GMC TERRAIN 2021 Owner's Manual

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
300 Vehicle Care
aging. This area should be free of grease,
gasoline, or other substances that can
deteriorate rubber.
Parking for an extended period can cause
flat spots on the tires that may result in
vibrations while driving. When storing a
vehicle for at least a month, remove the
tires or raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific
tires for the vehicle. The original
equipment tires installed were designed
to meet General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria Specification (TPC
Spec) system rating. When replacement
tires are needed, GM strongly
recommends buying tires with the same
TPC Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec system
considers over a dozen critical
specifications that impact the overall
performance of the vehicle, including
brake system performance, ride and
handling, traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring performance. GM'sTPC Spec number is molded onto the
tire's sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread design,
the TPC Spec number will be followed
by MS for mud and snow. See
Tire
Sidewall Labeling 0288 for additional
information.
GM recommends replacing worn tires in
complete sets of four. Uniform tread
depth on all tires will help to maintain
the performance of the vehicle. Braking
and handling performance may be
adversely affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time. If proper
rotation and maintenance have been
done, all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. However, if it is
necessary to replace only one axle set
of worn tires, place the new tires on
the rear axle. See Tire Rotation0298.
{Warning
Tires could explode during improper
service. Attempting to mount or
dismount a tire could cause injury or
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
death. Only your dealer or authorized
tire service center should mount or
dismount the tires.
{Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes (other
than those originally installed on the
vehicle), brands, tread patterns,
or types may cause loss of vehicle
control, resulting in a crash or other
vehicle damage. Use the correct size,
brand, and type of tire on all wheels.
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the vehicle
may cause the wheel rim flanges to
develop cracks after many miles of
driving. A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on
the vehicle.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Vehicle Care 301
Winter tires with the same speed rating
as the original equipment tires may not
be available for H, V, W, Y and ZR
speed rated tires. Never exceed the
winter tires’maximum speed capability
when using winter tires with a lower
speed rating.
If the vehicle tires must be replaced
with a tire that does not have a TPC
Spec number, make sure they are the
same size, load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the original
tires.
The Tire and Loading Information label
indicates the original equipment tires
on the vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 196.
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that are a
different size than the original equipment
wheels and tires, vehicle performance,
including its braking, ride and handling
characteristics, stability, and resistance to
rollover may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock brakes,
rollover airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, or All-Wheel Drive, the
performance of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used, there
may not be an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels are
selected. This increases the chance of a
crash and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems developed
for the vehicle, and have them properly
installed by a GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires 0300 and
Accessories and Modifications 0258.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the
system developed by the United States
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), which grades
tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies
only to vehicles sold in the United
States. The grades are molded on the
sidewalls of most passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply to deep
tread, winter tires, compact spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General
Motors passenger cars and light trucks
may vary with respect to these grades,
they must also conform to federal
safety requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) standards.
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between
tread shoulder and maximum section
width. For example:Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
All Passenger Car Tires Must Conform to
Federal Safety Requirements In Addition
To These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the
tire when tested under controlled

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
302 Vehicle Care
conditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half (1½)
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.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades 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 straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning,
or peak traction characteristics.Temperature
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 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.Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider an
alignment check if there is unusual tire wear
or the vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to the
left or right, depending on the crown of the
road and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal. If the
vehicle is vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels may
need to be rebalanced. See your dealer for
proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked,
or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts
keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it. Some aluminum
wheels can be repaired. See your dealer if
any of these conditions exist.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Vehicle Care 303
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that
is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors with new GM original equipment
parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of the vehicle. Tires can lose air
and cause loss of control, resulting in a
crash. Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
Do not use tire chains. There is not
enough clearance. Tire chains used on a
vehicle without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause loss of control and a crash.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Use another type of traction device only
if its manufacturer recommends it for the
vehicle's tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To avoid vehicle damage,
drive slow and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the vehicle.
Do not spin the wheels. If traction
devices are used, install them on the
front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. SeeTires0287. If air goes out of a
tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if there is ever a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect and
what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a
drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and
grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
304 Vehicle Care
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts
much like a skid and may require the same
correction as used in a skid. Stop pressing
the accelerator pedal and steer to straighten
the vehicle. It may be very bumpy and
noisy. Gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been driven
on while severely underinflated or flat
may cause a blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire that has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat. Have your dealer or
an authorized tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to
do maintenance or repairs is dangerous
without the appropriate safety equipment
and training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips
off the jack. If a jack is provided with the
vehicle, only use it for changing a
flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving slowly to a level
place, well off the road, if possible. Turn on
the hazard warning flashers. See Hazard
Warning Flashers 0119.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The
vehicle can slip off the jack and roll over
or fall causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To help
prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is raised.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
4. Do not allow passengers to remainin the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being changed.
This vehicle may come with a jack and spare
tire or a tire sealant and compressor kit. To
use the jacking equipment to change a spare
tire safely, follow the instructions below.
Then see Tire Changing 0310. To use the
tire sealant and compressor kit, see Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit 0305.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2), use the
following example as a guide to assist you
in the placement of wheel blocks (1),
if equipped.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Vehicle Care 305
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains how to
repair or change a tire.
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
{Warning
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with
poor ventilation is dangerous. Engine
exhaust may enter the vehicle. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area
that has no fresh air ventilation. For more
information, seeEngine Exhaust0207.
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause the tire
to rupture and you or others could be
injured. Be sure to read and follow the
tire sealant and compressor kit
instructions and inflate the tire to its
recommended pressure. Do not exceed
the recommended pressure.
{Warning
Storing the tire sealant and compressor
kit or other equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could cause
injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store
the tire sealant and compressor kit in its
original location.
If this vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit, there may not be a spare
tire or tire changing equipment, and on
some vehicles there may not be a place to
store a tire.
The tire sealant and compressor can be used
to temporarily seal punctures up to 6 mm
(0.25 in) in the tread area of the tire. It can
also be used to inflate an underinflated tire.
If the tire has been separated from the
wheel, has damaged sidewalls, or has a
large puncture, the tire is too severely
damaged for the tire sealant and
compressor kit to be effective. See Roadside
Assistance Program 0349. Read and follow all of the tire sealant and
compressor kit instructions.
The kit includes:
1. Sealant Canister Inlet Valve
2. Sealant/Air Hose
3. Base of Sealant Canister
4. Tire Sealant Canister
5. On/Off Button
6. Slot on Top of Compressor
7. Pressure Deflation Button
8. Pressure Gauge

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
306 Vehicle Care
9. Power Plug
10. Air Only Hose
Tire Sealant
Read and follow the safe handling
instructions on the label adhered to the tire
sealant canister (4).
Check the tire sealant expiration date on the
tire sealant canister. The tire sealant
canister (4) should be replaced before its
expiration date. Replacement tire sealant
canisters are available at your local dealer.
There is only enough sealant to seal one
tire. After usage, the tire sealant canister
must be replaced.
Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit to Temporarily Seal and Inflate a
Punctured Tire
When using the tire sealant and compressor
kit during cold temperatures, warm the kit
in a heated environment for five minutes.
This will help to inflate the tire faster.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving slowly to a level
place. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
SeeHazard Warning Flashers 0119.
See If a Tire Goes Flat 0303 for other
important safety warnings.
Do not remove any objects that have
penetrated the tire.
1. Remove the tire sealant canister (4) and compressor from its storage location. See
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit 0310.
2. Remove the air only hose (10) and the power plug (9) from the bottom of the
compressor.
3. Place the compressor on the ground near the flat tire.
4. Attach the air only hose (10) to thesealant canister inlet valve (1) by turning
it clockwise until tight.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Vehicle Care 307
5. Slide the base of the tire sealantcanister (3) into the slot on the top of
the compressor (6) to hold it upright.
Make sure the tire valve stem is
positioned close to the ground so the
hose will reach it.
6. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it counterclockwise.
7. Attach the sealant/air hose (2) to the tirevalve stem by turning it clockwise until
tight.
8. Plug the power plug (9) into the accessory power outlet in the vehicle.
Unplug all items from other accessory
power outlets. See Power Outlets081. If the vehicle has an accessory power
outlet, do not use the cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a cigarette lighter,
use the cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug cord in the
door or window.
9. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while using the air compressor.
10. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject sealant and air
into the tire.
The pressure gauge (8) will initially show
a high pressure while the compressor
pushes the sealant into the tire. Once
the sealant is completely dispersed into
the tire, the pressure will quickly drop
and start to rise again as the tire inflates
with air only.
11. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation pressure using the pressure
gauge (8). The recommended inflation
pressure can be found on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0293.
The pressure gauge (8) may read higher
than the actual tire pressure while the
compressor is on. Turn the compressor off to get an accurate pressure reading.
The compressor may be turned on/off
until the correct pressure is reached.
Caution
If the recommended pressure cannot be
reached after approximately 25 minutes,
the vehicle should not be driven farther.
The tire is too severely damaged and the
tire sealant and compressor kit cannot
inflate the tire. Remove the power plug
from the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inflating hose from the tire
valve. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0 349.
12. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and compressor kit off.
The tire is not sealed and will continue
to leak air until the vehicle is driven and
the sealant is distributed in the tire.
Therefore, Steps 13–21 must be done
immediately after Step 12.
Be careful while handling the tire sealant
and compressor kit as it could be warm
after usage.
13. Unplug the power plug (9) from the accessory power outlet in the vehicle.

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
308 Vehicle Care
14. Turn the sealant/air hose (2)counterclockwise to remove it from the
tire valve stem.
15. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
16. Remove the tire sealant canister (4) from the slot on top of the compressor (6).
17. Turn the air only hose (10) counterclockwise to remove it from the
tire sealant canister inlet valve (1).
18. Turn the sealant/air hose (2) clockwise onto the sealant canister inlet valve (1)
to prevent sealant leakage.
19. Return the air only hose (10) and power plug (9) back to their original storage
location.
20. If the flat tire was able to inflate to therecommended inflation pressure, remove
the maximum speed label from the
sealant canister and place it in a highly
visible location. Do not exceed the speed on this label
until the damaged tire is repaired or
replaced.
21. Return the equipment to its original storage location in the vehicle.
22. Immediately drive the vehicle 8 km (5 mi) to distribute the sealant in
the tire.
23. Stop at a safe location and check the tire pressure. Refer to Steps 1–10 under
“Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit without Sealant to Inflate a Tire (Not
Punctured).”
If the tire pressure has fallen more than
68 kPa (10 psi) below the recommended
inflation pressure, stop driving the
vehicle. The tire is too severely damaged
and the tire sealant cannot seal the tire.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program 0349.
If the tire pressure has not dropped
more than 68 kPa (10 psi) from the
recommended inflation pressure, inflate
the tire to the recommended inflation
pressure.
24. Wipe off any sealant from the wheel, tire, or vehicle. 25. Dispose of the used tire sealant
canister (4) at a local dealer or in
accordance with local state codes and
practices.
26. Replace it with a new canister available from your dealer.
27. After temporarily sealing a tire using the tire sealant and compressor kit, take the
vehicle to an authorized dealer within
161 km (100 mi) of driving to have the
tire repaired or replaced.
Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit without Sealant to Inflate a Tire (Not
Punctured)
The kit includes:

GMC Terrain/Terrain Denali Owner Manual(GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-14420055) - 2021 - CRC - 11/13/20
Vehicle Care 309
1. Sealant Canister Inlet Valve
2. Sealant/Air Hose
3. Base of Sealant Canister
4. Tire Sealant Canister
5. On/Off Button
6. Slot on Top of Compressor
7. Pressure Deflation Button
8. Pressure Gauge
9. Power Plug
10. Air Only Hose
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and
wheel damage by driving slowly to a level
place. Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
SeeHazard Warning Flashers 0119.
See If a Tire Goes Flat 0303 for other
important safety warnings. 1. Remove the compressor from its storage
location. See Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0310.
2. Remove the air only hose (10) and the power plug (9) from the bottom of the
compressor.
3. Place the compressor on the ground near the flat tire.
Make sure the tire valve stem is
positioned close to the ground so the
hose will reach it.
4. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it counterclockwise.
5. Attach the air only hose (10) to the tire valve stem by turning it clockwise until
tight.
6. Plug the power plug (9) into the accessory power outlet in the vehicle.
Unplug all items from other accessory
power outlets. See Power Outlets081.
If the vehicle has an accessory power
outlet, do not use the cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a cigarette lighter,
use the cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug cord in the
door or window. 7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be
running while using the air compressor.
8. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and compressor kit on.
The compressor will inflate the tire with
air only.
9. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation pressure using the pressure
gauge (8). The recommended inflation
pressure can be found on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0293.
The pressure gauge (8) may read higher
than the actual tire pressure while the
compressor is on. Turn the compressor
off to get an accurate pressure reading.
The compressor may be turned on/off
until the correct pressure is reached.
Caution
If the recommended pressure cannot be
reached after approximately 25 minutes,
the vehicle should not be driven farther.
The tire is too severely damaged and the
tire sealant and compressor kit cannot
inflate the tire. Remove the power plug
from the accessory power outlet and
(Continued)