2021 CADILLAC CT4 Owner's Manual

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
208 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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.
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 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 wheelspeed wires visible to the brake disc
be protected with insulated thermal
wrapping.
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 Pad Wear Sensors
(V-Series Only)
If equipped, the brake pad wear
sensors need to be removed from the
brake calipers prior to any track or
racing event. The original sensors can
be reinstalled if significant brake pad
wear is not observed. The sensor
should not extend beyond the brake
pad surface at the rotor contact.
If this condition is observed, the brake
pad life system needs to be disabled
until a new set of brake pads and
sensors are installed and the system
reset. Brake Fluid
.Before racing, replace existing brake
fluid with a qualified racing brake
fluid from a sealed container. Brake
fluid with a dry boiling point
>279 °C (534 °F) is qualified.
If racing brake fluid is used, replace
it with GM approved brake fluid
before driving on public roads. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0
391.
.Do not use silicone-based fluids.
If racing brake fluid is in the vehicle
and the age of the brake fluid is over a
month old or unknown, replace the
brake fluid between racing/closed
track driving.
Caution
Failure to change the brake fluid
and transfer case fluid after any
performance or race track driving
could result in damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty. Have the
brake fluid and transfer case fluid
changed by your dealer after any (Continued)

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 209
Caution (Continued)
performance or race track driving.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0391.
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.
The Brake Fade Warning Assist
system is designed for use with the
factory-installed brake pads or
GM-approved replacement pads. If the
brake pads on the vehicle need to be
replaced, use GM-approved brake
pads. If this is not done, the brake
fade warning system may not function
properly.
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
For vehicles equipped with front
Brembo brake systems:
Performance/racing brake pads are
required prior to racing or closed track
driving. Vehicles with option code JE2
have performance brake pads.
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or other competitive
driving.
These procedures are specific to the
V-Series brake package. This
procedure should not be performed on
other models as damage may result.
Caution
Performing the brake burnish
procedure on a base brake system
can result in brake damage.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnish
procedure, otherwise damage may
occur to the powertrain/engine. See
New Vehicle Break-In 0218.
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.
When this procedure is performed as
instructed, it will not damage the
brakes. The brake pads will smoke and
produce an odor. The braking force

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
210 DRIVING AND OPERATING
and pedal travel may increase. After
the procedure, the brake pads may
appear white at the rotor contact.
Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding motor
vehicle operation.
Brake Burnish Procedure1. 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. 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.
To maximize tire life, drive 800 km
(500 mi) prior to racetrack 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
(Continued)

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 211
Warning (Continued)
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.
{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).
Tire Inflation Pressure for Road/
Street Courses
(e.g., Virginia International Raceway,
Road Atlanta, or similar)
Inflate tires to a minimum of 240 kPa
(35 psi) cold.
For continuous road/street course use,
hot tire inflation pressure may be
adjusted to a minimum of 270 kPa
(39 psi).
Return the tires to the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure when
high-speed driving has ended. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0214 and
Tire Pressure 0346.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop
and accelerate. Always drive slower in
these types of driving conditions and
avoid driving through large puddles
and deep-standing or flowing water.

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
212 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{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 enoughand 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
Tires0339.
.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.
{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.

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 213
.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
Control0239.
.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) 0236.
See Driver Mode Control 0241.
.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 0403. 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:
.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 0226.

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
214 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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. SeeTraction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0239.
{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,
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 Vehicle
0369.
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.
(Continued)

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 215
Warning (Continued)
This could cause loss of control
and a crash. Overloading can
also reduce stopping
performance, 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 0339 and
Tire Pressure 0346.
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 never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your
vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)