2018 CADILLAC CTS run flat

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 127
United States
Canada and Mexico
When the vehicle is started, the
passenger airbag status indicator will
light ON and OFF, or the symbol for
on and off for several seconds as a
system check. Then, after several more
seconds, the status indicator will light
either ON or OFF, or the on or off
symbol to let you know the status of
the front outboard passenger frontal
airbag and knee airbag. If the word ON or the on symbol is lit
on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag and
knee airbag are allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit
on the airbag status indicator, it
means that the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag and
knee airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there
are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the
passenger sensing system. See your
dealer for service.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have
the vehicle serviced right away. See
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Airbag Readiness Light0126 for
more information, including
important safety information.
Charging System Light
On some vehicles the charging system
light comes on briefly when the
ignition is turned on, but the engine is
not running, as a check to show the
light is working. It should go out when
the engine is started. For vehicles with
a reconfigurable cluster, this light may
not come on when the ignition is
turned on.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a problem
with the electrical charging system.

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

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
248 DRIVING AND OPERATING
so it is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. To move the trailer to
the left, move that hand to the left. To
move the trailer to the right, move
your hand to the right. Always back
up slowly and, if possible, have
someone guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to be
sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before
starting down a long or steep
downgrade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes might get hot
and no longer work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, consider the following:
Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes.
If the engine is turned off immediately
after towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, the vehicle may show
signs similar to engine overheating. To
avoid this, let the engine run while
parked, preferably on level ground, with the automatic transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the overheat
warning comes on, see
Engine
Overheating 0274.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both the
vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the
wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
252 VEHICLE CARE
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . 267
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . 277
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . 280
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . 281
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . 285
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . 285
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . 289
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . 303
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 311
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
VEHICLE CARE 295
All-Season Tires
This vehicle may come with all-season
tires. These tires are designed to
provide good overall performance on
most road surfaces and weather
conditions. Original equipment tires
designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC
specification code molded onto the
sidewall. Original equipment
all-season tires can be identified by
the last two characters of this TPC
code, which will be“MS.”
Consider installing winter tires on the
vehicle if frequent driving on snow or
ice-covered roads is expected.
All-season tires provide adequate
performance for most winter driving
conditions, but they may not offer the
same level of traction or performance
as winter tires on snow or ice-covered
roads. See Winter Tires 0295.
Winter Tires
This vehicle was not originally
equipped with winter tires. Winter
tires are designed for increased
traction on snow and ice-covered roads. Consider installing winter tires
on the vehicle if frequent driving on
ice or snow covered roads is expected.
See your dealer for details regarding
winter tire availability and proper tire
selection. Also, see
Buying New Tires
0 309.
With winter tires, there may be
decreased dry road traction, increased
road noise, and shorter tread life.
After changing to winter tires, be alert
for changes in vehicle handling and
braking.
If using winter tires:
. Use tires of the same brand and
tread type on all four wheel
positions.
. Use only radial ply tires of the
same size, load range, and speed
rating as the original equipment
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. If winter
tires with a lower speed rating are
chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability.
Run-Flat Tires
This vehicle, when new, may have had
run-flat tires. There is no spare tire,
no tire changing equipment, and no
place to store a tire in the vehicle.
The vehicle also has a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) that indicates
a loss of tire pressure in any of the
tires.
{Warning
If the low tire warning light displays
on the instrument cluster, the
handling capabilities will be
reduced during severe maneuvers.
Driving too fast could cause loss of
control and you or others could be
injured. Do not drive over 90 km/h
(55 mph) when the low tire warning
light is displayed. Drive cautiously
and check the tire pressures as
soon as possible.
Run-flat tires can be driven on with
no air pressure. There is no need to
stop on the side of the road to change
the tire. Continue driving; however, do

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
296 VEHICLE CARE
not drive too far or too fast. Driving
on the tire may not be possible if
there is permanent damage. To
prevent permanent damage, keep
speed below 80 km/h (50 mph). With
a light load the vehicle can be driven
up to 100 km (60 mi); with a
moderate load 80 km (50 mi); and a
heavy load 45 km (25 mi). As soon as
possible, contact the nearest
authorized GM or run-flat servicing
facility for inspection and repair or
replacement.
When driving on a deflated run-flat
tire, avoid potholes and other road
hazards that could damage the tire
and/or wheel beyond repair. When a
tire has been damaged, or driven any
distance while deflated, check with an
authorized run-flat tire service center
to determine whether the tire can be
repaired or should be replaced. To
maintain the run-flat feature, all
replacement tires must be run-flat
tires.
To locate the nearest GM or run-flat
servicing facility, call Customer
Assistance.The valve stems on run-flat tires have
sensors that are part of the TPMS. See
Tire Pressure Monitor System
0303.
These sensors contain batteries that
are designed to last for 10 years under
normal driving conditions. See your
dealer for wheel or sensor
replacement.
Caution
Using liquid sealants can damage
the tire valves and tire pressure
monitor sensors in the run-flat
tires. This damage is not covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not use
liquid sealants in run-flat tires.
Low-Profile Tires
If the vehicle has 255/35R19,
265/35ZR19, or 295/30ZR19 size
tires, they are classified as
low-profile tires. Caution
Low-profile tires are more
susceptible to damage from road
hazards or curb impact than
standard profile tires. Tire and/or
wheel assembly damage can occur
when coming into contact with
road hazards like potholes, or sharp
edged objects, or when sliding into
a curb. The warranty does not cover
this type of damage. Keep tires set
to the correct inflation pressure and
when possible, avoid contact with
curbs, potholes, and other road
hazards.
Summer Tires
High Performance Summer Tires
This vehicle may come with
245/40R18 (front) and 275/35R18
(rear) or 265/35ZR19 (front) and
295/30ZR19 (rear) high performance
summer tires. These tires have a
special tread and compound that are
optimized for maximum dry and wet
road performance. This special tread

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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314 VEHICLE CARE
Warning (Continued)
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(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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.
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. See Run-Flat
Tires 0295.
{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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 Tires0294.
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

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 315
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 0157. 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
underinflated or flat. Have your
dealer or an authorized tire service
center repair or replace the flat tire
as soon as possible.
If this vehicle has a tire sealant kit
and the tire has been separated from
the wheel, has damaged sidewalls, or has a puncture larger than
6 mm (0.25 in), the tire is too severely
damaged for the tire sealant and
compressor kit to be effective. If the
tire has a puncture less than
6 mm (0.25 in) in the tread area of the
tire, see
Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit 0315.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
{Warning
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area
with poor ventilation is dangerous.
Engine exhaust may enter the
vehicle. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death. Never run the engine in an
enclosed area that has no fresh air
ventilation. For more information,
see Engine Exhaust 0199.