2010 CADILLAC DTS tires

SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)system, this display allows the system to be turned on oroff. Once in this display, press the set/reset button toselect between ON or OFF. If you choose ON, thesystem will be turned on. If you choose OFF, the systemwill be turned off. When the SBZA system is turnedoff, the DIC will display the SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERTSYSTEM OFF message as a reminder that thesystem has been turned off. SeeDIC Warnings andMessages on page 4-67andSide Blind Zone Alert(SBZA) on page 3-43for more information.
FRONT TIRES or REAR TIRES
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS), the pressure for each tire can be viewed in theDIC. The tire pressure will be shown in either poundsper square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa). Pressthe vehicle information button until the DIC displaysFRONT TIRES PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##. Press thevehicle information button again until the DIC displaysREAR TIRES PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##.
If a low tire pressure condition is detected by thesystem while driving, a message advising you to addair to a specific tire will appear in the display. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-54andDIC Warningsand Messages on page 4-67for more information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of avalue, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If thisconsistently occurs, see your dealer/retailer for service.
SPEED LIMIT: XXX MPH (SPEED LIMIT:
XXX Km/h) or ADVISORY: XXX MPH
(ADVISORY: XXX Km/h)
This display will show the speed limit or the advisedspeed as determined by the information on the map discin the navigation system. If there is no map disc inthe navigation system, this display will not be available.
The speed limit and speed advisory displays on theDIC are for reference only. There may be segments ofroad where speed data has not been captured ortimes where incorrect speed data, or no speed data, willbe displayed by the DIC due to the navigation systemnot correctly matching the vehicle’s position to the actualroad. Be aware of this and obey posted speed limitswherever you drive.
SPEED ALERT
This display will allow you to customize the speed alertwarning. You can choose to have no warning display,or to have it display at the limit, at 5 km/h (mph) over thelimit, or at 10 km/h (mph) over the limit. The DIC willtoggle between OFF, AT LIMIT, +5, +10 (Km/h or MPH).Press the reset button to make your selection.
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AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL ON
This message displays when the automatic headlampsare turned on. SeeExterior Lamps on page 4-25formore information.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the system detects thatthe battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonablelevel. The battery saver system starts reducing certainfeatures of the vehicle that you may be able to notice.At the point that the features are disabled, this messageis displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying tosave the charge in the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow the batteryto recharge.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.You can monitor battery voltage on the DriverInformation Center (DIC) by pressing the trip/fuel buttonuntil BATTERY VOLTAGE is displayed.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when service is required for yourvehicle. See your dealer/retailer. SeeEngine Oil onpage 6-13andScheduled Maintenance on page 7-3formore information.
When you reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOONmessage by clearing it from the display, you still mustreset the engine oil life system separately. For moreinformation on resetting the engine oil life system, seeEngine Oil Life System on page 6-16.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE or ADD AIR
TO TIRE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS), this message displays when the pressure inone or more of the vehicle’s tires is low. This messagealso displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFTREAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire needs tobe checked. The low tire pressure warning light willalso come on. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 4-56.If a tire pressure message appears on the DIC, stop assoon as you can. Have the tire pressures checkedand set to those shown on the Tire Loading Informationlabel. SeeTires on page 6-46,Loading the Vehicleon page 5-18, andInflation - Tire Pressure onpage 6-54. You can receive more than one tire pressuremessage at a time. To read the other messages thatmay have been sent at the same time, press theset/reset button. The DIC also shows the tire pressurevalues. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on page 4-62.
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STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message may displayand the Traction Control System and StabiliTrak WarningLight on the instrument panel cluster may be on after firstdriving the vehicle and exceeding 30 km/h (19 mph) for30 seconds. The StabiliTrak system is not functional untilthe light has turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System onpage 5-5for more information.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message displays when your vehicle’s throttlesystem is not functioning properly. Have your vehicleserviced by your dealer/retailer.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This symbol appears withthis message.
This message displays if the content theft-deterrentsystem has detected a break-in attempt while you wereaway from your vehicle. SeeContent Theft-Deterrenton page 3-19for more information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message displays when the fuel cap has not beenfully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to ensure that itis on and tightened properly.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays when the Tire Pressure MonitorSystem (TPMS) is re-learning the tire positions on yourvehicle. The tire positions must be re-learned afterrotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 6-62,Tire PressureMonitor System on page 6-57, andInflation - TirePressure on page 6-54for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the Traction ControlSystem (TCS) is turned off. Adjust your drivingaccordingly. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) onpage 5-6for more information.
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For persons under 21, it is against the law in everyU.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,psychological, and developmental reasons forthese laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highwaysafety problem is for people never to drink alcohol andthen drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’ssystem can make crash injuries worse, especiallyinjuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This meansthat when anyone who has been drinking — driveror passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance ofbeing killed or permanently disabled is higher than if theperson had not been drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control the vehiclewhile driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator. Attimes, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to askmore of those control systems than the tires and road canprovide. Meaning, you can lose control of the vehicle.SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-6.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affectvehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modificationson page 6-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4-52.
Braking action involves perception time and reactiontime. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perceptiontime. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of asecond. But that is only an average. It might be lesswith one driver and as long as two or three seconds ormore with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of asecond, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels20 m (66 feet). That could be a lot of distance in anemergency, so keeping enough space betweenthe vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatlywith the surface of the road, whether it is pavement orgravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, oricy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight ofthe vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive inspurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavybraking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This isa mistake. The brakes might not have time to coolbetween hard stops. The brakes will wear out muchfaster with a lot of heavy braking.
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Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stopsor the system is not functioning, the vehicle can besteered but it will take more effort.
Magnetic Speed Variable Assist
Steering System
This system continuously adjusts the effort felt whensteering at all vehicle speeds. It provides easewhen parking, yet a firm, solid feel at highway speeds.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tiresand the road surface, the angle at which the curve isbanked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed isthe one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before enteringthe curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through thecurve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Waitto accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerategently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effectivethan braking. For example, you come over a hill and finda truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pullsout from nowhere, or a child darts out from betweenparked cars and stops right in front of you. Theseproblems can be avoided by braking — if you can stopin time. But sometimes you cannot stop in timebecause there is no room. That is the time for evasiveaction — steering around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies likethese. First apply the brakes. SeeBraking on page 5-3.It is better to remove as much speed as possiblefrom a collision. Then steer around the problem, to theleft or right depending on the space available.
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Passing
Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can bedangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing:
•Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads
for situations that might affect a successful pass.If in doubt, wait.
•Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and
lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection.Never cross a solid or double-solid line on your sideof the lane.
•Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass. Doing so can reduce your visibility.
•Wait your turn to pass a slow vehicle.
•When you are being passed, ease to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about whathappens when the three control systems — brakes,steering, and acceleration — do not have enough frictionwhere the tires meet the road to do what the driverhas asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steerand constantly seek an escape route or area ofless danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonablecare suited to existing conditions, and by not overdrivingthose conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle’s threecontrol systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are notrolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speedor steering in a curve causes tires to slip and losecornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too muchthrottle causes the driving wheels to spin.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid onlythe acceleration skid. If the traction control system isoff, then an acceleration skid is best handled by easingyour foot off the accelerator pedal.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off theaccelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you wantthe vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready fora second skid if it occurs.
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak®, the system may beactive. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 5-5.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slowdown and adjust your driving to these conditions.
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It is important to slow down on slippery surfacesbecause stopping distance will be longer and vehiclecontrol more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try yourbest to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking,including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lowergear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.You may not realize the surface is slippery until thevehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warningclues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow onthe road to make a mirrored surface — and slow downwhen you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helpsavoid only the braking skid.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving becausesome drivers are likely to be impaired — by alcohol ordrugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
•Drive defensively.
•Do not drink and drive.
•Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
•Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because headlamps can only light upso much road ahead.
•Watch for animals.
•When tired, pull off the road.
•Do not wear sunglasses.
•Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
•Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
•Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns
or curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.But, as we get older, these differences increase.A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as muchlight to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
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Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle tractionand affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Alwaysdrive slower in these types of driving conditionsand avoid driving through large puddles anddeep-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 your
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 underyour vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on thewater. This can happen if the road is wet enough andyou are going fast enough. When your vehicle ishydroplaning, 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 tipsinclude:
•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. SeeTires
on page 6-46.
•Turn off cruise control.
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