Chevrolet Captiva Quiz
In Brief

Performance and Maintenance

In this manual: In Brief
Introduction — 1In Brief — 23Keys, Doors, and Windows — 12Seats and Restraints — 17Storage — 4Instruments and Controls — 34Lighting — 8Infotainment System — 14Climate Controls — 4Driving and Operating — 38Vehicle Care — 42Service and Maintenance — 7Technical Data — 3OnStar — 3
4steps
~24min
2/5difficulty
Done 0 of 4

Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control

The Traction Control System (TCS) limits wheel spin. The system turns on automatically every time the vehicle is started.

The StabiliTrak system assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. The system also turns on automatically every time the vehicle is started.

  • To turn off or on TCS, press and release the TCS/StabiliTrak button on the instrument panel. The appropriate DIC message displays.
  • To turn off both Traction Control and StabiliTrak, press and hold the TCS/StabiliTrak button until the StabiliTrak Off light illuminates and the appropriate DIC message displays.
  • Press the TCS/StabiliTrak button again to turn on both systems. The appropriate DIC message displays.

See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control on page 9-28.

This vehicle also has a Brake Pedal Override feature that limits engine torque when the brake pedal is applied. See Traction Control/ Electronic Stability Control on page 9-28.

Tire Pressure Monitor

This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

The low tire pressure warning light alerts to a significant loss in pressure of one of the vehicle's tires. If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9-10.

The warning light will remain on until the tire pressure is corrected.

The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool weather when the vehicle is first started, and then turn off as the vehicle is driven. This may be an early indicator that the tire pressures are getting low and the tires need to be inflated to the proper pressure.

The TPMS does not replace normal monthly tire maintenance. Maintain the correct tire pressures.

See Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 10-46.

Engine Oil Life System

The engine oil life system calculates engine oil life based on vehicle use and displays a CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message when it is time to change the engine oil and filter.

Resetting the Oil Life System

Reset the system whenever the engine oil is changed so that the system can calculate the next engine oil change. To reset the system:

  1. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 5-24 and Engine Oil Messages on page 5-31.
  2. Press for five seconds to reset the oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life display accidentally at any time other than after the oil is changed. It cannot be reset accurately until the next oil change.

The oil life system can also be reset as follows:

  1. Turn the ignition key to ON/RUN with the engine off.
  2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times within five seconds.
If the OIL LIFE REMAINING value is not 100%, the system needs to be reset again.

See Engine Oil Life System on page 10-10.

E85 or FlexFuel

Vehicles with a yellow fuel cap can use either unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85). See E85 or FlexFuel on page 9-37. For all other vehicles, use only the unleaded gasoline described under Recommended Fuel on page 9-36.

Driving for Better Fuel Economy

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

  • 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.
So, 2006 - 2018 Chevrolet Captiva is equipped with sophisticated traction control (TCS) and electronic stability control (ESC) systems to bolster vehicle stability and grip across diverse driving scenarios. TCS is pivotal in curtailing wheel slippage during acceleration, especially on slippery surfaces like rain-soaked roads or gravel. By autonomously applying brakes to individual wheels encountering reduced traction, TCS adeptly modulates engine power to reinstate grip, thereby averting potential skids and maintaining overall vehicle stability. Complementing TCS, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system continually monitors the vehicle's trajectory and intervenes to mitigate instances of oversteering or understeering. When ESC detects deviations from the intended path, such as during abrupt maneuvers or on slick terrains, it selectively applies brake force to specific wheels and adjusts engine power to realign the vehicle's course. This synchronized action not only fortifies handling precision but also elevates control during exigent maneuvers or challenging driving conditions, fostering safer driving experiences for car occupants.

To optimize the efficacy of TCS and ESC in your Captiva (Captiva Sport), it's pivotal to comprehend their operational mechanisms and entrust them during various driving scenarios. Moreover, adhering to routine maintenance practices and ensuring the vehicle's tires are properly inflated with adequate tread depth further bolsters the performance of these advanced stability and traction control systems, ensuring enhanced safety and driving confidence on the road.

Test yourself

A quick Chevrolet Captiva quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.