2008 CADILLAC STS Tires

Run-Flat Tires (STS-V)
If your vehicle has run-at tires, there is no spare tire
and no tire changing equipment. Run-at tires can
operate effectively with no air pressure for a limited
distance and speed. These tires perform so well without
any air pressure that a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
is used to alert you when there is a low tire condition.
{CAUTION:
When the low tire warning light is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster, your vehicle’s
handling capabilities will be reduced during
severe maneuvers. If you drive too fast, you
could lose control of your vehicle. You or
others could be injured. Do not drive over
55 mph (90 km/h) when the low tire warning
light is displayed. Drive cautiously and check
your tire pressures as soon as you can.
SeeRun-Flat Tires (STS-V) on page 5-65andTire
Pressure Monitor System on page 5-68, for additional
information.
{CAUTION:
Special tools and procedures are required to
service a run-at tire. If these special tools and
procedures are not used you or others could
be injured and your vehicle could be damaged.
Always be sure the proper tools and
procedures, as described in the service
manual, are used.
To order a service manual seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-15.
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
Your vehicle has a tire sealant and compressor kit that
is capable of temporarily sealing small punctures in
the tread. There is no jack or spare tire. The kit inates
the tire with liquid sealant and air. After the tire is
inated to the recommended ination pressure, see
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-66for more
information, the vehicle must be driven for ve miles to
distribute the sealant in the tire and seal the puncture.
After driving ve miles the tire pressure must be
rechecked and adjusted as needed. See Using the Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit later in this section.
5-87

3. Unwrap the sealant lling hose from the
compressor.
4. Turn the sealant canister so the inator lling hose
is aligned with the slot in the compressor.
5. Lift the sealant canister from the compressor and
replace with a new sealant canister. See your
dealer/retailer for more information.To install a new sealant canister:
1. Align the sealant lling hose with the slot in the air
compressor.
2. Push the sealant canister down and turn it
clockwise.
3. Wrap the sealant lling hose around the air
compressor channel to stow it in its original location.
4. Push the air compressor inator hose onto the
sealant canister inlet and push the lever down.
Changing a Flat Tire
If you have an STS-V model, there is no spare tire and
no tire changing equipment. Your vehicle is equipped
with run-at tires. SeeRun-Flat Tires (STS-V) on
page 5-65for more information. If you have an STS
model, your vehicle may be equipped with a tire inator
kit. SeeTire Sealant and Compressor Kit on page 5-87
for more information. If your vehicle is not equipped
with a tire inator kit, follow the directions for changing a
at tire in this section.
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on your vehicle’s
hazard warning ashers. SeeHazard Warning Flashers
on page 3-6for more information.
5-96

3. Reinstall the compact spare tire (E) making sure to
line up the wheel center hole with the bolt (G) and
place on the compartment oor.
4. Insert the jack container (D) with wheel wrench and
jack into the center of the compact spare tire
making sure to line up the wheel nut hole with the
bolt (G) on the compartment oor.
5. Secure the tire and wheel with the retainer (C) and
wing nut (B).
6. Reinstall the compact spare tire cover (A).
Compact Spare Tire
Although the compact spare tire was fully inated when
the vehicle was new, it can lose air after a time.
Check the ination pressure regularly. It should be
60 psi (420 kPa).
After installing the compact spare on the vehicle, you
should stop as soon as possible and make sure the spare
tire is correctly inated. The compact spare is made to
perform well at speeds up to 65 mph (105 km/h) for
distances up to 3,000 miles (5 000 km). The tire ination
monitor system must be calibrated after installing or
removing the compact spare. SeeTire Pressure Monitor
System on page 5-68. The system may not work correctly
when the compact spare is installed on the vehicle.It’s best to replace the spare with a full-size tire as soon
as soon as possible. The spare will last longer and be in
good shape if needed it again.
If your vehicle has All Wheel Drive (AWD) it could also
have an StabiliTrak
®3. SeeStabiliTrak®System on
page 4-8for more information. If the compact spare tire
is installed on a vehicle with the StabiliTrak
®3
System, the vehicle operates in the Stability Secure
Mode. The STABILITY SECURE MODE message
displays on the Driver Information Center (DIC). See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-80for
more information.
Notice:When the compact spare is installed, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact spare can get
caught on the rails. That can damage the tire and
wheel, and maybe other parts of your vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on other vehicles.
And do not mix the compact spare tire or wheel with
other wheels or tires. They will not t. Keep the
spare tire and its wheel together.
Notice:Tire chains will not t your compact spare.
Using them can damage your vehicle and can
damage the chains too. Do not use tire chains on
your compact spare.
5-106

The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because you could damage the surface. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice:Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Use chrome polish on
chrome wheels only.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but
avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off
immediately after application.
Notice:If you drive your vehicle through an
automatic car wash that has silicone carbide tire
cleaning brushes, you could damage the aluminum
or chrome-plated wheels. The repairs would not
be covered by your warranty. Never drive a vehicle
equipped with aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
through an automatic car wash that uses silicone
carbide tire cleaning brushes.Tires
To clean the tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.
Notice:Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on your vehicle may damage the paint
nish and/or tires. When applying a tire dressing,
always wipe off any overspray from all painted
surfaces on your vehicle.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide the
corrosion protection while maintaining the warranty.
5-113

Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
Description Usage
Polishing ClothInterior and exterior
polishing cloth.
Tar and Road Oil
RemoverRemoves tar, road oil,
and asphalt.
Chrome Cleaner
and PolishUse on chrome or
stainless steel.
White Sidewall Tire
CleanerRemoves soil and black
marks from whitewalls
and raised white lettering.
Vinyl Cleaner Cleans vinyl.
Glass CleanerRemoves dirt, grime,
smoke and ngerprints.
Chrome Wheel CleanerRemoves dirt and grime
from chrome wheels.
Finish EnhancerRemoves dust,
ngerprints, and surface
contaminants. Spray on
and wipe off.
Description Usage
Swirl Remover PolishRemoves swirl marks, ne
scratches, and other light
surface contamination.
Cleaner WaxRemoves light scratches
and protects nish.
Foaming Tire Shine
Low GlossCleans, shines, and
protects tires. No wiping
necessary.
Wash Wax ConcentrateMedium foaming
shampoo. Cleans
and lightly waxes.
Biodegradable and
phosphate free.
Spot LifterQuickly removes spots
and stains from carpets,
vinyl, and cloth
upholstery.
Odor EliminatorOdorless spray odor
eliminator used on fabrics,
vinyl, leather and carpet.
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When you go to your dealer/retailer for your service
needs, you will know that trained and supported service
technicians will perform the work using genuine parts.
If you want to purchase service information, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.
Owner Checks and Services on page 6-9tells you what
should be checked, when to check it, and what you
can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good
condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids, and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-13andNormal Maintenance Replacement
Parts on page 6-15. When your vehicle is serviced,
make sure these are used. All parts should be replaced
and all necessary repairs done before you or anyone
else drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of
genuine parts from your dealer/retailer.Scheduled Maintenance
To maintain the ride, handling, and performance of your
vehicle, it is important that the rst tire rotation service
be performed when the vehicle has 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km). Check tires for ination pressures
and wear. SeeTires on page 5-57. If tire rotation is
recommended for your vehicle, rotate tires. SeeTire
Inspection and Rotation on page 5-73and “Tire Wear
Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month on page 6-10.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message in the
Driver Information Center (DIC) comes on, it means
that service is required for your vehicle. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible within the next
600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are
driving under the best conditions, the engine oil life
system may not indicate that vehicle service is
necessary for over a year. However, the engine oil and
lter must be changed at least once a year and at
this time the system must be reset. Your dealer/retailer
has trained service technicians who will perform this
work using genuine parts and reset the system.
6-4

If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to
reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-21for
information on the Engine Oil Life System and
resetting the system.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
appears, the following services, checks, and inspections
are required:
❑Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-18. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-21.An Emission Control Service.
❑Visually check for any leaks or damage.
See footnote (k).
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace
lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
See footnote (m).❑Check tires for ination pressures and wear. SeeTires
on page 5-57. If tire rotation is recommended for your
vehicle, rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-73and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least
Once a Month on page 6-10.
❑Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).
❑Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid
levels. If you have the 4.4L V8 supercharged engine,
check intercooler uid level. Add uid as needed.
❑Perform any needed additional services.
See “Additional Required Services” in this section.
❑Inspect suspension and steering components.
See footnote (b).
❑Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).
❑Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).
❑Inspect restraint system components.
See footnote (e).
❑Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).
6-5

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-25.
Intercooler Coolant Level Check
(4.4L Supercharged Engine)
Check the coolant level and add DEX-COOL®coolant
mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-25.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the
windshield washer uid reservoir and add the proper
uid if necessary. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-40.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-66. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-96.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation is recommended if your vehicle has the
same size tires at all four wheel positions and may be
required for high mileage highway drivers prior to
the Engine Oil Life System service notication.
Check the tires for wear and, if necessary, rotate the
tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-73.
6-10