Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
VEHICLE CARE 385
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half
(1½) times as well on the
government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences
in road characteristics and
climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest
to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled
conditions on specifiedgovernment test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance. Warning: The
traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing
the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability
to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade
for this tire is established for a tire
that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
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
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
386 VEHICLE CARE
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 nuts
should 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
Do not use tire chains. There is not
enough clearance. Tire chains used
on a vehicle without the proper
amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension,
or other vehicle parts. The area
damaged by the tire chains could
cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction device
only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's tire
size combination and road
conditions. Follow that(Continued)
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
VEHICLE CARE 387
Warning (Continued)
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive slowly
and readjust or remove the traction
device if it contacts the vehicle. Do
not spin the wheels. If traction
devices are used, install them on
the rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires are
maintained properly. If air goes out of
a tire, it is much more likely to leak
out slowly. SeeTires0367 for
additional information. But if there
ever is a blowout, here are a few tips
about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates
a drag that pulls the vehicle toward
that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering
wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane
position, and then gently brake to a
stop, well off the road, if possible. A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and may
require the same correction as used in
a skid. Stop pressing the accelerator
pedal and steer to straighten the
vehicle. It may be very bumpy and
noisy. Gently brake to a stop, well off
the road, if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash. Never
attempt to re-inflate a tire that has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat. Have your
dealer or an authorized tire service
center repair or replace the flat tire
as soon as possible.
If the vehicle has run-flat tires, there
is no need to stop on the side of the
road to change a flat tire. See Run-Flat
Tires 0368.
{Warning
Special tools and procedures are
required to service a run-flat tire.
If these special tools and
procedures are not used, injury or
vehicle damage may occur. Always
be sure the proper tools and
procedures, as described in the
service manual, are used.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard Warning
Flashers 0138.
The vehicle has no spare tire, no tire
changing equipment, and no place to
store a tire.
If the vehicle has self-sealing tires, see
Self-Sealing Tires 0369. Tread
punctures typically will not cause tires
to lose air. However, if the vehicle
does get a flat tire, there is no spare
tire, tire changing equipment, or place
to store a tire. Contact Roadside
Service for help.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
396 VEHICLE CARE
Warning (Continued)
Battery fluid contains acid that can
burn you. Do not get it on you.
If you accidentally get it in your
eyes or on your skin, flush the place
with water and get medical help
immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts
can injure you badly. Keep your
hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the remote
positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the good battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) terminal of the good
battery. Do not let the other end touch
anything until the next step. The
other end of the negative (–) cable
does not go to the dead battery.
It goes to a heavy, unpainted metal
engine part.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) grounding point for the
discharged battery.
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run the
engine at idle speed for at least
four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start
after a few tries, it probably needs
service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected
or removed in the wrong order,
electrical shorting may occur and
damage the vehicle. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always connect and
remove the jumper cables in the
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
correct order, making sure that the
cables do not touch each other or
other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it
to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly transporting a disabled
vehicle may cause damage to the
vehicle. Use proper tire straps to
secure the vehicle to the flatbed
tow truck. Do not strap or hook to
any frame, underbody,
or suspension component not
specified below. Do not move
vehicles with drive axle tires on the
ground. Damage is not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
VEHICLE CARE 397
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with
an electric parking brake and/or an
electronic shifter. In the event of a
loss of 12-volt battery power, the
electric parking brake cannot be
released, and the vehicle cannot be
shifted to N (Neutral). Tire skates
or dollies must be used under the
non-rolling tires to prevent damage
while loading/unloading the vehicle.
Dragging the vehicle will cause
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with a
tow eye. Improper use of the tow
eye may cause damage to the
vehicle and is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. If equipped, use
the tow eye to load the vehicle onto
a flatbed tow truck from a flat road
surface, or to move the vehicle a
very short distance at a walking
pace. The tow eye is not designed(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
for off-road recovery. The vehicle
must be in N (Neutral) with the
electric parking brake released
when using the tow eye.
Contact a professional towing service
if the disabled vehicle must be
transported. GM recommends a
flatbed tow truck to transport a
disabled vehicle. Use ramps to help
reduce approach angles, if necessary.
If equipped, a tow eye may be located
near the spare tire or emergency jack.
Do not use the tow eye to pull the
vehicle from the snow, mud, sand,
or ditch. Tow eye threads may have
right or left-hand threads. Use caution
when installing or removing the
tow eye. The vehicle must be in N (Neutral)
and the electric parking brake must be
released when loading the vehicle
onto a flatbed tow truck.
.If the vehicle is equipped with car
wash mode and has 12-volt battery
power, refer to
“Car Wash Mode ”
under Automatic Transmission 0246
to place the vehicle in N (Neutral).
.If the 12-volt battery is dead and/or
the engine will not start, the vehicle
will not move. Try to jump start the
vehicle. Refer to Jump Starting -
North America 0394 and if the
jump start is successful, retry the
“Car Wash Mode ”procedure.
.If jump starting is unsuccessful, the
vehicle will not move. Tire skates or
dollies must be used under the
non-rolling tires to prevent vehicle
damage.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
VEHICLE CARE 399
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Caution
Dolly towing or dinghy towing the
vehicle may cause damage because
of reduced ground clearance.
Always put the vehicle on a flatbed
truck or trailer.
The vehicle was neither designed nor
intended to be towed with any of its
wheels on the ground. If the vehicle
must be towed, see Towing the Vehicle
0 396.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
necessary, and have the locks greased
after using. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0420.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they
can damage the vehicle's paint,
metal, or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Approved
cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes
closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the
surface of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 8 274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals. Automatic Car Wash
Caution
Automatic car washes can cause
damage to the vehicle, wheels,
ground effects, and convertible top
(if equipped).
Do not use automatic car washes
due to lack of clearance for the
undercarriage, wide rear tires, and
wheels.
Caution
To avoid damage to a matte paint
finish, do not use an automatic car
wash equipped with brushes or
scrubbers. Only use touchless
automatic car washes.
If using an automatic car wash, follow
the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
402 VEHICLE CARE
Shutter System
The vehicle may have a shutter
system designed to help improve fuel
economy. Always keep the shutter
system clear of debris, snow and ice.
If the check engine light is activated,
please check to see if the shutter
system is clear of debris, snow or ice.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber wiper blades using a
lint-free cloth or paper towel soaked
with windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshieldthoroughly when cleaning the blades.
Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may
cause wiper streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty conditions,
sand, salt, heat, sun, snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry climates
may require more frequent
application. Black marks from rubber
material on painted surfaces can be
removed by rubbing with a clean
cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0420.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may
damage the paint finish and/or
tires. When applying a tire dressing,
always wipe off any overspray from
all painted surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap
and water to clean the wheels. After
rinsing thoroughly with clean water,
dry with a soft, clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel
trim may be damaged if the vehicle
is not washed after driving on roads
that have been sprayed with
magnesium chloride or calcium
chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust control.
Always wash the chrome with soap
and water after exposure.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 409
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Special Application Services
Special Application Services . . . . . 417
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 420
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . 423
General Information
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes the
required maintenance for the vehicle.
Follow this schedule to help protect
against major repair expenses
resulting from neglect or inadequate
maintenance. It may also help to
maintain the value of the vehicle if it
is sold. It is the responsibility of the
owner to have all required
maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up-to-date tools and equipment for
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online scheduling
to assist with service needs.
Your dealer recognizes the importance
of providing competitively priced
maintenance and repair services. With trained technicians, the dealer is the
place for routine maintenance such as
oil changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Maintenance
intervals, checks, inspections,
recommended fluids, and lubricants
are important to keep the vehicle in
good working condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that
are not approved by GM performed
on the vehicle. The use of flushes,
solvents, cleaners, or lubricants that
are not approved by GM could
damage the vehicle, requiring
expensive repairs that are not
covered by the vehicle warranty.