1997 CADILLAC CATERA tires

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine When It’s Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it’s
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires have
only
1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or
less
of tread remaining.
You
need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:
You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged
deep enough
to show cord or fabric.
0 The tire has a bump, bulge or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can’t be repaired well because of the size or location
of the damage.
Buying New Tires
To find out what kind and size of tires you need, look at
the Tire-Loading Information 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 an
“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.
6-41

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving.
If you mix tires of different sizes or types
(radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a crash. Using tires
of different sizes may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use the same
size and type tires on all wheels.
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.)
The grades are molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type snow
tires, space-saver or temporary use 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.
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.
Traction -- A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B
and C, and 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 (straightahead) traction tests and does not
include cornering (turning) traction.
6-42

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Temperature -- A, B, 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
A and B 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 wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel balancing are not
needed. 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.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked or badly rusted
or corroded. If wheel bolts keep coming loose, the wheel
and wheel bolts should be replaced. If the wheel leaks
air, replace
it (except some aluminum wheels, which can
sometimes be repaired). See your Catera 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.
6-43

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If you need to replace any of your wheels or wheel
bolts, replace them only with new
GM original
equipment parts. This way,
you will be sure to have the
right wheel and wheel bolts for your Catera model.
Using the wrong replacement wheels and wheel
bolts on your vehicle can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling
of your vehicle,
make your tires lose air and make you lose
control. You could have a collision in which you
or others could be injured. Always use the correct
wheel and wheel bolts for replacement.
I NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index for more
information.
Used Replacement Wheels
I
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how
it’s been used or
how far it’s been driven. It could fail suddenly
and cause an accident.
If you have to replace a
wheel, use a new GM original equipment wheel.
6-44

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Tire Chains
I NOTICE:
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 rear tires and 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
or spinning the wheels with
chains on will damage your vehicle.
Appearance Care
Remember, cleaning products can be hazardous. Some
are toxic. Others can burst into flames if
you strike a
match or get them on a hot part of the vehicle. Some are
dangerous if you breathe their fumes in a closed space.
When you use anything from a container to clean your
Catera, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s warnings
and instructions. And always open your doors
or
windows when you’re cleaning the inside.
Never use these to clean your vehicle:
0 Gasoline
Benzene
Naphtha
Carbon Tetrachloride
Acetone
Paint Thinner
0 Turpentine
Lacquer Thinner
Nail Polish Remover
They can all be hazardous
-- some more than
others
-- and they can all damage your vehicle, too.
Don’t use any
of these unless this manual says you can.
In many uses, these will damage your vehicle:
Alcohol
Laundry Soap
Bleach
Reducing Agents
6-45

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Tires c
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with a tire cleaner.
NOTICE:
When applying a tire dressing always take care
to wipe off any overspray or splash from all
painted surfaces
on the body or wheels of the
vehicle. Petroleum-based products may damage
the paint finish.
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to the parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas
of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer’s body and paint shop.
6-52

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Appearance Care Materials Chart
PART NUMBER I SIZE I DESCRIPTION I USAGE I
994954 I 23 in. x 25 in. 1 Polishing Cloth - Wax Treated I Exterior Polish
1050004
I ~~~ 2.75 sq. 6. I Chamois I Shines vehicle without scratching
1050172
1050 173
1050174 16
oz. (0.473 L)
Removes soil and black marks
White Sidewall Tire Cleaner
16 oz. (0.473 L)
Removes rust and corrosion Chrome Cleaner and Polish 16 oz. (0.473 L)
Also removes old waxes and polishes
Tar and Road Oil Remover
I 10502OO
1050214
1050427
1052870
1052918** 1052925
1052929
1052930
I-
I 12377964
1 gal. (3.785 L) I Magic Mirror Cleaner Polish I Exterior cleaner and polish
32
oz. (0.946 L)
Exterior wash
Wash and Wax Concentrate 16 oz. (0.473 L) Cleans grease, grime and smoke film
Glass Cleaner
23
oz. (0.680 L) Spot and stain removal Vinyl Cleaner
~ 8 oz-(0.237 L)
Protects finish and removes
fine scratches Cleaning
Wax 16
oz. (0.473 L) Shines tires
Silicone Tire Shine 12 oz. (0.354
L)
Cleans vinyl, leather and rubber
Armor All TM Cleaner 16 oz. (0.473 L)
Attracts and absorbs soils Capture Dry Spot Remover 8 oz. (0.237 L)
Spray on wheel cleaner Wheel Cleaner
16 oz. (0.473 L) Cleans vinyl, cloth, tires and mats Multi-Purpose Powdered Clean\
er
16 oz. (0.473 L)
Protects vinyl, leather and rubber
Armor All” Protector
12377966
I 16 oz. 0.473 L) 1 Finish Enhancer I Spot cleans paint and gives high luster
See your General Motors Parts Department for these products.
** Not recommended for use on instrument panel vinyl.
See “Fluids and Lubricants”
in the Index.
6-54

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-28
Fluid
....................................... 6-25
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-25
PedalTravel
................................. 6-28
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-28
System Warning Light
......................... 2-64
To Shift Light
................................ 2-73
Transmission Shift Interlock
.................... 2-27
Wear
....................................... 6-27
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Light
.................... 2-76
Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................... 4-7
Braking
........................................ 4-6
Braking in Emergencies
.......................... 4- 10
Break-In. New Vehicle .......................... 2-14
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-44
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-29
Capacities and Specifications
.................... 6-62
Carbon Monoxide
......................... 4.29. 4.35
Cassette Tape Player
....................... 3- 12. 3. 15
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-22
Cassette Tape Player Errors
.................. 3- 12. 3. 15
Cellular Telephone .............................. 2-5 1
Center Console Storage Area
...................... 2-48
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp. Bulb Replacement ... 6-34
Center Passenger Position
........................ 1-35
Central Door Unlocking System
.................... 2-4
Certification Label
.............................. 4-30
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-36
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-45
Parking
..................................... 2-24
BTSI ......................................... 2-27
Changing a Flat Tire
............................. 5-23
Charging System Indicator Light
................... 2-63
Check Engine Light
............................. 2-69
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-50
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-53
Child Restraints
................................ 1-39
Securing
in the Center Rear Seat Position .......... 1-43
Securing
in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-45
TopStrap
................................... 1-40
Where
to Put ................................ 1-39
CHMSL
...................................... 6-34
Chrome Wheels. Cleaning
........................ 6-51
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-50
Cleaner. Air ................................... 6-15
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Wheels
................... 6-51
Exterior LampsLenses
........................ 6-51
Fabric
................................. 6-46. 6-47
Glass Surfaces
............................... 6-49
Inside
of Your Catera .......................... 6-46
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-48
Leather
..................................... 6-48
Outside of Your Catera
......................... 6-50
Speakercovers
.............................. 6-49
Special Problems
............................. 6-47
Stains
................................. 6-47. 6-48
Tires
....................................... 6-52
Vinyl
....................................... 6-48
Wheels
..................................... 6-51
Windshield and Wiper Blades ................... 6-50
Check Oil Light
................................ 2-73
Securing
in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-41
8-2