tires CHEVROLET KODIAK 2005 User Guide

Winter Driving
Here are some tips for winter driving:
•Be sure the vehicle is in good shape for winter.
•You may want to put winter emergency supplies in
your vehicle.
Also seeTires on page 5-70.Include an ice scraper, a small brush or broom, a
supply of windshield washer fluid, a rag, some winter
outer clothing, a small shovel, a flashlight, a red
cloth, and reflective warning triangles. And, if you will be
driving under severe conditions, include a small bag
of sand, a piece of old carpet, or a couple of burlap bags
to help provide traction. Be sure you properly secure
these items in your vehicle.
Driving on Snow or Ice
Most of the time, those places where your tires meet
the road probably have good traction.
However, if there is snow or ice between your tires and
the road, you can have a very slippery situation. You
will have a lot less traction, or grip, and will need to be
very careful.
4-26

What is the worst time for this? Wet ice. Very cold snow
or ice can be slick and hard to drive on. But wet ice
can be even more trouble because it may offer the least
traction of all. You can get wet ice when it is about
freezing, 32°F (0°C), and freezing rain begins to fall. Try
to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews
can get there.
Whatever the condition — smooth ice, packed, blowing,
or loose snow — drive with caution.
If you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, shift into 4HI.
SeeFour-Wheel Drive on page 2-33.If you have the traction control system (TCS), it will
improve your ability to accelerate when driving on
a slippery road. But you can turn the TCS off if you ever
need to. You should turn the system off if your vehicle
ever gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. SeeIf
Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on
page 4-30. Even though your vehicle has TCS, you will
want to slow down and adjust your driving to the
road conditions. Under certain conditions, you may want
to turn the TCS off, such as when driving through
deep snow and loose gravel, to help maintain vehicle
motion at lower speeds. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-10.
If you do not have TCS, accelerate gently. Try not to
break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the
drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under
the tires even more.
Unless you have the anti-lock braking system (ABS),
you will want to brake very gently, too. If you do
have ABS, seeAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS) on
page 4-6. ABS improves your vehicle’s stability when
you make a hard stop on a slippery road. Whether you
have ABS or not, you will want to begin stopping
sooner than you would on dry pavement. Without ABS,
if you feel your vehicle begin to slide, let up on the
brakes a little. Push the brake pedal down steadily to
get the most traction you can.
4-27

If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you do not want to
spin your wheels too fast. The method known as rocking
can help you get out when you are stuck, but you
must use caution.
{CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured.
And, the transmission or other parts of the
vehicle can overheat. That could cause an
engine compartment re or other damage.
When you are stuck, spin the wheels as little as
possible. Do not spin the wheels above 35 mph
(55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer.
Notice:Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of
your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the
wheels too fast while shifting your transmission
back and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
First, turn the steering wheel left and right. That will clear
the area around the front wheels. If you have a
four-wheel-drive vehicle, shift into 4HI. SeeFour-Wheel
Drive on page 2-33. If your vehicle has traction
control, you should turn the traction control system off.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-10.
Then shift back and forth between REVERSE (R) and a
forward gear, or with a manual transmission, between
FIRST (1) or SECOND (2) and REVERSE (R), spinning
the wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator
pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the
accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. By
slowly spinning your wheels in the forward and
reverse directions, you will cause a rocking motion that
may free your vehicle. If that does not get you out
after a few tries, you may need to be towed out. If you
do need to be towed out, seeTowing Your Vehicle
on page 4-35.
4-30

Loading Your Vehicle
There is a vehicle specific GVW Rating label on your
vehicle that shows how much weight it may properly
carry. It also shows the size of your original tires and the
inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight
capacity of your vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel and cargo.The GVW Rating label is provided by the final
manufacturer and should be on the door or door jamb.
It also tells you the maximum weights for the front
and rear axles, called Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). To find out the actual loads on your front and
rear axles, you need to go to a weigh station and
weigh your vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this.
Be sure to spread out your load equally on both
sides of the center line.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR
for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.
4-32

Other Service Items........................................5-66
Fuel Filter....................................................5-66
Primary Fuel Filter and Water Separator..........5-67
Secondary Fuel Filter and Water Separator/
Heater (Caterpillar
®Diesel)..........................5-68
Automatic Ether Injection System
(Caterpillar
®Diesel)....................................5-68
Front Wheel Bearings with Oil-Filled Hubs........5-69
Air Conditioning System.................................5-70
Tires..............................................................5-70
Inflation - Tire Pressure.................................5-71
Wheel Loading.............................................5-71
Dual Tire Operation.......................................5-72
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-72
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-73
Tightening the Wheel Nuts.............................5-73
Wheel Replacement......................................5-77
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-78
Appearance Care............................................5-79
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-80
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-81
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces........................................5-82
Care of Safety Belts......................................5-82
Weatherstrips...............................................5-82Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-83
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-83
Finish Care..................................................5-83
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-84
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels................5-84
Tires...........................................................5-85
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................5-85
Finish Damage.............................................5-85
Underbody Maintenance................................5-85
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-85
Vehicle Identication......................................5-87
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).................5-87
Service Statement.........................................5-87
Service Parts Identification Label.....................5-88
Electrical System............................................5-88
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................5-88
Headlamp Wiring..........................................5-88
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................5-88
Fusible Links................................................5-89
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......5-89
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................5-89
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-89
Underhood Fuse Block..................................5-92
Capacities and Specications..........................5-95
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts.........5-100
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
(Hydraulic Only)
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Four-Wheel and Six-Wheel Drum
Brakes (Air Only)
The brake drums should be removed and inspected
each time the tires are removed for rotation or changing.
When you have the front brakes replaced, have the
rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always 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 of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your brakes adjust
for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your
vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality
GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system — for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you need new ones put in — be sure you get
new approved GM replacement parts. If you do not,
your brakes may no longer work properly. For example,
if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong for
your vehicle, the balance between your front and rear
brakes can change — for the worse. The braking
performance you have come to expect can change in
many other ways if someone puts in the wrong
replacement brake parts.
5-49

Air Conditioning System
Every now and then, have your dealership check your
air conditioning system to be sure it has not lost
any cooling ability. If you think the system is not working
properly, have your GM dealer check it out as soon
as possible.
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service,
see your GM Warranty booklet for details. For additional
information refer to the tire manufacturer’s booklet
included with your vehicle’s Owner Manual.
{CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.
Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much
friction. You could have an air-out and a
serious accident. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 4-32.
Underinated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be
checked when your tires are cold. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-71.
Overinated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact —such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.
Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If
your tread is badly worn, or if your tires
have been damaged, replace them.
5-70

Ination - Tire Pressure
The GVW Rating label, which is on the driver’s door
frame, shows the correct inflation pressures for
your tires when they’re cold. “Cold” means your vehicle
has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no
more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Notice:Do not let anyone tell you that
under-ination or over-ination is all right. It is not.
If your tires do not have enough air (under-ination),
you can get the following:
Too much exing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Premature or irregular wear
Poor handling
Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (over-ination), you
can get the following:
Unusual wear
Poor handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road hazards
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Also, check the tire pressure of the spare tire
(if equipped).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can’t tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they’re underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.
Wheel Loading
Wheels are stamped with a maximum load and cold
inflation rating. Be sure you don’t exceed these. If you
ever think you need to, first contact the rim and
wheel maker to get their advice.
5-71

Dual Tire Operation
When the vehicle is new, check the wheel nut tightness
on all wheels with a torque wrench after your first
100 miles (160 km) and then 1,000 miles (1 600 km) after
that. Whenever a wheel, wheel bolt or wheel nut is
removed or serviced, repeat the 100 miles (160 km), and
then 1,000 mile (1 600 km) wheel nut tightness check.
SeeTightening the Wheel Nuts on page 5-73for wheel
nut tightening information and proper torque values.
{CAUTION:
If you operate your vehicle with a tire that is
badly underinated, the tire can overheat. An
overheated tire can lose air suddenly or catch
re. You or others could be injured. Be sure all
tires (including the spare, if any) are properly
inated.
SeeTires on page 5-70andInation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-71for more information on proper tire inflation.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Replace your tires when the tread depth is down to
1/8 of an inch (3.2 mm) for the front tires, or 1/16 of an
inch (1.6 mm) for a rear tire. Also, you need a new
tire if:
•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.
{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control
while driving. If you mix tires of different
types — like radial and bias-belted tires — the
vehicle may not handle properly, and you
could have a crash. Be sure to use the same
type of tires all around.
5-72

When you replace tires, make sure they are the same
size, load range, speed rating and construction type
(bias, bias-belted or radial) as your original tires.
If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, the axle differentials,
propshafts and transfer case may be damaged if tires
of different sizes, brands or tread types are installed on
the front and rear axles. That damage would not be
covered under your warranty.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned at the
factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall
performance.
Proper front wheel alignment must be maintained in
order to ensure efficient steering, good directional
stability, and prevent abnormal tire wear. If you notice
unusual tire wear or your vehicle is pulling one way
or the other, the alignment may need to be reset. If you
notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, your wheels may need to be balanced.
Tightening the Wheel Nuts
{CAUTION:
Wheel nuts that are not tight can work loose. If
all the nuts on a wheel come off, the wheel can
come off the vehicle, causing a crash. All
wheel nuts must be properly tightened. Follow
the rules in this section to be sure they are.
This section lets you know how often to check the
tightness of the wheel nuts on your vehicle and how tight
they must be.
5-73