Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
220 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid—wheels are not
rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too
much speed or steering in a curve
causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by
taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
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 and V-Series
Blackwing)
Before any track event, there are three
features that should be turned off:
.Automatic Emergency Braking
(AEB). See Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB) 0306.
.Lane Keep Assist. See Lane Keep
Assist (LKA) 0312.
.Adaptive Cruise Control. See
Adaptive Cruise Control (Advanced)
0270.
{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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 227
that will increase the tire pressures by
35 kPa (5 psi). After this, immediately
let the tires cool to cold pressures.
Tire Inflation Pressure High Speed
SeeTire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation 0375.
Tire Inflation Pressure for Track
Driving
For driving on a race course, if the
vehicle is equipped with 275/35ZR19
(100Y) and 305/30ZR19 (102Y) tires,
set the cold (stationary) tire pressures
to 28 psi. During track sessions, set
the tire pressures at 35 to 38 psi for
hot tires. If pressures exceed 38 psi,
adjust the pressures down to 35 to
38 psi. Return the tires to the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressure when track driving has
ended.
Driving and Operating
{Warning
Operating the vehicle at high speeds
can be dangerous. Improper tire
inflation pressure can put (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
{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).
Custom Launch Control (If
Equipped)
Custom Launch Control allows the
following parameters for Launch
Control to be modified:
.Launch RPM
.Slip Target (5%–15%)
.Surface Type
To adjust the Launch RPM, all of
these conditions must be met:
.The vehicle must be in Track Mode.
See “Track Mode ”under Driver Mode
Control 0259.
.Performance Traction Management
(PTM) Mode must be enabled. See
Driver Mode Control 0259.
.The steering wheel must be straight.
.The driver door must be closed.
.The transmission must be in D
(Drive) or forward gear.
.The parking brake must not be
engaged.
For more information on Competitive
Driving Mode, see Competitive Driving
Mode 0265.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
228 DRIVING AND OPERATING
1. Using the DIC buttons on the rightside of the steering wheel, navigate
to the Launch Control menu. See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0116 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0119.
2. Press SEL to select Custom.
3. Scroll down to Launch RPM.
4. Adjust the desired RPM: 2000–4000 RPM for manual
transmissions and 1000–2400 for
automatic.
Manual Transmission
5. Set Slip Target to custom desired setting.
.Manual Trans: Apply full
throttle to activate Launch
Control and quickly release the
clutch pedal to launch the
vehicle.
Automatic Transmission
.Auto Trans: Firmly press and
hold the brake pedal to activate
Launch Control.
6. Auto Trans Only - Quickly applyfull throttle. Release the brake
pedal to launch the vehicle.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
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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
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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 233
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 0258.
{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
0396.
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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
also reduce stopping
performance, damage the tires,
and shorten the life of the
vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information
Label
Label Example
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
238 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
Rear end spoilers may break under
pressure, resulting in property
damage or injury. Do not push the
vehicle by the spoiler or use the
spoiler as a handle.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless
ignition with pushbutton start.
The Remote Key must be in the
vehicle for the system to operate.
If the pushbutton start is not working,
the vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference tothe Keyless Access system. See
Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
0 7.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
must be on and the brake pedal must
be applied.
Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Lights) : When the vehicle
is stopped, press ENGINE START/
STOP once to turn the engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0243.
If the vehicle has an automatic
transmission, and is not in P (Park),
the ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display a message in
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
When the vehicle is shifted into
P (Park), the ignition system will
turn OFF.
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission and is stationary, the
ignition will turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See
Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0243.
The vehicle may have an electric
steering column lock. The lock is
activated when the vehicle is switched
to OFF and the driver door is opened.
A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering
column lock may not release with the
wheels turned off center. If this
happens, the vehicle may not start.
Move the steering wheel from left to
right while attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work, the
vehicle needs service.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake and
steering systems and disable the
airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes
repeatedly. This may deplete power
assist, requiring increased brake
pedal force.