributing hitch may be useful with some trailers. Use the following guidelines to determine if a
weight-distributing hitch should be used.Vehicle Series Trailer Weight Weight-Distributing Hitch
Usage Hitch Distribution
1500 Up to 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) Optional Refer to trailer manufacturer’s
recommendation
1500 Over 3 175 kg (7,000 lb) Required 50%
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure the front fender height
above the front axle distance (2)
before and after connecting trailer.
Adjust the spring bars until the front
fender height distance (2) is
approximately half way between the
first and second measurements.
If equipped with Automatic Level
Control 0207, it is recommended to
allow the shocks to inflate, leveling
the vehicle prior to adjusting the
hitch.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 Tires0291 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

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
252 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{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. SeeTowing Equipment
0 247 for trailer ratings and hitch
setup recommendations.
Aftermarket Electronic Trailer
Sway Control Devices
Some trailers may come equipped
with an electronic device designed to
reduce or control trailer sway.
Aftermarket equipment manufacturers
also offer similar devices that connect
to the wiring between the trailer and the vehicle. These devices may
interfere with the vehicle’s trailer
brake systems or other systems,
including integrated anti-sway
systems, if equipped. Messages related
to trailer connections or trailer brakes
could appear on the DIC. The effects
of these aftermarket devices on
vehicle handling or trailer brake
performance is not known.
{Warning
Use of aftermarket electronic trailer
sway control devices could result in
reduced trailer brake performance,
loss of trailer brakes, or other
malfunctions, and result in a crash.
You or others could be seriously
injured or killed. Before using one
of these devices:
. Ask the device or trailer
manufacturer if the device
has been thoroughly tested
for compatibility with the
make, model, and year of
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
your vehicle and any optional
equipment installed on your
vehicle.
. Before driving, check the
trailer brakes are working
properly, if equipped. Drive
the vehicle with the trailer
attached on a level road
surface that is free of traffic
at about 32-40 km/h
(20-25 mph) and fully apply
the manual trailer brake apply
lever. Also, check the trailer
brake lamps and other lamps
are functioning correctly.
. If the trailer brakes are not
operating properly at any
time, or if a DIC message
indicates problems with the
trailer connections or trailer
brakes, carefully pull the
vehicle over to the side of the
road when traffic conditions
allow.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
256 VEHICLE CARE
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 326
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM
parts and GM-trained and supported
service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these
marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, as well as many of its service
parts and fluids, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts
and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information go
to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0273 and
Jump Starting - North America 0322
and the back cover.