2018 CADILLAC CTS Owner's Manual

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
176 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Track Events and CompetitiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 185
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Composite Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Running the Vehicle While
Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . 200
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . 204
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Competitive Driving Mode (V-Sport Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Limited-Slip Differential . . . . . . . . . 214
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . 217
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . 225
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . 236
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . 236
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . 239
Vehicle-to-Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
California Fuel Requirements . . . . 243
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . 244
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 177
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 246
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Trailer Towing (V6 Engine, Non Twin Turbo) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Trailer Towing (V6 Twin Turbo) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Towing Equipment (V6 Engine, Non Twin Turbo) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Towing Equipment (V6 Twin Turbo) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 251
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, keep your
eyes on the road, keep your hands on
the steering wheel, and focus your
attention on driving.
. 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 CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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178 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Refer to the infotainment section for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, 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
seat belt. See Seat Belts069.
. 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.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even a
small amount of alcohol. You can
have a serious —or even fatal —
collision if you drive after drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
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.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 179
Steering
Variable Effort Steering
The vehicle has 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.
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 the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time while the
vehicle is not moving, power assist
may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the system
cools down.
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:

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
180 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight 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
{Danger
High-performance features are
intended for use only on closed
tracks by experienced and qualified
drivers and should not be used on
public roads. High-speed driving,
aggressive cornering, hard braking,
and other high-performance driving
can be dangerous. Improper driver
inputs for the conditions may result
in loss of control of the vehicle,
which could injure or kill you or
others. Always drive safely.
Track events and competitive driving
may affect the vehicle warranty. See
the warranty manual before using the
vehicle for competitive driving.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 181
Caution
If the vehicle is used for track
events and competitive driving, the
engine may use more oil than it
would with normal use. Low oil
levels can damage the engine.
Check the oil level often and
maintain the proper level. See
Engine Oil0263.
Axle Fluid
Axles must have 805 km (500 mi)
before being used in track driving.
The front, if equipped with AWD, and
rear 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 0348.
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.
Engine Oil
2.0L (LTG) Engine
This is not available with a track
package option and is not
recommended for track use.
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.
. Without Oil Cooler: Do not use for
track events and competitive
driving. 3.6L Twin Turbo (LF3) Engine
This 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.
6.2L Supercharged (LT4) Engine
Change the engine oil to 0W-40 or
5W-40 that meets the dexos2
™
specification. If this oil is not
available, the following oils can be
used as an alternative: Valvoline
®
SYNPOWER MST 5W-40, Mobil®1
ESP Formula M 5W-40. See Capacities
and Specifications 0353.
This requires premium fuel, and
comes standard with a 10 qt sump,
air/oil separator, integrated oil cooler,
and other powertrain and powertrain
cooling components in preparation for
track use.
Check the oil level often during track
events and competitive driving and
keep the oil level at or near the
upper mark.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
182 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Have the transmission fluid set to the
track specific oil level prior to track
usage. Transmission fluid should be
changed after every 15 hours of track
usage. Any transmission level set or
change should be performed at your
dealer.
Brake Fluid
For track events and competitive
driving, it is recommended that the
brake fluid be replaced with a high
performance brake fluid that has a dry
boiling point greater than 279 °C
(534 °F). After conversion to the high
performance brake fluid, follow the
brake fluid service recommendations
outlined by the fluid manufacturer. Do
not use silicone or DOT-5 brake fluids.
Caution
Removing the splash shield can
degrade wet braking performance,
as well as introduce brake pedal
pulsation, due to brake disc(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
exposure to road debris. Only
remove the front brake disc splash
shield and front tire deflector when
driving in track events.
Brake cooling can be improved if the
front brake disc splash shield and
front tire deflector are removed.
Removing the shield will require that
the suspension bushings visible to the
brake disc be protected with insulated
thermal wrapping.
Brake Burnishing
To prepare the V-Sport and V-Series
brake systems for track events and
racing, complete the appropriate high
performance brake burnishing
procedure described below.
V-Sport and V-Series Brake
Burnishing
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or other competitive
driving.
Caution
These procedures are specific to the
V-Sport and V-Series brake package.
This procedure should not be run
on other models as damage may
result.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnishing
procedure or damage may occur to
the powertrain/engine. See New
Vehicle Break-In 0191.
When performed as instructed, this
procedure will not damage the brakes.
During the burnishing procedure, the
brake pads will smoke and produce an
odor. The braking force and pedal
travel may increase. After the
procedure is complete, the brake pads
may appear white at the rotor contact.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 183
Run this procedure in a safe manner
and in compliance with all local and
state ordinances/laws regarding motor
vehicle operation. Run this procedure
only on dry pavement.
Racing/Track Brake Burnishing
Procedure
Caution
Brake pedal fade will occur during
this track burnish procedure and
can cause brake pedal travel and
force to increase. This could extend
stopping distance until the brakes
are fully burnished.
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.
Brake Cooling
On V-Series, remove front tire
deflectors if equipped, before track
driving for optimized brake cooling.
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 805 km
(500 mi) prior to race track driving or
complete the minimum track running