CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1994 Owners Manual

Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at the
CertificatiodTire label.
The tires installed
on your vehicle when it was new had a Tire Performance
Criteria Specification (TPC Spec) number on each tire’s sidewall. When you
get new tires, get ones 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, traction, ride 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 a “MS” (for mud and snow).
If you ever replace your tires with those not having a TPC Spec number,
make sure they
are the same size, load range, speed rating and construction
type (bias, bias-belted or radial)
as your original tires.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system developed by the United
States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which grades tires
by treadwear, traction and temperature performance. (This applies
only to
vehicles sold
in the United States.)
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test
course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and a half ( 1 1 /2)
times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions
of their use,
however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations
in
driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and
climate.
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Traction - A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest are: A, B, and C. They represent
the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement
as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A
tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking
(straight-ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turning)
traction.
Temperature - A, By C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s
resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure.
The grade
C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car
tires
must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test
wheel
than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
These grades are molded on the sidewalls of passenger car tires.
While the tires available as standard or optional equipment on General
Motors vehicles may vary with respect to these grades, all such tires meet
General Motors performance standards and have been approved for use on
General Motors vehicles. All passenger type
(P Metric) tires must conform
to Federal safety requirements in addition to these grades.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced carefully at the
factory to give you the longest tire life and best overall performance.
In most cases, you will not need to have your wheels aligned again.
However,
if you notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle 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
rebalanced.
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Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted. If wheel nuts keep
coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts should be replaced.
If
the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some aluminum wheels, which can
sometimes be repaired). See your GM dealer if any
of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind
of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load carrying capacity, diameter,
width, offset, and be mounted the same way as the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts,
replace them only with new GM original equipment parts. This way, you
will be sure to have the right wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts
for your
GM model.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with bearing life,
brake cooling, speedometer/odometer calibration, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chain\

clearance to the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
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Tire Chains
NOTICE:
If your vehicle has LT265/75R16 size tires, don’t use tire chains;
they can damage your vehicle.
If you have a tire size other than LT265/75Rl6, use tire chains
only where legal and only when you must. Use only
SAE Class
“S” type chains that are the proper size for your tires. Install
them on the tires
of the rear 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 with chains
on will damage your vehicle.
Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some are toxic. Others can
burst into flame
if you strike a match or get them on a hot part of the
vehicle. Some
are dangerous if you brea.the their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your vehicle, be sure to
follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions. And always open your doors or windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
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Never use these to clean your vehicle:
0 Gasoline
0 Benzene
Naphtha
0 Carbon Tetrachloride
Acetone
0 Paint Thinner
Turpentine
0 Lacquer Thinner
0 Nail Polish Remover
They
can all be hazardous - some more than others - and they can all
damage your vehicle, too.
NOTICE:
Don’t use any of these unless this manual says you can. In many
uses, these will damage your vehicle:
0 Laundry Soap
0 Bleach
0 Reducing Agents
CIeaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
Use a vacuum cleaner often to get rid of dust and loose dirt. Wipe vinyl or
leather with a clean, damp cloth.
Your
GM dealer has two GM cleaners, a solvent-type spot lifter and a
foam-type powdered cleaner. They will clean normal spots and stains very
well.
Do not use them on vinyl or leather.
Here are some cleaning tips:
0 Always read the instructions on the cleaner label.
Clean up stains as soon as you can - before they set.
Use a clean cloth or sponge, and change to a clean area often. A soft
Use solvent-type cleaners in a well-ventilated area only. If you use
If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire area immediately or
brush
may be used if stains are stubborn.
them, don’t saturate the stained area.
it will set.
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Using Foam-Type Cleaner on Fabric
Vacuum and brush the area to remove any loose dirt.
Always clean a whole trim panel or section. Mask surrounding trim
Mix Multi-Purpose Powdered Cleaner following the directions on the
along
stitch or welt lines.
container label.
Use suds only and apply with a clean sponge.
Don’t saturate the material.
Don’t rub it roughly.
As soon as you’ve cleaned the section, use a sponge to remove me
suds.
Rinse the section with a clean, wet sponge.
Wipe off what’s left with a slightly damp paper towel or cloth.
0 Then dry it immediately with a blow dryer or a heat lamp.
NOTICE:
Be careful with a hair dryer or heat lamp. You could scorch the
fabric.
0 Wipe with a clean cloth.
Using Solvent-Type Cleaner on Fabric
First, see if you have to use solvent-type cleaner at all. Some spots and
stains will clean off better with just water and mild soap.
If
you need to use a solvent:
Gently scrape excess soil from the trim material with a clean, dull knife
or scraper. Use very little cleaner, light pressure and clean cloths
(preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning should start at the outside of
the
stain, “feathering” toward the center. Keep changing to a clean section
of the cloth.
When you clean a stain from fabric, immediately dry the area with an
air hose, hair dryer, or heat lamp to help prevent a cleaning ring. (See
the previous NOTICE.)
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Fabric Protection
Your vehicle has upholstery and trim cifpet that has been treated with
Scotchgard" Fabric Protector, a
3M product. Scotchgard" protects fabrics
by repelling oil and water, which are the carriers of most stains. Even with
this protection,
you still need to clean your upholstery and trim carpet often
to keep it looking new.
Further information
on cleaning is available by calling 1-800-433-3296
(in Minnesota,
1-800-642-6 167).
Special Cleaning Problems
Greasy or Oily Stains
Such as grease, oil, butter, margarine, shoe polish, coffee with cream,
chewing gum, cosmetic creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar and asphalt.
Carefully scrape off excess stain.
Follow the solvent-type instructions described earlier.
Shoe polish, wax crayon, tar and asphalt will stain if left on a vehicle
seat fabric. They should be removed as soon as possible. Be careful,
because the cleaner
will dissolve them and may cause them to spread.
Non-Greasy Stains
Such as catsup, coffee (black), egg, fruit, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, wine,
vomit, urine and blood.
Carefully scrape off excess stain, then sponge the soiled area with cool
water.
If a stain remains, follow the foam-type instructions described earlier.
0 If an odor lingers after cleaning vomit or urine, treat the area with a
waterhaking soda solution:
1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda to 1 cup
(250 ml) of lukewarm water.
0 If needed, clean lightly with solvent-type cleaner.
Combination Stains
Such as candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and unknown stains.
Carefully scrape off excess stain, then clean with cool water and allow
If a stain remains, clean it with solvent-type cleaner.
to dry.
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Cleaning Vinyl
Use warm water and a clean cloth.
Rub with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt. You may have to do it
more than once.
Things like tar, asphalt and shoe polish will stain if you don’t get them
off quickly. Use a clean cloth and a solvent-type vinyl cleaner.
Cleaning Leather
Use a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a mild soap or saddle soap.
For stubborn stains, use a mild solution of 10% isopropyl alcohol
(rubbing alcohol) and
90% water.
Never use oils, varnishes, solvent-based or abrasive cleaners, furniture
Soiled leather should be cleaned immediately. If dirt is allowed to work
polish
or shoe polish on leather.
into finish, it can harm the leather.
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel
Use only mild soap and water to clean the top surfaces of the instrument
panel. Sprays containing silicones or waxes may cause annoying reflections
in the windshield and even make it difficult to see through the windshield
under certain conditions.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
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Glass
Glass should be cleaned often. GM Glass Cleaner (GM Part No. 1050427)
or a liquid household glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco smoke and
dust films.
Don’t
use abrasive cleaners on glass, because they may cause scratches.
Avoid placing decals on the inside rear window, since they may have to be
scraped off later. If abrasive cleaners are used on the inside of the rear
window, an electric defogger element may be damaged. Any temporary
license should not be attached across the defogger grid.
Cleaning the Outside of the Windshield,
Backglass and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield washer, or if the
wiper blade chatters when running, wax or other material
may be on the
blade
or windshield.
Clean
the outside of the windshield with GM Windshield Cleaner, Bon-Ami
Powder@
(GM Part No. 105001 1). The windshield is clean if beads do not
form when you rinse it with water.
Clean the blade by wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked
in full strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water.
Wiper blades should be checked on a regular basis and replaced when worn.
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth of color, gloss
retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by washing
it often with lukewarm or cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun. Don’t use strong soaps
or chemical detergents. Use liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild
detergent) soaps. Don’t use cleaning agents that contain acid or abrasives.
All cleaning agents should be flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on
the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
a
100% cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure vehicle washes may cause water to enter your vehicle.
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Finish Care
Occasional waxing or mild polishing of your vehicle may be necessary to
remove residue from
the paint finish. You can get GM approved cleaning
products from your dealer. (See “Appearance Care
and Materials” in the
Index.)
Your vehicle may have
a “ba~ec~at/clearc~at” paint finish. The clearcoat
gives more depth and gloss to the colored basecoat. Always use waxes and
polishes that are non-abrasive and made for a basecoatklearcoat paint
finish.
NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing on a
basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the finish or leave swirl
marks.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep their luster. Washing
with water is all that is usually needed. However, you may use GM Chrome
Polish on chrome or stainless steel trim,
if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim.
To avoid damaging protective trim,
never use auto or chrome polish, steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum.
A coating
of wax, rubbed to high polish, is recommended for all bright
metal parts.
Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped)
Your aluminum wheels have a protective coating similar to the painted
surface
of your vehicle. Don’t use strong soaps, chemicals, chrome polish,
abrasive cleaners or abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could
damage this coating. After rinsing thoroughly, a
wax may be applied.
NOTICE:
If you have aluminum wheels, don’t use an automatic vehicle
wash that has hard silicon carbide cleaning brushes. These
brushes can take
off the protective coating.
White Sidewall Tires
Your GM dealer has a GM White Sidewall Tire Cleaner. You can use a stiff
brush
with the cleaner.
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