
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
VEHICLE CARE 351
V-Series Blackwing Brake
Burnish Procedure for Corrosion
Cleanup
Corrosion spotting and grooving on
the brake rotor surface may appear
after the vehicle sits for an extended
period of time, especially in high
humidity. This corrosion may result in
brake pulsation and noise. To help
restore optimal braking performance
and reduce noise, complete the
following procedure:
Caution
Performing the brake burnish
procedure on a base brake system
can result in brake damage.
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.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnishing (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
procedure or damage may occur to
the powertrain/engine. See New
Vehicle Break-In 0236.
Caution
Brake fade can occur during this
burnish procedure and can cause
brake pedal travel and force to
increase. This could extend
stopping distance until the brakes
are fully burnished.
Completing the following procedure as
instructed will not damage the brakes.
The brake pads may smoke and
produce an odor. The braking force
and pedal travel may increase. After
the procedure, the brake pads may
appear white at the rotor contact. 1. Using the G-Force Gauge in the HUD display, apply the brakes 10
times starting at 100 km/h
(60 mph) to 50 km/h (30 mph)
while decelerating at 0.4g.
SeeHead-Up Display (HUD) 0122. This is a medium brake application.
Drive for at least 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
between applying the brakes.
2. If further cleanup of the brake discs is needed, repeat this
procedure with 0.7g applications.
As with all high performance brake
systems, some amount of brake squeal
is normal.
Brake Pad Life System (If
Equipped)
When to Change Brake Pads
If equipped, this system estimates the
remaining life of the front and rear
brake pads. Brake Pad Life is displayed
in the Driver Information Center
(DIC), along with a percentage for
each axle. The system must be reset
every time the brake pads are
changed.
When the system has determined that
the brake pads need to be replaced, a
message displays, which may include
mileage remaining.
Brake pads should always be replaced
as complete axle sets.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
352 VEHICLE CARE
How to Reset the Brake Pad Life
System
The system will automatically detect
when significantly worn brake pads
are replaced. When the ignition is
turned on after new pads and wear
sensors are installed, a message will
display. Follow the prompts to reset
the system.
The brake pad life system can also be
manually reset:1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0116 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0119.
2. Select the Brake Pad Life menu.
3. Select front or rear pads as appropriate.
4. Select YES on the confirmation message. Repeat for the pads on
the other axle if they were also
replaced.
How to Disable the Brake Pad
Life System
The brake pad life system can be
turned off. This may be necessary if
aftermarket brake pads without wear
sensors are installed. When the
system is turned off, the front and
rear brake pad life percentages will
not display. However, the built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn can still determine when the
pads should be replaced. See Brakes
0 349.
To turn off the brake pad life system: 1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0116 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0119.
2. Select the Brake Pad Life menu.
3. Select DISABLE.
To turn the brake pad life system back
on, follow the above steps but select
ENABLE in Step 2.
Brake Pad Sensor System
(V-Series Blackwing)
The V-Series Blackwing has electronic
brake pad wear sensors, when the
brake pads need to be replaced, a
message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
When the message displays, install
new brake pads and brake pad wear
sensors on the vehicle.
When the ignition is turned on after
new brake pads and brake pad wear
sensors are installed, the message
should no longer display.
The brake pad sensor system can only
be reset by replacing the brake pads
and brake pad wear sensors.
Brake Fluid

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
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VEHICLE CARE 353
The brake/clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with GM approved
DOT 4 brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview 0331 for the location of the
reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
Place the vehicle in P (Park) or
Neutral with the parking brake applied
if equipped with a manual
transmission. On a level surface, the
brake fluid level should be between
the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the fluid
level goes back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake/clutch
hydraulic system. Have the brake/
clutch hydraulic system fixed. With
a leak, the brakes will not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir
cap and the area around the cap
before removing it. Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are installed.
Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake/
clutch hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You or
others could be burned, and the
vehicle could be damaged. Add
brake fluid only when work is done
on the brake/clutch hydraulic
system.
When the brake/clutch fluid falls to a
low level, the brake warning light
comes on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0108.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid at
the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0410. What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake
fluid from a clean, sealed container.
See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0420.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the paint
finish can be damaged. Immediately
wash off any painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the
cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
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replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement
windshield must be installed
according to GM specifications for
proper alignment. If it is not, these
systems may not work properly, they
may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for
proper windshield replacement.
Acoustic Windshield
The vehicle is equipped with an
acoustic windshield. If the windshield
needs to be replaced be sure to get an
acoustic windshield so you will
continue to have the benefits an
acoustic windshield can provide.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas
strut(s) to provide assistance in lifting
and holding open the hood/trunk/
liftgate system in full open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the
hood, trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you
or others could be seriously injured.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Take the vehicle to your dealer for
service immediately. Visually
inspect the gas struts for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage
periodically. Check to make sure the
hood/trunk/liftgate is held open
with enough force. If struts are
failing to hold the hood/trunk/
liftgate, do not operate. Have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any
objects from gas struts. Also do not
push down or pull on gas struts.
This may cause damage to the
vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0410.
Hood
Trunk

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
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VEHICLE CARE 369
When driving on a deflated run-flat
tire, avoid potholes and other road
hazards that could damage the tire
and/or wheel beyond repair. When a
tire has been damaged, or if driven
any distance while deflated, check
with an authorized run-flat tire
service center to determine whether
the tire can be repaired or should be
replaced. To maintain the run-flat
feature, all replacement tires must be
run-flat tires.
To locate the nearest GM or run-flat
servicing facility, call Customer
Assistance.
Self-Sealing Tires
This vehicle may have self-sealing
tires. These tires have a material
inside that can seal punctures from
common road hazards, such as nails
and screws, in the tread area. The tire
may lose air pressure if the sidewall is
damaged or the tread puncture is too
large. If the Tire Pressure Monitor
System indicates the tire pressure is
low, inspect the tire for damage and
inflate it to the recommended
pressure. If the tire is unable to
maintain the recommended pressure,contact the nearest authorized GM
servicing facility immediately for
inspection and repair or replacement.
To locate the nearest GM servicing
facility, call GM Customer Assistance.
Caution
Do not drive on a deflated
self-sealing tire as this could
damage the tire. Make sure the tire
is inflated to the recommended
pressure or have it immediately
repaired or replaced.
When tire replacement is needed
replace with a self-sealing tire,
because the vehicle does not come
with a spare tire or tire changing
equipment.
Low-Profile Tires
If the vehicle has 245/45R18 96V,
245/40R19 94V, 245/40ZR19 94Y,
255/35ZR20 97W, 275/35ZR19
(100Y), or 305/30ZR19 (102Y) size
tires, they are classified as
low-profile tires. Caution
Low-profile tires are more
susceptible to damage from road
hazards or curb impact than
standard profile tires. Tire and/or
wheel assembly damage can occur
when coming into contact with
road hazards like potholes, or sharp
edged objects, or when sliding into
a curb. The warranty does not cover
this type of damage. Keep tires set
to the correct inflation pressure and
when possible, avoid contact with
curbs, potholes, and other road
hazards.
Summer Tires
High Performance Summer Tires
This vehicle may come with may
come with 245/40ZR19 94Y,
275/35ZR19 (100Y), or 305/30ZR19
(102Y) high performance summer
tires. These tires have a special tread
and compound that are optimized for
maximum dry and wet road
performance. This special tread and
compound will have decreased
performance in cold climates, and on

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
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370 VEHICLE CARE
ice and snow. It is recommended that
winter tires be installed on the vehicle
if frequent driving at temperatures
below approximately 5 °C (40 °F) or on
ice or snow covered roads is expected.
SeeWinter Tires 0368.
Caution
High performance summer tires
have rubber compounds that lose
flexibility and may develop surface
cracks in the tread area at
temperatures below −7 °C (20 °F).
Always store high performance
summer tires indoors and at
temperatures above −7 °C (20 °F)
when not in use. If the tires have
been subjected to −7 °C (20 °F) or
less, let them warm up in a heated
space to at least 5 °C (40 °F) for
24 hours or more before being
installed or driving a vehicle on
which they are installed. Do not
apply heat or blow heated air
directly on the tires. Always inspect
tires before use. See Tire Inspection
0 380.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The
example shows a typical passenger
tire sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
(1) Tire Size:The tire size is a
combination of letters and
numbers used to define a
particular tire's width, height,
aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the
“Tire Size ”illustration later in this
section. (2) TPC Spec (Tire Performance
Criteria Specification)
:Original
equipment tires designed to GM's
specific tire performance criteria
have a TPC specification code
molded onto the sidewall. GM's
TPC specifications meet or exceed
all federal safety guidelines.
(3) DOT (Department of
Transportation)
:The
Department of Transportation
(DOT) code indicates that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
DOT Tire Date of Manufacture
:
The last four digits of the TIN
indicate the tire manufactured
date. The first two digits represent
the week and the last two digits,
the year. For example, the third
week of the year 2020 would have
a 4-digit DOT date of 0320. Week
01 is the first full week (Sunday
through Saturday) of each year.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
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VEHICLE CARE 371
(4) Tire Identification Number
(TIN)
:The letters and numbers
following the DOT code are the
Tire Identification Number (TIN).
The TIN shows the manufacturer
and plant code, tire size, and date
the tire was manufactured. The
TIN is molded onto both sides of
the tire, although only one side
may have the date of
manufacture.
(5) Tire Ply Material
:The type
of cord and number of plies in the
sidewall and under the tread.
(6) Uniform Tire Quality
Grading (UTQG)
:Tire
manufacturers are required to
grade tires based on three
performance factors: treadwear,
traction, and temperature
resistance. For more information,
see Uniform Tire Quality Grading
0 384. (7) Maximum Cold Inf lation
Load Limit
:Maximum load that
can be carried and the maximum
pressure needed to support
that load.
Tire Designations
Tire Size
The example shows a typical
passenger vehicle tire size.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
(1) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:
The United States version of a
metric tire sizing system. The
letter "P" as the first character in
the tire size means a passenger
vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire and
Rim Association. (2) Tire Width
:The 3-digit
number indicates the tire section
width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(3) Aspect Ratio
:A 2-digit
number that indicates the tire
height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect
ratio is 75, as shown in item (3) of
the illustration, it would mean
that the tire's sidewall is
75 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code
:A letter
code is used to indicate the type
of ply construction in the tire. The
letter "R" means radial ply
construction; the letter "D" means
diagonal or bias ply construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the tire.
The load index represents the load
carrying capacity a tire is certified

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
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VEHICLE CARE 373
Load Index:An assigned number
ranging from 1 to 279 that
corresponds to the load carrying
capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inf lation Pressure
:
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The load
rating for a tire at the maximum
permissible inflation pressure for
that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight
:The sum of curb weight,
accessory weight, vehicle capacity
weight, and production options
weight.
Normal Occupant Weight
:The
number of occupants a vehicle is
designed to seat multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb). See Vehicle Load
Limits 0233. Occupant Distribution
:
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears white
lettering, or bears manufacturer,
brand, and/or model name
molding that is higher or deeper
than the same moldings on the
other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:A tire
used on passenger cars and some
light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inf lation
Pressure
:Vehicle manufacturer's
recommended tire inflation
pressure as shown on the tire
placard. See Tire Pressure 0374
and
Vehicle Load Limits 0233. Radial Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the ply cords that extend
to the beads are laid at 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
Rim
:A metal support for a tire
and upon which the tire beads are
seated.
Sidewall
:The portion of a tire
between the tread and the bead.
Speed Rating
:An alphanumeric
code assigned to a tire indicating
the maximum speed at which a
tire can operate.
Traction
:The friction between
the tire and the road surface. The
amount of grip provided.
Tread
:The portion of a tire that
comes into contact with the road.
Treadwear Indicators
:Narrow
bands, sometimes called wear
bars, that show across the tread of
a tire when only 1.6 mm (1/16 in)
of tread remains. See When It Is
Time for New Tires 0382.