Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
214 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Off-Road Driving
All-Wheel Drive vehicles can be used
for off-road driving. Vehicles without
All-Wheel Drive and vehicles not
equipped with All Terrain (AT) or
On-Off Road (OOR) tires must not be
driven off-road except on a level, solid
surface. To contact the tire
manufacturer for more information
about the original equipment tires, see
the Limited Warranty and Owner
Assistance Information manual.
Controlling the vehicle is the key to
successful off-road driving. One of the
best ways to control the vehicle is to
control the speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction can
easily throw you out of position.
This could cause you to lose control
and crash. You and your passengers
should always wear seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.Have all necessary maintenance and
service work completed.
.Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels, and
check inflation pressure in all tires,
including the spare, if equipped.
.Read all the information about
All-Wheel Drive vehicles in this
manual.
.Make sure all underbody shields,
if equipped, are properly attached.
.Know the local laws that apply to
off-road driving.
To gain more ground clearance if
needed, it may be necessary to remove
the front fascia lower air dam.
However, driving without the air dam
reduces fuel economy.
Caution
Operating the vehicle for extended
periods without the front fascia
lower air dam installed can cause
improper airf low to the engine.
Reattach the front fascia air dam
after off-road driving.
Loading the Vehicle for Off-Road
Driving
{Warning
.Unsecured cargo on the load
floor can be tossed about when
driving over rough terrain. You or
your passengers can be struck by
flying objects. Secure the cargo
properly.
.Keep cargo in the cargo area as
far forward and as low as
possible. The heaviest things
should be on the floor, forward
of the rear axle.
.Heavy loads on the roof raise the
vehicle's center of gravity,
making it more likely to roll over.
You can be seriously or fatally
injured if the vehicle rolls over.
Put heavy loads inside the cargo
area, not on the roof.
For more information about loading
the vehicle, see Vehicle Load Limits
0 220.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
344 VEHICLE CARE
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider
an alignment check if there is unusual
tire wear or the vehicle is significantly
pulling to one side or the other. Some
slight pull to the left or right,
depending on the crown of the road
and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal.
If the vehicle is vibrating when driving
on a smooth road, the tires and
wheels may need to be rebalanced.
See your dealer for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nutsshould be replaced. If the wheel leaks
air, replace it. Some aluminum wheels
can be repaired. See your dealer if any
of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter,
width, offset, and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) sensors with new GM original
equipment parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel nuts
can be dangerous. It could affect
the braking and handling of the
vehicle. Tires can lose air, and
cause loss of control, causing a
crash. Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or odometer
calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance,
and tire or tire chain clearance to
the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one
is dangerous. How it has been used
or how far it has been driven may
be unknown. It could fail suddenly
and cause a crash. When replacing
wheels, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has 235/55R20 size
tires, do not use tire chains. There
is not enough clearance. Tire chains
(Continued)
