lane assist GMC SIERRA 2009 Owner's Manual

Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works
like a 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.
Steering
Power Steering
If the vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-mode
Hybrid manual for more information.
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed
is the one factor that can be controlled.If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and nd
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out
from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked
cars and stops right in front of you. These problems can
be avoided by braking — if you can stop in time. But
sometimes you cannot stop in time because there is no
room. That is the time for evasive action — steering
around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First, apply the brakes. SeeBraking on page 4-4.
It is better to remove as much speed as possible from a
collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or
right depending on the space available.
4-9

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on at or rolling terrain. Tips for driving
in these conditions include:
Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
Check all uid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
Going down steep or long hills, shift to a lower gear.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition
off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they could get so hot
that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.
Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
SeeOff-Road Driving on page 4-12for information
about driving off-road.
4-27

Time, Setting..................................................3-86
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-45
Tires.............................................................5-65
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning...............................................5-119
Buying New Tires........................................5-84
Chains.......................................................5-90
Changing a Flat Tire....................................5-92
Cleaning...................................................5-120
Different Size..............................................5-86
Dual Tire Operation.....................................5-75
High-Speed Operation..................................5-74
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-91
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-73
Inspection and Rotation................................5-81
Installing the Spare Tire................................5-98
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-77
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-76
Removing the Flat Tire.................................5-98
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools...............5-93
Secondary Latch System............................5-106
Spare Tire................................................5-113
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools..........5-109
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-66
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-70
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-86
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-88Tires (cont.)
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-89
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-83
Tow/Haul Mode ...............................................2-34
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-51
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-45
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-51
Your Vehicle...............................................
4-45
Traction
StabiliTrak
®System....................................... 4-6
Trailer
Recommendations.......................................4-84
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic..................................5-21, 5-24
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-28
Trip Odometer................................................3-35
Truck-Camper Loading Information....................4-42
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-9
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-9
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............2-62
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-86
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-74
Operation...................................................2-75
13