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DRIVING AND OPERATING 183
For the LT4 6.2L supercharged engine,
consider using 100 octane unleaded
gasoline if the air temperature is
above 30 °C (86 °F). Do not use any
fuel with conditions listed in
Prohibited Fuels0245.
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
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 0192.
When performed as instructed, this
procedure will not damage the brakes.
During the burnishing procedure, the
brake pads will smoke and produce an

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 185
To maximize tire life, drive 805 km
(500 mi) prior to race track 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 can put
additional strain on the tires and
can cause a sudden failure. Make
sure the tires are in excellent(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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).

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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188 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or
smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side that
is away from the wind, to
bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set the
fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate Control
Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0200.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then
shut the engine off and partially close
the window. Moving about to keep
warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to
restart the vehicle and to signal for
help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels
to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0207.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or
others could be injured. The vehicle
can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage.
Spin the wheels as little as possible
and avoid going above 56 km/h
(35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right
to clear the area around the front
wheels. Turn off any traction system.
Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,

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192 DRIVING AND OPERATING
weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed the
vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Certification
label is attached to the vehicle's
center pillar (B-pillar). The label
may show the gross weight
capacity of the vehicle, called the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR). The GVWR includes the
weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as far
forward as possible. Try to
spread the weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier things,
like suitcases, inside the
vehicle so that some of
them are above the tops of
the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured
child restraint in the
vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat folded
down unless needed.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Follow these recommended guidelines
during the first 2 400 km (1,500 mi) of
driving this vehicle. Parts have a
break-in period and performance will
be better in the long run.
For the first 2 400 km (1,500 mi):
. Avoid full throttle starts and
abrupt stops.
. Do not exceed 4000 engine rpm.
. Avoid driving at any one constant
speed, fast or slow.
. Avoid downshifting to brake or
slow the vehicle when the engine
speed will exceed 4000 rpm.
. Do not let the engine labor. Never
lug the engine in high gear at low
speeds.
. Do not participate in track events,
sport driving schools, or similar
activities during this break-in
period.

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 193
.Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary. Oil
and fuel consumption may be
higher than normal during the
first 2 400 km (1,500 mi).
. To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering for the first
300 km (200 mi). New tires do not
have maximum traction and may
tend to slip.
. New brake linings also need a
break-in period. Avoid making
hard stops during the first
300 km (200 mi). This is
recommended every time brake
linings are replaced.
Composite Materials
This vehicle may be equipped with
parts containing carbon fiber,
sheet-molding compound, or other
composite materials. Dealer-installed
accessories may also contain
composite materials. These parts and
accessories may include the splitter or
rocker extensions.
{Warning
Exposed edges of parts containing
carbon fiber and other composite
materials can be sharp. Contact
with these parts could result in
injury. Use caution to avoid
contacting these parts, including
when washing the vehicle. If the
parts are damaged, replace the
parts promptly with replacements
from your dealer.
{Warning
Rocker extensions may break under
pressure, resulting in property
damage or injury. Do not stand on
the rocker extension or use it as
a step.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless
ignition with pushbutton start.
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the
pushbutton start is not working, the
vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference to
the Keyless Access system. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
0 29.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
must be in ON/RUN, and the brake
pedal must be applied.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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196 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Caution (Continued)
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below −18 °C
or 0 °F), it could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Try pushing
the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there
as you press ENGINE START/
STOP. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down.
When the engine starts, release
the accelerator. If the vehicle
starts briefly but then stops
again, do the same thing. This
clears the extra gasoline from the
engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Stop/Start System
If equipped, the Stop/Start system will
shut off the engine to help conserve
fuel. It has components designed for
the increased number of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature causes the engine to shut
off while the vehicle is still on. Do
not exit the vehicle before shifting
to P (Park). The vehicle may restart
and move unexpectedly. Always
shift to P (Park), and then turn the
ignition off before exiting the
vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the
vehicle is at a complete stop, the
engine may turn off. When stopped,
the tachometer displays AUTO STOP.
See Tachometer 0123. When the brake pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart.
To maintain vehicle performance,
other conditions may cause the engine
to automatically restart before the
brake pedal is released.
Auto Stops may not occur and/or Auto
Starts may occur because:
.
The climate control settings
require the engine to be running
to cool or heat the vehicle interior.
. The vehicle battery charge is low.
. The vehicle battery has recently
been disconnected.
. Minimum vehicle speed has not
been reached since the last
Auto Stop.
. The accelerator pedal is pressed.
. The engine or transmission is not
at the required operating
temperature.
. The outside temperature is not in
the required operating range.
. The vehicle is in any gear other
than D (Drive).

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 197
.Tow/Haul Mode or other driver
modes have been selected.
. The vehicle is on a steep hill or
grade.
. The driver door has been opened
or the driver seat belt has been
unbuckled.
. The hood has been opened.
. The Auto Stop has reached the
maximum allowed time.
Auto Stop Disable SwitchIf equipped, the automatic engine
Stop/Start feature can be disabled and
enabled by pressing the switch with
the
hsymbol. Auto Stop is enabled
each time you start the vehicle.
When
his illuminated, the system is
enabled.
Engine Heater
Vehicles with the engine heater can
use this option in cold weather
conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F) for
easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up. Plug
in the engine heater at least four
hours before starting your vehicle. An
internal thermostat in the plug-end of
the cord may exist which will prevent
engine heater operation at
temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord. The cord is
clipped to the diagonal brace on
the passenger side of the engine
compartment. Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do not
use it. See your dealer for a
replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or
an extension cord can damage the
cord and may result in overheating
and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected by
a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an electric
shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension cord
in good operating condition,
(Continued)

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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200 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the vehicle
and ignite. Do not park over papers,
leaves, dry grass, or other things
that can burn.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running,
be sure it will not move and there is
adequate ventilation.See
Shifting Into Park 0198 and Engine
Exhaust 0200.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
outside the vehicle, it will continue to
run for up to half an hour.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
inside the vehicle, it will continue to
run for up to an hour.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it
is parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is
taken out of P (Park) while it is
running.
Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if: . The vehicle idles in areas with
poor ventilation (parking
garages, tunnels, deep snow
that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
. The exhaust smells or sounds
strange or different.
. The exhaust system leaks due
to corrosion or damage.
. The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified, damaged,
or improperly repaired.
(Continued)