Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 153
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
(V-Series Only)
{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.
{Warning
Prior to each track event and again
before returning to public roads,
tighten the wheel nuts with a
torque wrench to the proper torque
specification. Wheel nuts that are
improperly or incorrectly tightened
can cause the wheels to become
loose or come off, resulting in a
crash. See Capacities and
Specifications 0321 for wheel nut
torque specifications.
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 Oil 0246.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
154 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Axle Fluid
Axles must have 2400 km (1500 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. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0317.
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
Check the oil level often during track
events and competitive driving and
keep the oil level at or near the
upper mark.
Fuel
Use premium unleaded gasoline with
a posted octane rating of 93 at a track
event. Unleaded gasoline with a
posted octane rating of 91 may be
used, but performance will be
degraded. See Prohibited Fuels 0227.
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.
Brakes
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 and wheel
speed sensor wires visible to the brake
disc be protected with insulated
thermal wrapping.
Check the fluid level before each
competitive driving event.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 155
Brake Fade Warning Assist
The Brake Fade Warning Assist
system monitors the performance of
the brake system. If the system
detects brake fade, or if the brake
fluid is near the boiling point, the
driver will be alerted.
Stage 1 :The Driver Information
Center (DIC) displays a “Reduce
Braking to Avoid Overheating”
message and brake pedal effort and
travel is increased. When the message
displays, the driver should decrease
brake pedal pressure.
Stage 2 : The Driver Information
Center (DIC) displays a “Brakes
Overheated Service Now ”message that
the brake fluid temperature is
excessive and is about to boil. The
system increases brake pedal effort
and travel, and will also limit vehicle
speed. The driver should immediately
start a cool down lap if on the track.
If this message displays, take the
vehicle to be serviced at your dealer. Brake Burnishing (V-Series)
To prepare the V-Series brake system
for track events and racing, complete
the appropriate high performance
brake burnishing procedure described
below.
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or other competitive
driving.
Caution
These procedures are specific to the
V-Series with performance brake
linings 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 0163. 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.
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 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
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
156 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 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
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. As with all high performance brake
systems, some amount of brake squeal
is normal.
Wheel Alignment
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
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.
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
condition, and use the correct cold
tire inflation pressure for the
vehicle load and track/course.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop
and accelerate. Always drive slower in
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 157
these types of driving conditions and
avoid driving through large puddles
and deep-standing or flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick
stop and could cause pulling to one
side. You could lose control of the
vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle
of water or a car/vehicle wash,
lightly apply the brake pedal until
the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can
build up under the vehicle's tires so
they actually ride on the water. This
can happen if the road is wet enough
and you are going fast enough. When
the vehicle is hydroplaning, it has
little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping equipment
in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper tread
depth. See Tires0272.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving on
flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle
on a long downhill slope can cause
brake overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a
loss of braking. Shift the
transmission to a lower gear to let
the engine assist the brakes on a
steep downhill slope.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
158 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or
with the ignition off is dangerous.
This can cause overheating of the
brakes and loss of steering assist.
Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills; something
could be in your lane (e.g., stalled
car, crash).
. Pay attention to special road signs
(e.g., falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and the
road creates less traction or grip, so
drive carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when freezing rain
begins to fall. Avoid driving on wet ice
or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated.
For slippery road driving:
.
Accelerate gently. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0183.
. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops, but the brakes should
be applied sooner than when on
dry pavement. See Antilock Brake
System (ABS) 0180.
See Driver Mode Control 0185.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas. The
surface of a curve or an overpass
can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid
sudden steering maneuvers and
braking while on ice. .
Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use Roadside Service. See Roadside
Service 0328. To get help and keep
everyone in the vehicle safe:
. 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:
(Continued)
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 159
Warning (Continued)
.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.
. 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 0172.
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 0183.
{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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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,
spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release
the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in
gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing the Vehicle0295.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
160 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can carry.
This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the
weight of all occupants, cargo, and
all nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it may
properly carry: the Tire and
Loading Information label and the
Certification label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or
rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change
the way the vehicle handles.
This could cause loss of control
and a crash. Overloading can
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
also reduce stopping distance,
damage the tires, and shorten
the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information
Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle's center
pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and
Loading Information label shows
the number of occupant seating positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.
The Tire and Loading Information
label also shows the tire size of
the original equipment tires (3)
and the recommended cold tire
inflation pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation
see
Tires 0272 and
Tire Pressure 0279.
There is also important loading
information on the Certification
label. It may show the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for the front and rear
axle. See “Certification Label” later
in this section.
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit–
1.Locate the statement "The
combined weight of
occupants and cargo should