Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293089) -
2017 - crc - 6/22/16
298 VEHICLE CARE
less of tread remaining. SeeTire
Inspection 0296 and Tire
Rotation 0296.
The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple factors including
temperatures, loading conditions, and
inflation pressure maintenance affect
how fast aging takes place. GM
recommends that tires, including the
spare if equipped, be replaced after six
years, regardless of tread wear. The
tire manufacture date is the last four
digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) which is molded into
one side of the tire sidewall. The first
two digits represent the week (01–52)
and the last two digits, the year. For
example, the third week of the year
2010 would have a four-digit DOT
date of 0310.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park a
vehicle that will be stored for at least
a month in a cool, dry, clean area
away from direct sunlight to slow aging. This area should be free of
grease, gasoline, or other substances
that can deteriorate rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that may
result in vibrations while driving.
When storing a vehicle for at least a
month, remove the tires or raise the
vehicle to reduce the weight from the
tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec) system
rating. When replacement tires are
needed, GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec system
considers over a dozen critical
specifications that impact the
overall performance of the 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 MS for
mud and snow.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling performance
may be adversely affected if all the
tires are not replaced at the same
time. If proper rotation and
maintenance have been done, all
four tires should wear out at
about the same time. See
Tire
Rotation 0296 for information on
proper tire rotation. However, if it
is necessary to replace only one
axle set of worn tires, place the
new tires on the rear axle.
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293089) -
2017 - crc - 6/22/16
VEHICLE CARE 299
{Warning
Tires could explode during
improper service. Attempting to
mount or dismount a tire could
cause injury or death. Only your
dealer or authorized tire service
center should mount or
dismount the tires.
Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H, V,
W, Y, and ZR speed rated tires.
Never exceed the winter tire's
maximum speed capability when
using winter tires with a lower
speed rating.
{Warning
Never drive faster than the speed
the tires are rated, regardless of the
legal speed limit. When frequently
driving the vehicle at high speeds
and/or for prolonged periods of (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
time, check with your vehicle/tire
dealer for the proper type of tires to
use for the specific driving and
weather conditions.
{Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes (other
than those originally installed on
the vehicle), brands, or types may
cause loss of control of the vehicle,
resulting in a crash or other vehicle
damage. Use the correct size, brand,
and type of tire on all four wheels.
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the
vehicle may cause the wheel rim
flanges to develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail suddenly
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
and cause a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels
on the vehicle.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size, load
range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
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. See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0293.
The Tire and Loading Information
label indicates the original
equipment tires on the vehicle.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0192 for
the label location and more
information about the Tire and
Loading Information label.
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293089) -
2017 - crc - 6/22/16
300 VEHICLE CARE
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that are
a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, electronic stability control,
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance
of these systems can also be affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. This increases
the chance of a crash and serious
injury. Only use GM specific wheel
and tire systems developed for the
vehicle, and have them properly
installed by a GM certified
technician.See
Buying New Tires 0298 and
Accessories and Modifications 0248.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider
an alignment check if there is unusual
tire wear or the vehicle is significantly
pulling to one side or the other. Some
slight pull to the left or right,
depending on the crown of the road
and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal.
If the vehicle is vibrating when driving
on a smooth road, the tires and
wheels may need to be rebalanced.
See your dealer for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts
should be replaced. If the wheel leaks air, replace it. Some aluminum wheels
can be repaired. See your dealer if any
of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter,
width, offset, and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) sensors with new GM original
equipment parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts
can be dangerous. It could affect
the braking and handling of the
vehicle. Tires can lose air, and
cause loss of control, causing a
crash. Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293089) -
2017 - crc - 6/22/16
VEHICLE CARE 301
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or odometer
calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance,
and tire or tire chain clearance to
the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one
is dangerous. How it has been used
or how far it has been driven may
be unknown. It could fail suddenly
and cause a crash. When replacing
wheels, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has P245/40R18, 245/
40R18, 275/35R18, 255/35R19, 265/
35ZR19, or 295/30ZR19 size tires,
do not use tire chains. There is not
enough clearance. Tire chains used
on a vehicle without the proper
amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension,
or other vehicle parts. The area
damaged by the tire chains could
cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction device
only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's tire
size combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive slow
and readjust or remove the traction
device if it contacts the vehicle. Do
not spin the wheels. If traction
devices are used, install them on
the rear tires.
Caution
If the vehicle is equipped with a tire
size other than P245/40R18, 245/
40R18, 275/35R18, 255/35R19, 265/
35ZR19, or 295/30ZR19 use tire
chains only where legal and only
when necessary. Use low profile
chains that add no more than
12 mm thickness to the tire tread
and inner sidewall. Use chains that
are the proper size for the tires.
Install them on the tires of the rear
axle. Don't use chains on the tires
of the front axle. Tighten them as
tightly as possible with the ends
securely fastened. Drive slowly and
follow the chain manufacturer's
instructions. If the chains contact
the vehicle, stop and retighten
them. If the contact continues, slow
down until it stops. Driving too fast
or spinning the wheels with chains
on will damage the vehicle.
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293089) -
2017 - crc - 6/22/16
302 VEHICLE CARE
If a Tire Goes Flat
If the vehicle has run-flat tires, there
is no need to stop on the side of the
road to change a flat tire. SeeRun-Flat
Tires 0288.
{Warning
Special tools and procedures are
required to service a run-flat tire.
If these special tools and
procedures are not used, injury or
vehicle damage may occur. Always
be sure the proper tools and
procedures, as described in the
service manual, are used.
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires are
maintained properly. See Tires0287.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much
more likely to leak out slowly. But if
there is ever a blowout, here are a few
tips about what to expect and what
to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates
a drag that pulls the vehicle toward
that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the steering
wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane
position, and then gently brake to a
stop, well off the road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and may
require the same correction as used in
a skid. Stop pressing the accelerator
pedal and steer to straighten the
vehicle. It may be very bumpy and
noisy. Gently brake to a stop, well off
the road, if possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the appropriate
safety equipment and training. If a
jack is provided with the vehicle, it
is designed only for changing a flat
tire. If it is used for anything else,
you or others could be badly injured
or killed if the vehicle slips off the
jack. If a jack is provided with the
vehicle, only use it for changing a
flat tire.
If this vehicle does not have run-flat
tires and a tire goes flat, avoid further
tire and wheel damage by driving
slowly to a level place, well off the
road, if possible.
1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers. See Hazard Warning
Flashers 0161.
2. Set the parking brake firmly.
3. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual
transmission in 1 (First) or
R (Reverse).
4. Turn off the ignition.
5. Inspect the flat tire.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash. Never
attempt to re-inflate a tire that has
been driven on while severely (Continued)
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293089) -
2017 - crc - 6/22/16
312 VEHICLE CARE
10. Try to start the vehicle that hadthe dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it probably
needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected
or removed in the wrong order,
electrical shorting may occur and
damage the vehicle. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always connect and
remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the
cables do not touch each other or
other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it
to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to suspension
components. Use the proper straps
around the tires to secure the
vehicle.
Have the vehicle towed on a flatbed
car carrier. A wheel lift tow truck
could damage the vehicle.
Due to low ramp angles on the
V-Series only, use care when loading
the vehicle onto a flatbed carrier.
Front spring spacers were provided for
lifting the front suspension if more
clearance is necessary when towing.
Consult your dealer or a professional
towing service if the disabled vehicle
must be towed.
If the vehicle is equipped with tow
eye, only use the tow eye to pull the
vehicle onto a flatbed car carrier from
a flat road surface. Do not use the tow
eye to pull the vehicle from snow,
mud or sand.
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293089) -
2017 - crc - 6/22/16
VEHICLE CARE 317
.Washer fluids and other cleaning
agents in higher concentrations
than suggested by the
manufacturer.
. Solvents, alcohols, fuels, or other
harsh cleaners.
. Ice scrapers or other hard items.
. Aftermarket appearance caps or
covers while the lamps are
illuminated, due to excessive heat
generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly can
cause damage to the lamp cover
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black finish
stripes can increase the gloss level
and create a non-uniform finish.
Clean low gloss stripes with soap
and water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes,
between the hood and windshield
when washing the vehicle.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a lint-free
cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the blades.
Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may
cause wiper streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty conditions,
sand, salt, heat, sun, snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply Dielectric silicone grease on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry climates
may require more frequent
application. Black marks from rubber material on painted surfaces can be
removed by rubbing with a clean
cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0331.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may
damage the paint finish and/or
tires. When applying a tire dressing,
always wipe off any overspray from
all painted surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Trim —Aluminum or
Chrome
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap
and water to clean the wheels. After
rinsing thoroughly with clean water,
dry with a soft, clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293089) -
2017 - crc - 6/22/16
324 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
At your dealer, you can be certain that
you will receive the highest level of
service available. Your dealer has
specially trained service technicians,
uses genuine replacement parts, as
well as, up-to-date tools and
equipment to ensure fast and accurate
diagnostics.
The proper replacement parts, fluids,
and lubricants to use are listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0331 and Maintenance Replacement
Parts 0332. We recommend the use
of genuine parts from your dealer.
Rotation of New Tires
Tire rotation is not recommended if
the vehicle has different size tires on
the front and rear wheels. If tire
rotation is recommended for the
vehicle, to maintain ride, handling,
and performance of the vehicle, it is
important that the first rotation
service for new tires be performed.
Tires should be rotated every service.
See Tire Rotation 0296.Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0257.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0290.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0296.
. Check the windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0269.
Engine Oil Change
Change the engine oil and filter when
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, 12 000 km/7,500 mi,
or at one year, whichever comes first.
If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once a
year and the oil life system must be
reset. Your trained dealer technician
can perform this work. If the engine oil life system is reset accidentally,
service the vehicle within 5 000 km/
3,000 mi since the last service. Reset
the oil life system when the oil is
changed. See
Engine Oil Life
System 0259.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the following
services. See Tire Rotation0296.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change
engine oil and filter, and reset oil
life system. See Engine Oil0257
and Engine Oil Life System 0259.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0264.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0269.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0315. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See Wiper
Blade Replacement 0274.