2016 CADILLAC ATS Owners Manual

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
176 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Trailer Towing (Coupe and
V-Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Trailer Towing (Sedan With V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
. Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.
. Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions. .
Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
Driving and Operating 177
Refer to the infotainment manual for
more information on using that
system, including pairing and using
a cell phone
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means“always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the safety belt. See Safety
Belts 064.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.
. Focus on the task of driving.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Variable Effort Steering
Some vehicles have a steering
system that varies the amount of
effort required to steer the vehicle in
relation to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort
required is less at slower speeds to
make the vehicle more
maneuverable and easier to park. At
faster speeds, the steering effort
increases to provide a sport-like feel
to the steering. This provides
maximum control and stability.
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
178 Driving and Operating
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
If steering assist is used for an
extended period of time, power
assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See specific vehicle steering
messages underVehicle
Messages 0131.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.
Curve Tips
. Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
. Reduce speed before entering a
curve. .
Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.
. Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.
. Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
allows steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
Driving and Operating 179
3. Turn the steering wheel to gostraight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
. Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go. The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues —such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Track Events and
Competitive Driving
Competitive driving may affect the
vehicle warranty. See the warranty
manual before using the vehicle for
competitive driving.
Caution
Low oil levels can damage the
engine. If using the vehicle for
competitive driving, the engine
may use more oil than it would
with normal use. Check the oil
level often during competitive
driving.
Engine Oil
2.0L Turbo (LTG) Engine Only:
. Keep the level at or near 1 L (1
qt) above the upper mark that
shows the proper operating
range on the engine oil dipstick.
. Use a 600 W fan in addition to
the production option V03.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
180 Driving and Operating
.Gasolines with a Pump Octane
((R+M)/2) of 99 or greater and
ethanol content below 15%
volume must be used for
competitive driving to protect
against engine damage. Colder
spark plug ratings should also
be used. Consult your dealer.
3.6L Non-Turbo (LGX) Engine Only:
. 3.6L Non-Turbo (LGX) Engine
with Oil Cooler: Confirm the oil
level is at the upper mark that
shows the proper operating
range on the engine oil dipstick.
3.6L Twin Turbo (LF4) Engine Only:
. The twin turbo 3.6L engine (LF4)
requires premium fuel, and
comes standard with a 7 qt
sump, integrated oil cooler, and
other powertrain and powertrain
cooling components in
preparation for track use.
Brake Fluid
. Before racing, replace existing
brake fluid with a qualified racing
brake fluid from a sealed
container. Brake fluid with a dry
boiling point >279 °C (534 °F) is qualified. If racing brake fluid is
used, replace it with GM
approved brake fluid before
driving on public roads. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0327.
. Do not use silicone-based fluids.
If racing brake fluid is in the vehicle
and the age of the brake fluid is
over a month old or unknown,
replace the brake fluid between
racing/closed track driving.
Caution
Failure to change the brake fluid
and transfer case fluid after any
performance or race track driving
could result in damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Have the brake fluid and transfer
case fluid changed by your dealer
after any performance or race
track driving. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0327.
Brake Burnishing
For vehicles equipped with front
Brembo®brake systems:
Base Vehicles Only: Performance/
racing brake pads are required prior
to racing or closed track driving.
Vehicles with option code Y4Q have
performance brake pads.
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or other competitive
driving.
Caution
Performing the brake burnish
procedure on a base brake
system can result in brake
damage.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnish
procedure, otherwise damage (Continued)

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
Driving and Operating 181
Caution (Continued)
may occur to the powertrain/
engine. SeeNew Vehicle
Break-In 0190.
Caution
Brake pedal fade will occur during
any track burnish procedure and
can cause brake pedal travel and
force to increase. This could
extend stopping distance until the
brakes are fully burnished.
When this procedure is performed
as instructed, it will not damage the
brakes. The brake pads will smoke
and produce an odor. The braking
force and pedal travel may increase.
After the procedure, the brake pads
may appear white at the rotor
contact. Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding motor
vehicle operation.
Brake Burnish Procedure
(V-Series and Y4Q only)
1. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph)
to 50 km/h (30 mph) while
decelerating at 0.4 g. This is a
medium brake application.
Drive for at least 1 km (0.6 mi)
between applying the brakes.
This first step may be skipped
if there are more than 320 km
(200 mi) on the brake pads.
2. Repeatedly apply the brakes from 100 km/h (60 mph) to
25 km/h (15 mph) while
decelerating at 0.8 g. This is a
hard brake application, without
activating the Antilock Brake
System (ABS). Drive for at
least 1 km (0.6 mi) between
stops. Repeat until the brake
pedal travel starts to increase. Depending on conditions, this
should take no longer than 25
brake applications.
3. Cool down: Drive at 100 km/h (60 mph) for approximately
15 km (10 mi) without using the
brakes.
4. Apply the brakes 25 times from 100 km/h (60 mph) to 50 km/h
(30 mph) while decelerating at
0.4 g. This is a medium brake
application. Drive for at least
1 km (0.6 mi) between
applications.
Axle Fluid
Axles must have 885 km (500 mi)
before being used in track driving.
The axle fluid temperatures may be
higher than when driving in severe
conditions. Drain and refill with new
fluid after the first racing or
competitive driving event, and then
after every 24 hours of racing or
competitive driving. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0327.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
182 Driving and Operating
Caution
During a first time track or racing
event, high axle temperatures can
occur. Damage could be caused
to the axle and would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not drive as long or as fast the
first time the vehicle is driven on
the track or raced.
. The axle lubricant should be
replaced with new lubricant.
. Additional cooling capacity is
also required for continuous
competitive driving.
Track Battery
If equipped, this is a lightweight, low
power battery for track use only.
Remove after each event.
Only use this battery when
temperatures are above freezing.
Store in a cool, dry location. Charge
periodically to keep the state of
charge from getting too low.
A battery tender can be used. When installing or removing the
track battery, steps must be followed
to calibrate the electronic throttle
control. See
Battery0268.
Wheel Alignment (V-Series Only)
Wheel alignment suggested specs
for track use:
. Front: -2.0 deg camber, 0.2 deg
total toe
. Rear: -1.7 deg camber, 0.2 deg
total toe
V-Series Vehicles Equipped
with the Original Equipment
Tires
Follow the requirements and
recommendations for tire inflation
pressures while driving on various
types of tracks/courses. This helps
to achieve a well-balanced vehicle
and enhance tire traction
performance.
Use good judgment to determine the
appropriate tire inflation pressure
and speeds for the track/course
configuration and environmental conditions. Contact the tire
manufacturer if further assistance is
needed.
To maximize tire life, drive 800 km
(500 mi) prior to racetrack driving or
complete the minimum track running
that will increase the tire pressures
by 35 kPa (5 psi). After this,
immediately let the tires cool to cold
pressures.
Tire Inflation Pressure
Guidelines
Tire inflation pressures affect
vehicle handling and tire life, and
should be adjusted for various types
of tracks/courses.
Inspect the tires prior to every track/
course session. Track/course
driving will reduce the tire tread life.
Driving and Operating
{Warning
Operating the vehicle at high
speeds can be dangerous.
Improper tire inflation pressure
(Continued)

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
Driving and Operating 183
Warning (Continued)
can put additional strain on the
tires and can cause a sudden
failure. Make sure the tires are in
excellent condition, and use the
correct cold tire inflation pressure
for the vehicle load and track/
course.
{Warning
Tracks/courses put high loads on
tires operating at high speed,
which can lead to tire failure if not
inflated properly. Always limit
vehicle cargo to the driver plus
one passenger with no additional
cargo.
{Warning
Track/course loads wear tires
both on the tread and internal to
the tire. When driven in track/
course conditions, even if tread is
not worn down to the treadwear
indicator, tires must be replaced
after the equivalent of two tanks
of fuel or approximately 160 km
(100 mi).
Tire Inflation Pressure for Tracks
with Sustained High-Speed
Operation on Banked Turns
(e.g., Daytona International
Speedway, Indianapolis Motor
Speedway, or similar)
Inflate tires to a minimum of 300 kPa
(44 psi) when cold.
Do not reduce tire inflation pressure
when hot.
Tire Inflation Pressure for Tracks
with Combined High-Speed and
High-Load Corners
(e.g., Nurburgring Nordschliefe, Spa
Francorchamps, or similar) Inflate tires to a minimum of 260 kPa
(38 psi) when cold.
Limit vehicle speed to below
230 km/h (143 mph) until 290 kPa
(42 psi) is reached.
For continuous track use, hot tire
inflation pressure may be adjusted
to a minimum of 290 kPa (42 psi).
Tire Inflation Pressure for Road/
Street Courses
(e.g., Virginia International
Raceway, Road Atlanta, or similar)
Inflate tires to a minimum of 240 kPa
(35 psi) cold.
For continuous road/street course
use, hot tire inflation pressure may
be adjusted to a minimum of
270 kPa (39 psi).
Return the tires to the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressure when high-speed driving
has ended. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 187 andTire Pressure 0286.