2006 CADILLAC CTS V tire size

High Speed Operation (CTS-V)
{CAUTION:
Driving at high speeds, 100 mph (160 km/h)
or higher, puts an additional strain on tires.
Sustained high-speed driving causes
excessive heat build up and can cause sudden
tire failure. You could have a crash and you or
others could be killed. Some high-speed rated
tires require ination pressure adjustment for
high speed operation. When speed limits and
road conditions are such that a vehicle can be
driven at high speeds, make sure the tires are
rated for high speed operation, in excellent
condition, and set to the correct cold tire
ination pressure for the vehicle load.
The CTS-V high-performance tires, size 245/45R18 96V
and P245/45ZR18 96W require ination pressure
adjustment when driving your vehicle at speeds of
100 mph (160 km/h) or higher. Set the cold tire ination
pressure to the maximum ination pressure shown
on the tire sidewall, or 41 psi (282 kPa), whichever
is lower.See the example following.
Example:
You will nd the maximum load and ination pressure
molded on the tire’s sidewall, in small letters, near
the rim ange. It will read something like this: Maximum
load 710 kg (1565 lbs) 350 kPa (51 psi) Max. Press.
For this example, you would set the cold ination
pressure for high-speed driving at 41 psi (282 kPa)
When you end high-speed driving, return the tires to
the cold ination pressures shown on the tire and
loading information label. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-32.
5-67

Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radio
and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels.
If your vehicle has this feature, sensors are mounted on
the tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors
transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver located in
the vehicle once every 60 seconds while the vehicle
is being driven, and once every 60 minutes if the vehicle
is stationary for more than 15 minutes.
If your vehicle has the base audio system, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) displays TPMS warnings and
messages on the radio’s display screen. SeeSystem
Controls on page 3-53andDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-61for additional information and details about
the DIC operation and displays. If your vehicle has the
Navigation system, TPMS warnings and messages are
displayed on the message center screen, located inside
the tachometer. SeeMessage Center (CTS-V) on
page 3-47for information about the message center
operation and displays.
If a low tire pressure condition is detected, the TPMS
will display the Check Tire Pressure message on
the DIC or message center and, at the same time,
illuminate the low tire pressure warning symbol on
the instrument panel cluster.Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inated to the ination
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire ination pressure label.
When the low tire pressure
telltale is illuminated, one
or more of your tires is
signicantly under-inated.
You should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a signicantly under-inated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-ination also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
The Tire and Loading Information label shows the size
of your vehicle’s original tires and their recommended
cold ination pressures. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-32, for the location of the tire and loading
information label. Also seeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-65.
5-68

Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
If your vehicle has P245/45ZR18 96W size tires,
GM recommends rotating these tires at 3,000 mile
(4 800 km) intervals. These tires are optimized for dry
traction and handling performance. Tread life may
be 15,000 miles (24 140 km) or less for these tires,
depending on how and where you drive.
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your vehicle’s
tires as soon as possible and check wheel alignment.
Also check for damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen
It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-72andWheel
Replacement on page 5-77for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The rst rotation
is the most important. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.When rotating your vehicle’s tires, always use the
correct rotation pattern shown here.
If your vehicle has a compact spare tire, do not include
it in the tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear ination pressures as shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-32, for an example of the tire and loading
information label and its location on your vehicle.
5-71

If your vehicle has the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) the TPMS sensors will need to be reset
and matched to the tire/wheel position. A special TPMS
diagnostic tool is used to reset the sensor identication
codes. See your dealer for service.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly tightened.
See “Wheel Nut Torque” underCapacities and
Specications on page 5-115.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the vehicle.
In an emergency, you can use a cloth or a
paper towel to do this; but be sure to use a
scraper or wire brush later, if needed, to get all
the rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
(CTS Only) on page 5-84.
When It Is Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it is
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.
The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that
cannot be repaired well because of the size or
location of the damage.
5-72

Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specic tires for
your vehicle. The original equipment tires installed
on your vehicle, when it was new, were designed to
meet General Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specication (TPC Spec) system rating. If you need
replacement tires, GM strongly recommends that you
get tires with the same TPC Spec rating. This way,
your vehicle will continue to have tires that are designed
to give the same performance and vehicle safety,
during normal use, as the original tires.
GM’s exclusive TPC Spec system considers over a
dozen critical specications that impact the overall
performance of your vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling, traction control, and
tire pressure monitoring performance. GM’s TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire’s sidewall by the tire
manufacturer. If the tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC Spec number will be followed by a
MS for mud and snow. SeeTire Sidewall Labeling
on page 5-58for additional information.The 18-inch performance tires, size 245/45R18 96V,
used on some vehicles, meet the General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria Specication (TPC Spec) rating
but the TPC Spec code has not been molded onto
the tire’s sidewall. If your vehicle has these tires, and
you need to replace them, you can still get these
TPC Spec rated tires by asking your GM dealer.
Your GM dealer can order these tires by part number.
This way, your vehicle will continue to give the
proper endurance, handling, traction, and ride as the
original tires.
5-73

Winter tires with the same speed rating as your vehicle’s
original equipment tires may not be available for H, V, W,
and ZR speed rated tires. If you choose snow tires with
a lower speed rating, never exceed the tire’s maximum
speed capability.
{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle while driving. If you mix tires of
different sizes, brands, or types (radial and
bias-belted tires) the vehicle may not handle
properly, and you could have a crash. Using
tires of different sizes, brands, or types may
also cause damage to your vehicle. Be sure to
use the correct size, brand, and type of tires
on all wheels.
Your vehicle may have a compact spare tire
and wheel assembly. It is all right to drive with
your vehicle’s compact spare tire temporarily.
It was developed for use on your vehicle. See
Compact Spare Tire (CTS Only) on page 5-94.
{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim anges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s tires with those that
do not have a TPC Spec number, make sure they
are the same size, load range, speed rating, and
construction type (radial and bias-belted tires) as your
vehicle’s original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring system
may give an inaccurate low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed on your vehicle. Non-TPC
Spec rated tires may give a low-pressure warning
that is higher or lower than the proper warning level
you would get with TPC Spec rated tires. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor System on page 5-68.
Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are listed on
the Tire and Loading Information Label. This label
is attached to the vehicle’s center pillar (B-pillar).
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-32, for more
information about the Tire and Loading Information
Label and its location on your vehicle.
5-74

Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size
than your original equipment wheels and tires, this
may affect the way your vehicle performs, including its
braking, ride and handling characteristics, stability,
and resistance to rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle
has electronic systems such as, anti-lock brakes,
traction control, and electronic stability control, the
performance of these systems can be affected.
{CAUTION:
If you add different sized wheels, your
vehicle may not provide an acceptable level
of performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels are selected.
You may increase the chance that you will
crash and suffer serious injury. Only use
GM specic wheel and tire systems developed
for your vehicle, and have them properly
installed by a GM certied technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-73andAccessories
and Modications on page 5-3for additional information.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
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
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-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.
5-75

Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You cannot know how it has been
used or how far it has been driven. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash. If you have to
replace a wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
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 you to lose control of
your vehicle and you or others may be injured
in a crash. Use another type of traction device
only if its manufacturer recommends it for use
on your vehicle and tire size combination and
road conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, re-adjust or remove
the device if it is contacting your vehicle,
and do not spin your wheels. If you do nd
traction devices that will t, install them on
the rear tires.
5-78