wiper blades CADILLAC CATERA 1997 1.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they’re frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen
or thaw them. If the blades do become
damaged, replace them with new blades.
Heavy
snow or ice can overload the wiper motor. A
circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools. Clear
away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
Windshield Washer
In freezing weather, don’t use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the windshield, blocking
your vision.
Pull and hold the washer
lever to wash the
windshield. Release the
lever when
you have
enough fluid. The wipers
will clear the windshield
and either stop or return to
your preset speed.
A telltale light on the instrument panel will be displayed
when the washer fluid reaches a low level. See “Low
Washer Fluid Warning Light” in the Index
for
more information.
Driving without washer fluid can be dangerous.
A bad
mud splash
can block your vision and you could hit
another vehicle or
go off the road. Check the washer
fluid level often.
2-34

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads.
And,
if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get
even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be
cautious
if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The
surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes
are
tuned for driving on dry pavement.
The heavier the rain, the harder it
is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape,
a heavy rain
can make it harder
to see road signs and traffic signals,
pavement markings, the edge
of the road and even
people walking.
It’s wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled with washer fluid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs
of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips
of rubber start to
separate from the inserts. Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through
some car washes can cause problems, too.
The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles.
But if you can’t, try to slow down before
you hit them.
4-18

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Catera dealerships all across North America. They’ll be
ready and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
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Windshield Washer Fluid: Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked
all levels?
Lumps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip.
Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a short
time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”?
Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it
highway hypnosis, lack
of awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road with
the same scenery, along with the hum
of the tires on the
road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind
against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it
happen to you!
If it does, your vehicle can leave the
road in
less than a second, and you could crash and
be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be
aware that
it can happen.
Then here
are some tips:
0 Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a
comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to
the sides. Check your rearview mirrors and your
instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service
or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or
both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as
an emergency.
4-23

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Cleaning the Outside of the
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the
windshield washer, or if the wiper blade chatters
when running, wax, sap or other material may be
on the blade
or windshield.
Clean the outside
of the windshield with GM
Windshield Cleaner, Bon Ami@ Powder (non-scratching
glass cleaning powder), GM Part
No. 10500 1 1. The
windshield is clean if beads do not form when you rinse
it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Weatherstrips
’ Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply silicone
grease with a clean cloth at least every six months.
During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See “Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants” in the Maintenance Schedule booklet.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Catera
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep
it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or cold water.
Don’t wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Don’t use strong soaps or chemical detergents. Use
liquid hand, dish or car washing (mild detergent) soaps.
Don’t use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or
that contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents
should be flushed promptly and not allowed
to dry on
the surface, or they could stain. Dry the finish with a
soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid
surface scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-28
Fluid
....................................... 6-25
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-25
PedalTravel
................................. 6-28
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-28
System Warning Light
......................... 2-64
To Shift Light
................................ 2-73
Transmission Shift Interlock
.................... 2-27
Wear
....................................... 6-27
Brake Pad Wear Indicator Light
.................... 2-76
Brakes. Anti-Lock
............................... 4-7
Braking
........................................ 4-6
Braking in Emergencies
.......................... 4- 10
Break-In. New Vehicle .......................... 2-14
Brightness Control
.............................. 2-44
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-29
Capacities and Specifications
.................... 6-62
Carbon Monoxide
......................... 4.29. 4.35
Cassette Tape Player
....................... 3- 12. 3. 15
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-22
Cassette Tape Player Errors
.................. 3- 12. 3. 15
Cellular Telephone .............................. 2-5 1
Center Console Storage Area
...................... 2-48
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp. Bulb Replacement ... 6-34
Center Passenger Position
........................ 1-35
Central Door Unlocking System
.................... 2-4
Certification Label
.............................. 4-30
Chains. Safety
................................. 4-36
Chains. Tire
................................... 6-45
Parking
..................................... 2-24
BTSI ......................................... 2-27
Changing a Flat Tire
............................. 5-23
Charging System Indicator Light
................... 2-63
Check Engine Light
............................. 2-69
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-50
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-53
Child Restraints
................................ 1-39
Securing
in the Center Rear Seat Position .......... 1-43
Securing
in the Right Front Seat Position .......... 1-45
TopStrap
................................... 1-40
Where
to Put ................................ 1-39
CHMSL
...................................... 6-34
Chrome Wheels. Cleaning
........................ 6-51
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-50
Cleaner. Air ................................... 6-15
Cleaning Aluminum or Chrome Wheels
................... 6-51
Exterior LampsLenses
........................ 6-51
Fabric
................................. 6-46. 6-47
Glass Surfaces
............................... 6-49
Inside
of Your Catera .......................... 6-46
Instrument Panel
............................. 6-48
Leather
..................................... 6-48
Outside of Your Catera
......................... 6-50
Speakercovers
.............................. 6-49
Special Problems
............................. 6-47
Stains
................................. 6-47. 6-48
Tires
....................................... 6-52
Vinyl
....................................... 6-48
Wheels
..................................... 6-51
Windshield and Wiper Blades ................... 6-50
Check Oil Light
................................ 2-73
Securing
in a Rear Outside Seat Position ........... 1-41
8-2