2010 CADILLAC DTS tires

Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are afew reasons why the right hitch is needed. Here are somerules to follow:
•The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or otherbumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mountedhitch that does not attach to the bumper.
•Will any holes be made in the body of the vehicle
when the trailer hitch is installed? If there are, thenbe sure to seal the holes later when the hitch isremoved. If the holes are not sealed, dirt, water, anddeadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust canget into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust onpage 3-34for more information.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and thetrailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of thetrailer to help prevent the tongue from contactingthe road if it becomes separated from the hitch.Instructions about safety chains may be provided by thehitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attachingsafety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.Always leave just enough slack so the rig can turn.Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Because the vehicle has StabiliTrak®, do not tap intothe vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If you do,both brake systems will not work well, or at all.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailerbrakes so they are installed, adjusted and maintainedproperly.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.Get to know the rig before setting out for the openroad. Get acquainted with the feel of handling andbraking with the added weight of the trailer. And alwayskeep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is nowlonger and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts andattachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electricbrakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving andthen apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be surethe brakes are working. This checks the electricalconnection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that theload is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakesare still working.
5-29

Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . .6-4Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4Adding Equipment to the Outsideof the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5Gasoline Octane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6California Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-8Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10
Checking Things Under the Hood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-12Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-13Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-16Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-17Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-19Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-22Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-23Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-27
Overheated Engine ProtectionOperating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-29Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-30Windshield Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-31Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-32Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-34Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-36
Headlamp Aiming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-40
Bulb Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-43High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .6-43
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-44
Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-46Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-47Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-52Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-54High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-56Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-57Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-58Tire Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-62When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-64Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-64Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-66Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-67Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-68Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-68
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-1

Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-70If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-70Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-71Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage . . . . . . . . .6-79Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-80Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-81Removing the Flat Tire and Installing theSpare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-83Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . .6-88Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-90
Appearance Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-91Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-91Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-92Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-93Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other PlasticSurfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-94Wood Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-94Speaker Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-94Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-95Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-95Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-95Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-96
Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-96Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-97Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheelsand Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-97Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-98Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-98Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-98Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-98Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-99
Vehicle Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-99Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-99Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-100
Electrical System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-100Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..6-100Headlamp Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-100Windshield Wiper Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-100Power Windows and Other Power Options . . . . . .6-101Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-101Underhood Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-101Rear Underseat Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-104
Capacities and Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-109
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-2

Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to helpprevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspectbrake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts inthe proper sequence to torque specifications inCapacities and Specifications on page 6-109.
Brake linings should always be replaced as completeaxle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does notreturn to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase inpedal travel. This could be a sign that brake servicemight be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied, with or without thevehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its manyparts have to be of top quality and work well together ifthe vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehiclewas designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.When parts of the braking system are replaced — forexample, when the brake linings wear down and newones are installed — be sure to get new approvedreplacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes mightnot work properly.
For example, if someone puts in brake linings that arewrong for the vehicle, the balance between the front andrear brakes can change — for the worse. The brakingperformance expected can change in many other ways ifthe wrong replacement brake parts are installed.
Battery
Refer to the replacement number on the original batterylabel when a new battery is needed.
{DANGER:
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
The battery is under the rear seat cushion. To accessthe battery, seeRear Underseat Fuse Block onpage 6-104. Access to the battery is not necessary tojump start the vehicle. SeeJump Starting on page 6-36.
6-34

It is recommended that the vehicle is taken to yourdealer/retailer for service if the headlamps need to bere-aimed. It is possible however, to re-aim theheadlamps as described.
Notice:To make sure the headlamps are aimedproperly, read all the instructions before beginning.Failure to follow these instructions could causedamage to headlamp parts.
The vehicle should:
•Be placed so the headlamps are 25 ft. (7.6 m) from
a light colored wall.
•Have all four tires on a level surface which is level
all the way to the wall.
•Be placed so it is perpendicular to the wall.
•Not have any snow, ice, or mud on it.
•Be fully assembled and all other work stopped while
headlamp aiming is being performed.
•Be normally loaded with a full tank of fuel and one
person or 160 lbs (75 kg) sitting on the driver seat.
•Have all tires properly inflated.
•Have the spare tire is in its original location in the
vehicle.
Headlamp aiming is done with the vehicle’s low-beamheadlamps. The high-beam headlamps will be correctlyaimed if the low-beam headlamps are aimed properly.
To adjust the vertical aim:
1. Open the hood. SeeHood Release on page 6-11for more information.
2. Find the center line running through the lens of theheadlamp.
3. Record the distance from the ground to the centerline running through the lens of the headlamp.
6-41

Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tiresmade by a leading tire manufacturer. If you everhave questions about your tire warranty and whereto obtain service, see your vehicle Warrantybooklet for details. For additional information referto the tire manufacturer.
{WARNING:
•Poorly maintained and improperly used
tires are dangerous.
•Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too muchflexing. You could have an air-out and aserious accident. SeeLoading theVehicle on page 5-18.
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
•Underinflated tires pose the same danger
as overloaded tires. The resultingaccident could cause serious injury.Check all tires frequently to maintain therecommended pressure. Tire pressureshould be checked when your tires arecold. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure onpage 6-54.
•Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured, or broken by a suddenimpact — such as when you hit apothole. Keep tires at the recommendedpressure.
•Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If
your tread is badly worn, or if your tireshave been damaged, replace them.
SeeHigh-Speed Operation on page 6-56forinflation pressure adjustment for high speeddriving.
6-46

Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into itssidewall.
(A) Tire Size:The tire size is a combination ofletters and numbers used to define a particulartire’s width, height, aspect ratio, construction typeand service description. See the “Tire Size”illustration later in this section for more detail.
(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance CriteriaSpecification):Original equipment tires designedto GM’s specific tire performance criteria havea TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.GM’s TPC specifications meet or exceed allfederal safety guidelines.
(C) DOT (Department of Transportation):TheDepartment of Transportation (DOT) codeindicates that the tire is in compliance with theU.S. Department of Transportation Motor VehicleSafety Standards.
(D) Tire Identification Number (TIN):The lettersand numbers following the DOT code are theTire Identification Number (TIN). The TIN showsthe manufacturer and plant code, tire size,and date the tire was manufactured. The TIN ismolded onto both sides of the tire, althoughonly one side may have the date of manufacture.
Passenger Car Tire Example
6-47

(E) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord andnumber of plies in the sidewall and underthe tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG):Tiremanufacturers are required to grade tiresbased on three performance factors: treadwear,traction and temperature resistance. For moreinformation seeUniform Tire Quality Grading onpage 6-67.
(G) Maximum Cold Inflation LoadLimit:Maximum load that can be carried and themaximum pressure needed to support thatload. For information on recommended tirepressure seeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-54andLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18.
(A) Temporary Use Only:The compact spare tireor temporary use tire has a tread life ofapproximately 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and shouldnot be driven at speeds over 65 mph (105 km/h).The compact spare tire is for emergency use whena regular road tire has lost air and gone flat.SeeSpare Tire on page 6-90andIf a Tire GoesFlat on page 6-70.
Compact Spare Tire Example
6-48