Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
234 Driving and Operating
Driving
Information
Driving for Better
Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel
economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to
the desired temperature
after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not
required.
.Avoid fast starts and
accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid
abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for
long periods of time.
.When road and weather
conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed
limits or drive more slowly
when conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires
with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the
tire's sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended
scheduled maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many
forms and can take your focus
from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and
do not let other activities
divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted
laws regarding driver
distraction. Become familiar
with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving,
keep your eyes on the road,
keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your
attention on driving.
.Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat
passenger to handle
potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such
as programming favorite
radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat
settings. Program all trip
information into any
navigation device prior to
driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is
parked to retrieve items that
have fallen to the floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to
tend to children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
236 Driving and Operating
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a
second. In that time, a vehicle
moving at 100 km/h (60 mph)
travels 20 m (66 ft), which
could be a lot of distance in an
emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in
mind include:
.Keep enough distance
between you and the vehicle
in front of you.
.Avoid needless heavy
braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops or a
brake fault occurs, the brakes
may lose power assist. More
effort will be required to stop
the vehicle and it can take
longer to stop.
Steering
Caution
To avoid damage to the
steering system, do not
drive over curbs, parking
barriers, or similar objects at
speeds greater than 3 km/h
(1 mph). Use care when
driving over other objects
such as lane dividers and
speed bumps. Damage
caused by misuse of the
vehicle is not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle is equipped with
an electric power steering
system, which reduces the
amount of effort needed to
steer the vehicle. It does not
have power steering fluid.
Regular maintenance is not
required.
If the vehicle experiences a
system malfunction and loses
power steering, greater
steering effort may be
required. Power steering
assist also may be reduced if
you turn the steering wheel as
far as it can turn and hold it
there with force for an
extended period of time.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
.Reduce speed before
entering a curve.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 239
Warning (Continued)
perform these procedures
properly could cause
malfunction, potentially
resulting in death, personal
injury, or damage to the
vehicle or property. Do not
attempt to perform these
adjustments or procedures
unless properly qualified.
{Warning
Prior to each track event
and again before returning
to public roads, tighten the
wheel nuts with a torque
wrench to the proper torque
specification. Wheel nuts
that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can
cause the wheels to become
loose or come off, resulting
in a crash. See Capacities
and Specifications0480 for
wheel nut torque
specifications.
Caution
Low oil levels can damage
the engine. If using the
vehicle for competitive
driving, the engine may use
more oil than it would with
normal use. Check the oil
level often during
competitive driving.
Competitive Driving Mode can
be selected. See Driver Mode
Control 0292.
Seat Belts
Lap-Shoulder Belt
If equipped, the driver seat
belt has an Automatic Locking
Retractor (ALR). This feature
is useful in performance
driving scenarios where the
driver wants to be held in the
seat more tightly to take
advantage of the aggressive
bolstering of the seat.
1. Move the seat 8-10 cm (3-4 in) rearward from the
normal driving position. 2. Pull the driver shoulder
belt out as far as it will go,
until it stops, to set the
lock. While holding the
shoulder belt in this
position, buckle the belt.
When the shoulder belt is
released, the retractor will
make a ratchet sound
when it retracts. When the
retractor lock is set, the
belt can be tightened but
not pulled out of the
retractor.
3. Adjust the belt, and then move the seat forward
8-10 cm (3-4 in) to the
desired driving position.
This will secure the belt.
The belt fit should be tight,
but not uncomfortable.
To unlatch the belt, press
the button on the buckle.
The belt should return to
its stowed position.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
240 Driving and Operating
Axle Fluid
Axles must have 2 400 km
(1,500 mi) before being used in
track driving.
The rear axle fluid
temperatures may be higher
than when driving in severe
conditions. Drain and refill with
new 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 0378.
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 0378.
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 0355.
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
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
244 Driving and Operating
Caution
The new vehicle break-in
period should be completed
before performing the brake
burnish procedure,
otherwise damage may
occur to the powertrain/
engine. See New Vehicle
Break-In0259.
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.
When this procedure is
performed as instructed, it will
not damage the brakes. The
brake pads will 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. 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.
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.
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.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
252 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
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 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(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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.
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. See Tires 0413.
.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, and cooling
system.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 253
.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 IceCaution
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.
.Turn on Traction Control.
See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control
0
290.
.The 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) 0286.
.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
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
254 Driving and Operating
are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and
braking while on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
.Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Mode for vehicles equipped
with AWD. Select Snow/Ice
Mode for FWD only vehicles.
See Driver Mode Control
0292 and
All-Wheel Drive 0286.
Cold Weather Mode
In very low temperatures, a
cold weather message may
display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The
engine speed, transmission
shift patterns, and cabin fan
speed may operate differently
to enable the vehicle to warm
up quicker. You can manually
override the cabin fan speed in
cold weather mode.
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 Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0
487. 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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.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.
.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
0 271.
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