Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
222 DRIVING AND OPERATING
fluid after the first racing or
competitive driving event, and then
after every 24 hours of racing or
competitive driving. See your dealer
for the correct fluid.
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.
.The axle lubricant should be
replaced with new lubricant.
.On vehicles without a differential
cooler, additional cooling capacity is
required for continuous competitive
driving. The V-Series Blackwing has
a differential cooler, so no
additional cooling capacity is
necessary.
Engine OilCaution
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 0336.
Check the oil level often during track
events and competitive driving, and
keep the oil level at or near the upper
mark. See “Checking the Engine Oil" in
Engine Oil 0336.
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 0317.
Automatic or Manual
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 the
dealer.
Brakes
Battery Disconnect
Disconnect the battery before
servicing the hydraulic brake system.
It is critical to disconnect the battery
before bleeding the system, replacing
the pads, or any other work. The
battery must be disconnected to
prevent the brake master cylinder
from pressurizing the hydraulic
system during its automated self
diagnostic tests that may occur when
a door is opened or the remote key is
present.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 223
{Warning
To avoid personal injury and/or
vehicle damage, always disconnect
the battery before performing
service work on the hydraulic brake
system. Bleeding the brake system
with the battery connected can lead
to excessive pressurization of the
system during automatic diagnostic
tests or diagnosis of a leak or air in
the braking system. A Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) may set and
vehicle speed may be limited.
Brake Cooling (V-Series Blackwing)
Prior to any track event, high speed
driving event, or competitive driving,
complete the following: 1. Ensure all the brake cooling parts are correctly secured and installed.
2. Inspect and replace any deflectors that have damage.
3. Inspect for blockage in the front brake cooling duct prior to every
event.
4. Remove front tire deflector (if equipped). If improved brake cooling is desired
on vehicles with cast-iron brakes (RPO
JGH), install the ball joint protector
front shields, remove both upper and
lower rear rotor shields, and install
the rear lower control arm cooling
deflectors, per the instructions
included with the brake cooling kit.
These parts are for track use only.
After track events, reinstall the
original front and rear rotor shields
and remove the rear lower control arm
cooling deflectors.
Right Side Front Shown, Left Side
Front Similar
1. Front Lower Control Arm Deflector
2. Remove –Front Tire Deflector
3. Front Brake Cooling Duct
Brake Pad Wear Sensors
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. Refer to Brake
Pad Life System (If Equipped) 0351.
If the sensors are not reinstalled after
the track event, install brake pad wear
sensor plugs. See your dealer.
The V-Series Blackwing is equipped
with brake pad wear sensors which are
track capable and should not be
disabled for track and racing.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 225
Stage 2 :The DIC displays a Brakes
Overheated Service Now message, a
chime sounds, and brake pedal effort
and travel is further increased. This
code indicates that the brake fluid
temperature is excessive and is about
to boil. The system limits vehicle
speed to 100 km/h (62 mph). The
driver should immediately start a cool
down lap if on the track. If this
message displays, the vehicle needs to
be serviced. The brake system needs
to cool down, and the brake fluid
must be immediately flushed with
DOT 4 for street use, or to a qualified
DOT 4 race fluid for track use. Boiled
brake fluid is compromised and must
be replaced.
Brake Burnishing
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 0236.
Caution
Brake pedal fade will occur during
any 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 performed as instructed, these
procedures 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.
Perform these procedures in a safe
manner and in compliance with all
local and state ordinances/laws
regarding motor vehicle operation.
Perform the procedures only on dry
pavement.
As with all high performance brake
systems, some amount of brake squeal
is normal.
Street High Performance Brake
Burnishing Procedure
This section is for the V-Series
Blackwing with J57 carbon ceramic
brake rotors only.
This procedure should only be run on
a track or other non-public area, and
only on dry pavement.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
226 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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. From a stop, accelerate as rapidly as possible without activating
traction control to a speed of 100
km/h (60 mph).
2. Using the G-Force Gauge in the HUD display, use enough pedal
force to completely stop the vehicle
in four to five seconds. (~0.7g Decel
level to stop the vehicle in a
straight line). If ABS activates,
braking is too hard.
3. Repeat the first two steps 20 consecutive times, this should take
about five minutes.
4. After completing the 20 stops, cool the brakes by driving for 8 km
(5 mi) at 100 km/h (60 mph). Alternative Closed Course Brake
Burnishing Procedure
This brake burnish procedure should
only be run on vehicles with a factory
equipped brake system.
This procedure should only be run on
a track and only on dry pavement.
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. Start track lapping at lower speeds and lower braking efforts for
three minutes of driving. Allow for
increased braking distances due to
reduced brake output.
2. After Step 1, increase speed and braking effort for the next six
minutes of lapping, gradually
ending up at 90% effort. Continue
to allow for increased braking
distance due to reduced brake
output.
3. Cool the brakes by lapping with minimal light braking for six
minutes.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment suggested specs for
track use:
Road Course (V-Series)
.Front: -2.0 deg camber, 0.2 deg
total toe
.Rear: -1.7 deg camber, 0.2 deg
total toe
Road Course (V-Series Blackwing)
.Front: -2.5 deg camber, 0.1 deg
total toe
.Rear: -1.5 deg camber, 0.1 deg
total toe
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.
To maximize tire life, drive 800 km
(500 mi) prior to racetrack driving or
complete the minimum track running
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 229
Line Lock (If Equipped)
{Warning
The vehicle may move unexpectedly
when using Line Lock, which could
cause injury to persons or property
located nearby. Only use Line Lock
on a closed track where there is a
large clear area around all sides of
the vehicle. Be ready to apply the
brakes immediately if the vehicle
begins to move. Do not use Line
Lock in an area that is accessible to
the public or where people or
property are located near the
vehicle.
Caution
Attempting to shift when the drive
wheels are spinning and do not
have traction may cause damage to
the transmission. Damage caused
by misuse of the vehicle is not
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do
not attempt to shift when the drive
wheels do not have traction.Line Lock allows for locking the front
brakes independently of the rear
brakes. This allows the rear tires to
spin when the throttle is applied.
To enter Line Lock, all of these
conditions must be met:
.The vehicle must be in Track Mode.
.Performance Traction Management
(PTM) Mode must be enabled.
.The steering wheel must be straight.
.The driver door must be closed.
.The vehicle must be in D (Drive) for
an automatic transmission or
1 (First) gear for a manual
transmission.
.The parking brake must not be
engaged.
.The vehicle must be stopped on
level ground. The accelerator pedal
must not be applied.
1. Using the DIC buttons on the right
side of the steering wheel, navigate
to the Line Lock menu within
Launch Control. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0 116 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0119.
2. Press the brake pedal firmly to
move the bar graph to 100%.
3. Release the brake pedal.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
230 DRIVING AND OPERATING
4. There are 15 seconds to completethe burnout and exit.
5. To release the brakes and roll out,
press
*and SEL at the same time.
If the burnout is not completed in
15 seconds, torque will be reduced to
idle, the parking brake will be applied,
Line Lock releases, and Custom
Launch Control will be disabled. Ensure the parking brake is
disengaged to re-enter Launch
Control.
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.
{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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Caution
Driving through deep puddles or
standing water can cause water to
come in through the engine air
intake and damage the engine.
If deep puddles or standing water
cannot be avoided, proceed with
caution and do not exceed 8 km/h
(5 mph). Do not drive through
water that may come close to or
cover the vehicle’s underbody.
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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 231
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. SeeTires0367.
.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.
.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
Caution
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear
snow and ice from inside the
wheels and underneath the vehicle
before driving.
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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
232 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control0258.
.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) 0255.
See Driver Mode Control 0259.
.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 0435. 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.
(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 0245.
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.