GMC Acadia 2023 Driving Information 

The GMC Acadia 2023 is a midsize SUV that offers drivers a variety of driving information features to keep them informed and in control while on the road. The Acadia 2023 boasts an 8-inch diagonal multi-color driver information center display that delivers important vehicle information, such as fuel level, vehicle speed, and trip data, in a user-friendly and easy-to-read format. Another valuable feature is the available Head-Up Display, which projects pertinent driving information, like navigation directions and speed, onto the windshield in front of the driver. This allows drivers to keep their focus on the road while still staying informed. The Acadia 2023 also comes with an available Rear Camera Mirror, which leverages a camera situated on the back of the vehicle to offer drivers a broader and unobstructed view behind the vehicle. This feature can be especially helpful when driving in reverse or backing up in confined spaces. Apart from these features, the Acadia 2023 comes with standard safety features, including a rear seat reminder that reminds the driver to check the back seat for occupants when exiting the car. Overall, the driving information features of the GMC Acadia 2023 are intended to provide drivers with the information they need to remain safe and in control on the road.

2023 GMC ACADIA Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Driving Information

Driving for Better Fuel Economy

Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.

• Set the climate controls to the desired temperature after the engine is started or turn them off when not required.
• On AWD vehicles, 
• Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
• Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
• Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
• When road and weather conditions are appropriate, use cruise control.
• Always follow posted speed limits or drive more slowly when conditions require.
• Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
• Combine several trips into a single trip.
• Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
• Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.

Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can take your focus from the task of driving. Exercise good judgment and do not let other activities divert your attention away from the road. Many local governments have enacted laws regarding driver distraction. Become familiar with the local laws in your area.

To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes on the road, keep your hands on the steering wheel, and focus your attention on driving.

• Do not use a phone in demanding driving situations. Use a hands-free method to place or receive necessary phone calls.
• Watch the road. Do not read, take notes, or look up information on phones or other electronic devices.
• Designate a front-seat passenger to handle potential distractions.
• Become familiar with vehicle features before driving, such as programming favorite radio stations and adjusting climate control and seat settings. Program all trip information into any navigation device prior to driving.
• Wait until the vehicle is parked to retrieve items that have fallen to the floor.
• Stop or park the vehicle to tend to children.
• Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or restraint.
• Avoid stressful conversations while driving, whether with a passenger or on a cell phone.

Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or too often could cause a crash resulting in injury or death. Focus your attention on driving. Refer to the infotainment section for more information on using that system and the navigation system, if equipped, including pairing and using a cell phone.

Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear a seat belt.

• Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they may do and be ready.
• Allow enough following distance between you and the driver in front of you.
• Focus on the task of driving.

Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with impaired driving is a global tragedy.

Warning
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol or drugs. You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking or taking drugs. Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver who has been drinking or is impaired by drugs. Find alternate transportation home; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will remain sober

Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are important factors in helping to control a vehicle while driving.

Braking
Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time. The average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m (66 ft), which could be a lot of distance in an emergency.

Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:

• Keep enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Avoid needless heavy braking.
• Keep pace with traffic.

If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. Doing so could make the pedal harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Steering

Caution
To avoid damage to the steering system, do not drive over curbs, parking barriers, or similar objects at speeds greater than 3 km/h (1 mph). Use care when driving over other objects such as lane dividers and speed bumps. Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not covered by the vehicle warranty.

Electric Power Steering
The vehicle is equipped with an electric power steering system, which reduces the amount of effort needed to steer the vehicle. It does not have a power steering fluid. Regular maintenance is not required. If the vehicle experiences a system malfunction and loses power steering, greater steering effort may be required. Power steering assist also may be reduced if you turn the steering wheel as far as it can turn and hold it there with force for an extended period of time.

Curve Tips

• Take curves at a reasonable speed.
• Reduce speed before entering a curve.
• Maintain a reasonable steady speed through the curve.
• Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve before accelerating gently into the straightaway.

Steering in Emergencies

• There are some situations when steering around a problem may be more effective than braking.
• Holding both sides of the steering wheel allows you to turn 180 degrees without removing a hand.
• The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows steering while braking

Off-Road Recovery

The vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. Follow these tips:

1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle so that it straddles the edge of the pavement.
2.  Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway

Loss of Control

Skidding
There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle’s three control systems:

• Braking Skid — wheels are not rolling.
• Steering or Cornering Skid — too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.
• Acceleration Skid — too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.

Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible.

If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these suggestions:

• Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and steer the way you want the vehicle to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be ready for a second skid if it occurs.
• Slow down and adjust your driving according to weather conditions. Stopping distance can be longer and vehicle control can be affected when traction is reduced by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material on the road. Learn to recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down when you have any doubt.
• Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.

Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the braking skid

Off-Road Driving
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles can be used for off-road driving. Vehicles without AWD  and vehicles not equipped with Terrain (AT) or on-off-road (OOR) tires must not be driven off-road except on a level, solid surface. To contact the tire manufacturer for more information about the original equipment tires, see the warranty manual. Controlling the vehicle is the key to successful off-road driving. One of the best ways to control the vehicle is to control the speed.

Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing and quick changes in direction can easily throw you out of position. This could cause you to lose control and crash. You and your passengers should always wear seat belts.

Before Driving Off-Road

• Have all necessary maintenance and service work been completed?
• Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels, and check the inflation pressure in all tires, including the spare, if equipped.
• Read all the information about AWD vehicles in this manual.
• Make sure all underbody shields, if equipped, are properly attached.
• Know the local laws that apply to off-road driving

To gain more ground clearance if needed, it may be necessary to remove the front fascia lower air dam. However, driving without the air dam reduces fuel economy.

Caution
Operating the vehicle for extended periods without the front fascia lower air dam installed can cause improper airflow to the engine. Reattach the front fascia air dam after off-road driving. Loading the Vehicle for Off-Road Driving

Warning

• Unsecured cargo on the load floor can be tossed about when driving over rough terrain. You or your passengers can be struck by flying objects. Secure the cargo properly.
• Keep cargo in the cargo area as far forward and as low as possible. The heaviest things should be on the floor, forward of the rear axle.
• Heavy loads on the roof raise the vehicle’s center of gravity, making it more likely to roll over. You can be seriously or fatally injured if the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy loads inside the cargo area, not on the roof.

Environmental Concerns

• Always use established trails, roads, and areas that have been set aside for public off-road recreational driving and obey all posted regulations.
• Do not damage shrubs, flowers, trees, or grasses or disturb wildlife.
• Do not park over things that burn.

Driving on Hills
Driving safely on hills requires good judgment and an understanding of what the vehicle can and cannot do.

Warning
Many hills are simply too steep for any vehicle. Driving up hills can cause the vehicle to stall. Driving down hills can cause a loss of control. Driving across hills can cause a rollover. You could be injured or killed. Do not drive on steep hills. Before driving on a hill, assess the steepness, traction, and obstructions. If the terrain ahead cannot be seen, get out of the vehicle and walk the hill before driving further.

When driving on hills:

• Use a low gear and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
• Maintain a slow speed.
• When possible, drive straight up or down the hill.
• Slow down when approaching the top of the hill.

Warning
Driving to the top of a hill at high speed can cause a crash. There could be a drop-off, embankment, cliff, or even another vehicle. You could be seriously injured or killed. As you near the top of a hill, slow down and stay alert.

• Use headlamps even during the day to make the vehicle more visible.
• Never go downhill forward or backward with the transmission in N (Neutral). The brakes could overheat and you could lose control.
• When driving down a hill, keep the vehicle headed straight down. Use a low gear because the engine will work with the brakes to slow the vehicle and help keep the vehicle under control.

Warning
Heavy braking when going down a hill can cause your brakes to overheat and fade. This could cause loss of control and you or others could be injured or killed. Apply the brakes lightly when descending a hill and use a low gear to keep vehicle speed under control.

• Avoid turns that take the vehicle across the incline of the hill. Driving across an incline puts more weight on the downhill wheels, which could cause a downhill slide or a rollover.
• Loose gravel, muddy spots, or even wet grass can cause the tires to slip sideways, or downhill. If the vehicle slips sideways, it can hit something and potentially roll over.
• Hidden obstacles can make the steepness of the incline more severe. If a rock is driven across with the uphill wheels, or if the downhill wheels drop into a rut or depression, the vehicle can tilt even more.
• If an incline must be driven across and the vehicle starts to slide, turn downhill.

This should help straighten out the vehicle and prevent side slipping.

If the vehicle stalls on a hill:

1. Apply the brakes to stop the vehicle, and then apply the parking brake.
2. Shift into P (Park) and then restart the engine.
   • If driving uphill when the vehicle stalls, shift to R (Reverse), release the parking brake, and back straight down.
   • Never try to turn the vehicle around.
   • If the hill is steep enough to stall the vehicle, it is steep enough to cause it to roll over.
   • If you cannot make it up the hill, back straight down the hill.
   • Never back down a hill in N (Neutral) using only the brake.
   • The vehicle can roll backward quickly and you could lose control.
   • If driving downhill when the vehicle stalls, shift to a lower gear, release the parking brake, and drive straight down the hill.
3. If the vehicle cannot be restarted after stalling, set the parking brake, shift into P (Park), and turn the vehicle off.
   • Leave the vehicle and seek help.
   • Stay clear of the path the vehicle would take if it rolled downhill.

Warning
Getting out of the vehicle on the downhill side when stopped across an incline is dangerous. If the vehicle rolls over, you could be crushed or killed. Always get out on the uphill side of the vehicle and stay well clear of the rollover path.

Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow, or Ice
Use a low gear when driving in mud — the deeper the mud, the lower the gear. Keep the vehicle moving to avoid getting stuck. Traction changes when driving on sand. On loose sand, such as on beaches or sand dunes, the tires tend to sink into the sand. This affects steering, accelerating, and braking. Drive at a reduced speed and avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. Traction is reduced on hard-packed snow and ice and it is easy to lose control. Reduce vehicle speed when driving on hard-packed snow and ice.

Warning
Driving on frozen lakes, ponds, or rivers can be dangerous. Ice conditions vary greatly and the vehicle could fall through the ice; you and your passengers could drown. Drive your vehicle on safe surfaces only. Driving in Water.

Warning
Driving through rushing water can be dangerous. Deep water can sweep your vehicle downstream and you and your passengers could drown. If it is only shallow water, it can still wash away the ground from under your tires. Traction could be lost, and the vehicle could roll over. Do not drive through rushing water.

Caution
Do not drive through standing water if it is deep enough to cover the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust pipe. Deep water can damage the axle and other vehicle parts. If the standing water is not too deep, drive through it slowly. At faster speeds, water can get into the engine and cause it to stall. Stalling can occur if the exhaust pipe is underwater. Do not turn off the ignition when driving through water. If the exhaust pipe is underwater, the engine will not start. When going through water, the brakes get wet, and it might take longer to stop. 

After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the underbody or chassis, or under the hood. These accumulations can be a fire hazard. After the operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings cleaned and checked. These substances can cause glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure, steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust system for damage, and check the fuel lines and cooling system for any leakage. More frequent maintenance service is required.

Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through large puddles and deep-standing or flowing water.

Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not work as well in a quick stop and could cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle. After driving through a large puddle of water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until the brakes work normally. Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces. Driving through flowing water could cause the vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not ignore police warnings and be very cautious about trying to drive through flowing water.

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under the vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.

Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips include:

• Allow extra following distance.
• Pass with caution.
• Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
• Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir filled.
• Have good tires with proper tread depth.
• Turn off cruise control.
• Activate All-Wheel Drive (AWD) mode. 

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:

• Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
• Check all fluid levels, brakes, tires, cooling systems, and transmission.
• Shift to lower gear when going down steep or long hills.

Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a long downhill slope can cause brake overheating, can reduce brake performance, and could result in a loss of braking. Shift the transmission to a lower gear to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.

Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition off is dangerous. This can cause overheating of the brakes and loss of steering assist. Always have the engine running and the vehicle in gear.

• Drive at speeds that keep the vehicle in its own lane. Do not swing wide or cross the center line.
• Be alert on top of hills; something could be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, or crash).
• Pay attention to special road signs (e.g., falling rocks area, winding roads, long grades, passing or no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.

Winter Driving

Driving on Snow or Ice
To avoid damage to the wheels and brake components, always clear snow and ice from inside the wheels and underneath the vehicle before driving. Snow or ice between the tires and the road creates less traction or grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be treated.

For Slippery Road Driving:

• Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under the tires slick.
• Turn on Traction Control. 
• The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves vehicle stability during hard stops, but the brakes should be applied sooner than when on dry pavement. 

Allow greater following distance and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering maneuvers and braking while on ice.

• Turn off cruise control.
• Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode for vehicles equipped with AWD. Select Snow/Ice Mode for FWD-only vehicles.

Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside Assistance. To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:

• Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
• Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.

Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to get inside. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.

If the vehicle is stuck in snow:

• Clear snow from the base of the vehicle, especially any blocking the exhaust pipe.
• Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on the vehicle side that is away from the wind, to bring in the fresh air.
• Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel.
• Adjust the climate control system to circulate the air inside the vehicle and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See “Climate Control Systems.”

For more information about CO, 
To save fuel, run the engine for short periods to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off and partially close the window. Moving about to keep warm also helps. If it takes time for help to arrive, when running the engine, push the accelerator pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this as little as possible, to save fuel. If the Vehicle Is Stuck Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the Vehicle when stuck in the sand, mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off and use the rocking method.

Warning
If the vehicle’s tires spin at high speed, they can explode, and you or others could be injured. The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine compartment fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as little as possible and avoid going above 56 km/h (35 mph). For All-Wheel Drive (AWD), select Off-Road or AWD mode. 

Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in the forward and reverse directions cause a rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out,

Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much weight the vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle capacity weight and includes the weight of all occupants, cargo, and all non-factory-installed options. Two labels on the vehicle may show how much weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading Information label and the Certification/Tire label.

Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This can cause systems to break and change the way the vehicle handles. This could cause a loss of control and a crash. Overloading can also reduce stopping performance, damage the tires, and shorten the life of the vehicle.

Tire and Loading Information Label

Example Label

A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading Information label is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar). The tire and loading information label shows the number of occupant seating positions (1), and the maximum vehicle capacity weight (2) in kilograms and pounds. The Tire and Loading Information label also shows the size of the original equipment tires (3) and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures (4).  There is also important loading information on the vehicle Certification/ Tire label. It may show the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axles. 

“Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit–

1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.”

Example 1

1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg (300 lbs).
3. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs).

Example 2

1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg (750 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg (250 lbs).

Example 3

1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs).

Refer to the vehicle’s tire and loading information label for specific information about the vehicle’s capacity weight and seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers, and cargo should never exceed the vehicle’s capacity weight.

Certification/Tire Label

Label Example

A vehicle-specific Certification/Tire label is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar). The label may show the size of the vehicle’s original tires and the inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight capacity of the vehicle. The label shows the gross weight capacity of the vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo. The Certification/Tire label may also show the maximum weights for the front and rear axles called the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out the actual loads on the front and rear axles, weigh the vehicle at a weigh station. Your dealer can help with this. Be sure to spread the load equally on both sides of the centerline.

Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause damage. Repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the vehicle.

Warning
Things inside the vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.

• Put things in the cargo area of the vehicle. In the cargo area, put them as far forward as possible. Try to spread the weight evenly.
• Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats.
• Do not leave an unsecured child restraint in the vehicle.
• Secure loose items in the vehicle. . Do not leave a seat folded down unless needed.

FAQ

 

Useful Links

View Full User Guide: GMC Acadia 2023 User Guide
Download Manuals: https://www.cadillac.com/support/vehicle/manuals-guides
2023 GMC ACADIA Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)