Page 364 of 470

Black plate (54,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
The letter R means radial ply construction; the
letter D means diagonal or bias ply construction;
and the letter B means belted‐bias ply
construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Load Range
:Load Range.
(G) Service Description
:The service description
indicates the load index and speed rating of a
tire. If two numbers are given as in the example,
120/116, then this represents the load index for
single versus dual wheel usage (single/dual).
The speed rating is the maximum speed a tire is
certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa). Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire's height to
its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Inflation - Tire Pressure
on
page 6‑57
.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
6-54
Page 378 of 470

Black plate (68,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific 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 Specification
(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 specifications 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 near the tire
size. If the tires have an all‐season tread design, the
TPC Spec number will be followed by an MS for mud
and snow. SeeTire Sidewall Labeling
on page 6‑49for
additional information.
GM recommends replacing tires in sets of four. This is
because uniform tread depth on all tires will help keep
your vehicle performing most like it did when the tires
were new. Replacing less than a full set of tires can
affect the braking and handling performance of your
vehicle. See Tire Inspection and Rotation
on page 6‑65for information on proper tire rotation.
{WARNING:
Tires could explode during improper service. You
or others could be injured or killed if you attempt
to mount or dismount a tire. Only your dealer or
an authorized tire service center should mount
and dismount the tires.
{WARNING:
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.
(Continued)
6-68
Page 379 of 470

Black plate (69,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
WARNING: (Continued)
Your vehicle may have a compact spare tire and
wheel assembly. If the vehicle has a compact
spare tire and wheel, they have the same overall
diameter as your vehicle's full‐size tires and
wheels. Because they were designed and
developed for use on your vehicle, it is all right to
drive your vehicle with the compact spare installed
properly. Compact spare tires are designed for
temporary use only. SeeSpare Tire
on
page 6‑93
.
{WARNING:
If you use bias-ply tires on the vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges 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 the
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
could 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. See Tire
Pressure Monitor System on page 6‑60.
Your vehicle's original equipment tires are listed on the
Tire and Loading Information Label. See Loading the
Vehicle
on page 5‑18, for more information about the
Tire and Loading Information Label and its location on
your vehicle.
6-69
Page 407 of 470

Black plate (97,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary,
a clean soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution
can be used to gently remove dust and dirt. Never use
spot lifters or removers on plastic surfaces. Many
commercial cleaners and coatings that are sold to
preserve and protect soft plastic surfaces may
permanently change the appearance and feel of the
interior and are not recommended. Do not use silicone
or wax-based products, or those containing organic
solvents to clean the vehicle's interior because they
can alter the appearance by increasing the gloss in a
non-uniform manner.
Some commercial products may increase gloss on the
instrument panel. The increase in gloss may cause
annoying reflections in the windshield and even make
it difficult to see through the windshield under certain
conditions.
Wood Panels
Use a clean cloth moistened in warm, soapy water (use
mild dish washing soap). Dry the wood immediately with
a clean cloth.
Speaker Covers
Vacuum around a speaker cover gently, so that the
speaker will not be damaged. Clean spots with just
water and mild soap.
Care of Safety Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{WARNING:
Do not bleach or dye safety belts. It may severely
weaken them. In a crash, they might not be able
to provide adequate protection. Clean safety belts
only with mild soap and lukewarm water.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather frequent application may be required.
SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 7‑9.
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Page 418 of 470

Black plate (108,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
To reinstall the rear seat cushion, do the following:
{WARNING:
A safety belt that is not properly routed through
the seat cushion or is twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash. If the safety belt has
not been routed through the seat cushion at all, it(Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
will not be there to work for the next passenger.
The person sitting in that position could be badly
injured. After reinstalling the seat cushion, always
check to be sure that the safety belts are properly
routed and are not twisted.
1. Buckle the center passenger position safety belt, then route the safety belts through the proper slots
in the seat cushion. Do not let the safety belts get
twisted.
2. Slide the rear of the cushion up and under the seatback so the rear-locating guides hook into the
wire loops on the back frame.
3. With the seat cushion lowered, push rearward and then press down on the seat cushion until the
spring locks on both ends engage.
4. Check to make sure the safety belts are properly routed and that no portion of any safety belt is
trapped under the seat. Also make sure the seat
cushion is secured.
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Page 423 of 470
Black plate (1,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Owner Checks and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7 Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Engine Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Maintenance Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
7-1
Page 428 of 470

Black plate (6,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter replacement. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑19.
.Automatic transmission fluid and filter change
(severe service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavy
city traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used for
taxi, police, or delivery service. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6‑21.
.Evaporative control system inspection. Check all
fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper hook‐up,
routing, and condition. Check that the purge valve,
if the vehicle has one, works properly. Replace as
needed. An Emission Control Service. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency or the California
Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not
nullify the emission warranty or limit recall liability
prior to the completion of the vehicle's useful life.
We, however, urge that all recommended
maintenance services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the maintenance be
recorded.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
160 000 km/100,000 Miles
.Automatic transmission fluid and filter change
(normal service). See Automatic Transmission
Fluid on page 6‑21.
.Spark plug replacement and spark plug wires
inspection. An Emission Control Service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
240 000 km/150,000 Miles
.Engine cooling system drain, flush, and refill
(or every five years, whichever occurs first). See
Engine Coolant
on page 6‑26.An Emission
Control Service.
.Engine drive belts inspection for fraying, excessive
cracks, or obvious damage (or every 10 years,
whichever occurs first). Replace, if needed.
7-6
Page 433 of 470
Black plate (11,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Engine Drive Belt Routing
4.6L V8 Engines
7-11