tire size CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT 2004 2.G Owners Manual

Tire and Loading Information Label
A. Vehicle Capacity WeightThe Tire and Loading Information label is attached to
the center pillar, near the driver's door latch. Vehicles
without a center pillar will have the Tire and Loading
Information label attached to the driver's door edge. This
label lists the number of people that can be in your
vehicle and the total weight it can carry. This weight is
called the vehicle capacity weight.
The Tire and Loading Information label also tells you
the size and recommended in¯ation pressure for
the original equipment tires on your vehicle. For more
information on tires and in¯ation see
Tires on page 5-63andIn¯ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-71.
If your vehicle does not have the Tire and Loading
Information label, the Certi®cation/Tire label shows
the tire size and recommended in¯ation pressures
needed to obtain the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axles. See
ªCerti®cation/Tire Labelº later in this section.
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Loading Your Vehicle
Item Description Total
AVehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 3=1,000 lbs.
(453 kg)
BSubtract Occupant Weight
200 lbs. (91 kg)´5=1,000 lbs.
(453 kg)
C Available Cargo Weight=0 lbs.
(0 kg)
Refer to your vehicle's tire and loading information label
for speci®c information about your vehicle's capacity
weight and seating positions. The combined weight of
the driver, passengers and cargo should never
exceed your vehicle's capacity weight.
Certi®cation/Tire Label
The Certi®cation/Tire label is found on the rear edge
of the driver's door.
The label shows the size of your original tires and
the in¯ation pressures needed to obtain the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle. This is called the
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants,
fuel and cargo. Example 3
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If you'll 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. You should always use a sway control
if your trailer will weigh more than these limits. You can
ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. 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 you can
turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs. (900 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes ± and they must be
adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes so you'll be able to install,
adjust and maintain them properly.
Since your vehicle is equipped with Stabilitrak
ž, your
trailer brake system cannot tap into the vehicle's
hydraulic brake system.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you'll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
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(A) Tire Size Code:The tire size code is a combination
of letters and numbers used to de®ne a particular
tire's width, height, aspect ratio, construction type and
service description. See the ªTire Size Codeº illustration
later in this section for more detail.
(B) Tire Performance Criteria Speci®cation (TPC
Spec):Original equipment tires designed to GM's
speci®c tire performance criteria have a TPC
speci®cation code molded onto the sidewall. GM's TPC
speci®cations meet or exceed all federal safety
guidelines.
(C) Department of Transportation (DOT):The
Department of Transportation (DOT) code indicates that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of
Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.(D) Tire Identi®cation Number (TIN):The letters and
numbers following DOT code are the Tire Identi®cation
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date the tire was
manufactured. The TIN is molded onto both sides of the
tire, although only one side may have the date of
manufacture.
(E) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord and number of
plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG):Tire
manufacturers are required to grade tires based on three
performance factors: treadwear, traction and
temperature resistance. For more information, see
Uniform Tire Quality Grading on page 5-78.
(G) Maximum Cold In¯ation Load Limit:Maximum
load that can be carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load. For information on
recommended tire pressure see
In¯ation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-71andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-47.
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(A) Tire Size:The tire size code is a combination of
letters and numbers used to de®ne a particular
tire's width, height, aspect ratio, construction type and
service description. See the ªTire Sizeº illustration
later in this section for more detail.
(B) Tire Performance Criteria Speci®cation (TPC
Spec):Original equipment tires designed to GM's
speci®c tire performance criteria have a TPC speci®cation
code molded onto the sidewall. GM's TPC speci®cations
meet or exceed all federal safety guidelines.
(C) Dual Tire Maximum Load:Maximum load that can
be carried and the maximum pressure needed to
support that load when used in a dual con®guration. For
information on recommended tire pressure see
In¯ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-71andLoading Your
Vehicle on page 4-47.
(D) Department of Transportation (DOT):The
Department of Transportation (DOT) code indicates that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of
Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
(E) Tire Identi®cation Number (TIN):The letters and
numbers following DOT code are the Tire Identi®cation
Number (TIN). The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date the tire was
manufactured. The TIN is molded onto both sides of the
tire, although only one side may have the date of
manufacture.
LT-Metric Tire
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(F) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord and number of
plies in the sidewall and under the tread.
(G) Single Tire Maximum Load:Maximum load
that can be carried and the maximum pressure needed
to support that load when used as a single. For
information on recommended tire pressure see
In¯ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-71andLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-47.
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 ªPº 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.
(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 ª75,º as shown in item ªCº of
the 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 ªRº means radial ply construction; the letter ªDº
means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the
letter ªBº 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 ªAº to ªZº.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
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(A) Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:The United States
version of a metric tire sizing system. The letter ªLTº 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 ª75,º as shown in item ªCº of
the 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 ªRº means radial ply construction; the letter ªDº
means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the
letter ªBº 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 ªAº to ªZº. The light truck tire size example
above shows dual or single tire con®gurations.Tire Terminology and De®nitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, 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 that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials. Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
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Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of a 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 In¯ation Pressure:Vehicle
manufacturer's recommended tire in¯ation pressure and
shown on the tire placard. See
In¯ation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-71andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-47.
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 ªwear bars,º that show across the tread of a tire
when only 2/32 inch of tread remains. See
When It
Is Time for New Tires on page 5-76.
UTQGS:Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards, a tire
information system that provides consumers with
ratings 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. See
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-78.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg) plus
the rated cargo load. See
Loading Your Vehicle
on page 4-47.
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 original equipment tire size
and recommended in¯ation pressure. See
Loading Your
Vehicle on page 4-47.
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Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system uses radio
and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels. If
your vehicle has this feature, sensors are mounted
on each tire and wheel assembly, except the spare tire.
The TPM sensors transmit tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is detected, the TPM
system will display the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
warning message on the Driver Information Center
(DIC); and at the same time illuminate the low tire
pressure warning symbol. For additional information and
details about the DIC operation and displays see DIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-49andDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-60.
When the tire pressure
monitoring system warning
light is lit, one or more
of your tires is signi®cantly
under-in¯ated.You should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and in¯ate them to the proper pressure as
indicated on the vehicle's tire information placard.
Driving on a signi®cantly under-in¯ated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-in¯ation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread
life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping
ability. Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and set to the
recommended in¯ation pressure as speci®ed in the
vehicle placard and owner's manual.
The Certi®cation/Tire label or the Tire and Loading
Information label (tire information placard) shows the
size of your vehicle's original tires and the correct
in¯ation pressure for your vehicle's tires when they are
cold. SeeIn¯ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-71. For
the location of the tire and loading information label, see
Loading Your Vehicle on page 4-47.
Your vehicle's TPM system can alert you about a low
tire pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. See
Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-74andTires on page 5-63.
Notice:Do not use a tire sealant if your vehicle is
equipped with Tire Pressure Monitors. The liquid
sealant can damage the tire pressure monitor
sensors.
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When It Is Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it's
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
can't be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.
Buying New Tires
To ®nd out what kind and size of tires you need, look at
the Certi®cation/Tire label or the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Loading Your Vehicle on
page 4-47, for more information about these labels and
where they can be found on your vehicle.
The tires installed on your vehicle when it was
new had a Tire Performance Criteria Speci®cations
(TPC Spec) number on each tire's sidewall. When you
get new tires, GM recommends that you get tires
with that same TPC Spec number. That way your
vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed to
give proper endurance, handling, speed rating, load
range, traction, ride, tire pressure monitoring system
performance and other things during normal service on
your vehicle. If your tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC number will be followed by an ªMSº
(for mud and snow).
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