Page 366 of 528

Black plate (16,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance and long life,
careful attention must be paid to engine oil. Following
these simple, but important steps will help protect your
investment:
.Always use engine oil approved to the proper
specification and of the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil.”
.Check the engine oil level regularly and maintain
the proper oil level. See“Checking Engine Oil”and
“When to Add Engine Oil.”
.Change the engine oil at the appropriate time. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 6‑20.
.Always dispose of engine oil properly. See “What
to Do With Used Oil.”
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. See Engine Compartment Overview
on
page 6‑13for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
Obtaining an accurate oil level reading is essential: 1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and allow several minutes for the oil to
drain back into the oil pan. Checking your oil level
too soon after engine shut off will not provide an
accurate oil level reading.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
6-16
Page 368 of 528

Black plate (18,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on both the
proper oil specification and viscosity grade:
Specification
Use and ask for engine oils with the dexos™
certification mark. Oils meeting the requirements of your
vehicle should have the dexos™certification mark on
the container. This certification mark indicates that the
oil has been approved to the dexos™ specification.
Your vehicle was filled at the factory with dexos™
approved engine oil. Notice:
Use only engine oil that is approved to the
dexos™ specification or an equivalent engine oil
of the appropriate viscosity grade. Engine oils
approved to the dexos™ specification will show the
dexos™ symbol on the container. Failure to use the
recommended engine oil or equivalent can result in
engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
If you are unsure whether your oil is approved to
the dexos™ specification, ask your service provider.
Use of Substitute Engine Oils if dexos™ is unavailable:
In the event that dexos™ approved engine oil is not
available at an oil change or for maintaining proper oil
level, you may use substitute engine oil displaying the
API Starburst symbol and of SAE 5W-30 viscosity
grade. Use of oils that do not meet the dexos™
specification, however, may result in reduced
performance under certain circumstances.
6-18
Page 369 of 528
Black plate (19,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Viscosity Grade
SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle.
Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W‐30,
10W‐40, or 20W-50.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme
cold, where the temperature falls below−29°C (−20°F),
an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used. An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the
engine at extremely low temperatures. When selecting
an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, be sure to
always select an oil that meets the required
specification, dexos™. See
“Specification”for more
information.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils
with the dexos™ specification and displaying the
dexos™ certification mark are all that is needed for
good performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not recommended and
could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
6-19
Page 487 of 528

Black plate (9,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number, or specification can be obtained from your
dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil The engine requires engine oil
approved to the dexos™
specification.
Oils meeting this specification can
be identified with the dexos™
certification mark. Look for and use
only an engine oil that displays the
dexos™ certification mark of the
proper viscosity grade. See Engine
Oil on page 6‑16.
Engine Cooling System 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
Coolant. See
Engine Coolant
on
page 6‑25.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic Brake
System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377967, in
Canada 89021320).
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake Cable Guides Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada 88901242)
or lubricant meeting requirements of
NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Power Steering System GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184, in
Canada 89021186).
Automatic
Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission
Fluid.
Key Lock
Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
7-9