wheel size CADILLAC STS 2011 1.G Owners Manual

Black plate (2,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62
Tire Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-67
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-67
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-70
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-71
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-74
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-74
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (WithoutSelector Switch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-76
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (With Selector Switch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-85
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage . . . . . . 6-94
Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-94
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-96
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-97
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . 6-103
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-105 Appearance Care
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-106
Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-106
Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-107
Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-108
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-108
Wood Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-109
Speaker Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-109
Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-109
Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-109
Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-109
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-110
Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-110
Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-111
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-112
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
6-2

Black plate (51,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Low‐Profile Performance Tires
If your vehicle has 255/45ZR18 size tires, they are
classified as low‐profile performance tires. These
tires are designed for very responsive driving on
wet or dry pavement. You may also notice more
road noise with low‐profile performance tires and
that they tend to wear faster. These performance
tires are not rated as all‐season tires. Winter tires
are recommended for snow or ice covered roads.
Notice:If the vehicle has low‐profile tires, they
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 vehicle
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.
Winter Tires
If you expect to drive on snow or ice covered roads
often, you may want to get winter tires for your vehicle.
All season tires provide good overall performance on
most surfaces but they may not offer the traction you
would like or the same level of performance as winter
tires on snow or ice covered roads.
Winter tires, in general, are designed for increased
traction on snow and ice covered roads. With winter
tires, there may be decreased dry road traction,
increased road noise, and shorter tread life. After
switching to winter tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
See your dealer for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection. Also, see Buying
New Tires on page 6‑67.
If you choose to use winter tires:
.Use tires of the same brand and tread type on all
four wheel positions.
.Use only radial ply tires of the same size, load
range, and speed rating as the original equipment
tires.
Winter tires with the same speed rating as your original
equipment tires may not be available for H, V, W, Y, and
ZR speed rated tires. If you choose winter tires with a
lower speed rating, never exceed the tire's maximum
speed capability.
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Black plate (55,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
(B) Tire Width:The three‐digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio
:A two‐digit number that
indicates the tire height‐to‐width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as
shown in item C of the illustration, it would mean
that the tire's sidewall is 60 percent as high as it
is wide.
(D) 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;
and the letter B means belted‐bias ply
construction.
(E) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) 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 to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is certified to
carry a load.
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire's height to
its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
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Black plate (62,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the driver when
a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly, excluding
the spare tire and wheel assembly, if the vehicle has
one. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the
vehicle's tires and transmits the tire pressure readings
to a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS illuminates the low
tire pressure warning light
located on the instrument
panel cluster.
If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible
and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the tire loading information label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 5‑23.
At the same time a message to check the pressure in a
specific tire appears on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning light and
the DIC warning message come on at each ignition
cycle until the tires are inflated to the correct inflation
pressure. Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can be viewed by the driver. For additional information and
details about the DIC operation and displays see
DIC
Operation and Displays
on page 4‑70and DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4‑76.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool
weather when the vehicle is first started, and then turn
off as you start to drive. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting low and
need to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label , attached to your
vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle's original
equipment tires and the correct inflation pressure for
your vehicle's tires when they are cold. See Loading the
Vehicle
on page 5‑23for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location on your
vehicle. Also see Inflation - Tire Pressure
on
page 6‑58.
Your vehicle's TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. See Tire Inspection and Rotation
on
page 6‑65and Tires on page 6‑50.
Notice: Using non‐approved tire sealants could
damage the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by using an
incorrect tire sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the GM approved tire sealant
available through your dealer.
6-62

Black plate (65,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
10. After hearing the confirming single horn chirp forthe driver side rear tire, a double horn chirp will
sound to signal the tire matching mode is no longer
active. Press the push‐button ignition switch
to Acc.
11. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the tire and loading
information label.
12. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle's tires, including the spare tire, for signs of
wear or damage. See When It Is Time for New
Tires
on page 6‑67for more information.
Always remove the tires if any of the following
statements are true:
.You can see the indicators at three or more
places around the tire.
.You can see cord or fabric showing through
the tire's rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut,
or snagged deep enough to show cord or
fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage
that cannot be repaired well because of the
size or location of the damage.
Tire rotation is not recommended if your vehicle
has P235/50ZR18 size tires on the front wheels
and P255/45ZR18 size tires on the rear wheels.
Different tire sizes should not be rotated front to
rear. Each tire and wheel should only be used in
the original front or rear position it is in.
Tire rotation is recommended if the vehicle is
equipped with P235/50R17 size tires on all four
wheel positions or 255/45ZR18 size tires on all
four wheel positions. These tires should be
rotated every 12 000 km (7,500 miles). See
Scheduled Maintenance
on page 7‑3.
The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achieve
a uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. This will
ensure that the vehicle continues to perform most
like it did when the tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or
wheels. See When It Is Time for New Tires
on
page 6‑67
and Wheel Replacementon page 6‑72.
6-65

Black plate (66,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
When rotating P235/50R17 size tires or
255/45ZR18 size tires, always use the correct
rotation pattern shown here.
If the vehicle has a compact spare tire, do not
include the compact spare tire in the tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure
on page 6‑58and Loading the Vehicleon
page 5‑23
.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System. See Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation
on page 6‑62. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See
“Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications
on page 6‑128.
{WARNING:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a
cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later,
if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off. See
Changing a Flat Tire
on page 6‑94.
Lightly coat the center of the wheel hub with
wheel bearing grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust build-up. Do
not get grease on the flat wheel mounting surface
or on the wheel nuts or bolts.
6-66

Black plate (69,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Winter tires with the same speed rating as your
original equipment tires may not be available for
H, V, W, Y and ZR speed rated tires. If you choose
snow tires with a lower speed rating, never
exceed the tire's maximum speed capability.
{WARNING:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes (other
than those originally installed on your vehicle),
brands, or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the
vehicle may not handle properly, and you could
have a crash. Using tires of different sizes (other
than those originally installed on your vehicle),
brands, or types may also cause damage to your
vehicle. Be sure to use the correct size, brand,
and type of tires on all wheels. It is all right to
drive with your vehicle's compact spare
temporarily, it was developed for use on your
vehicle. SeeCompact Spare Tire on page 6‑105.
{WARNING:
If you use bias-ply tires on the vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use
only radial-ply tires with the wheels on the
vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle's tires with those
that do not have a TPC Spec number, make sure
they are the same size, load range, speed rating,
and construction type (radial and bias‐belted tires)
as your vehicle's original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring
system could give an inaccurate low‐pressure
warning if non‐TPC Spec rated tires are installed
on it. Non‐TPC Spec rated tires may give a
low‐pressure warning that is higher or lower
than the proper warning level you would get with
TPC Spec rated tires. See Tire Pressure Monitor
System
on page 6‑60.
6-69

Black plate (70,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Your vehicle's original equipment tires are listed
on the Tire and Loading Information label. See
Loading the Vehicle
on page 5‑23, for more
information about the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location on your vehicle.
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size than
your original equipment wheels and tires, this may
affect the way your vehicle performs, including its
braking, ride and handling characteristics, stability, and
resistance to rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle has
electronic systems such as, antilock brakes, traction
control, and electronic stability control, the performance
of these systems can be affected.
{WARNING:
If you add different sized wheels, your vehicle
may not provide an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not recommended
for those wheels are selected. You may increase
the chance that you will crash and suffer serious
injury. Only use GM specific wheel and tire
systems developed for your vehicle, and have
them properly installed by a GM certified
technician.
See Buying New Tires
on page 6‑67andAccessories
and Modificationson page 6‑4for additional
information.
6-70

Black plate (74,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Tire Chains
{WARNING:
If your vehicle has P255/45R17, P255/45ZR18,
or 255/45ZR18 size tires, do not use tire chains,
as 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 you
to lose control of the vehicle and you or others
may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to the vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust, or remove the device if it is
contacting the vehicle, and do not spin the
vehicle's wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the rear tires only.Notice:
If your vehicle has P235/50R17 size tires,
use tire chains only where legal and only when you
must. Use only SAE Class S‐type chains that are the
proper size for your tires. Install them on the rear
tires and tighten them as tightly as possible with the
ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions. If you can hear
the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them. If the contact continues, slow down
until it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage your vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your vehicle's tires properly.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if you should ever have 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.
6-74

Black plate (103,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
15. Tighten the wheel nutsfirmly in a crisscross
sequence as shown.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools
{WARNING:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
Full-Size Tire and Tools
After you have put the compact spare tire on your
vehicle, you will need to do the following to store the flat
tire in your trunk.
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk
on page 3‑15.
2. Store the jack and wheel wrench in the jack container in the trunk.
When storing the jack, in the container, it must be
raised until the screw end is flush with the edge of
the jack.
3. Store the flat tire as far forward in the trunk as possible.
The compact spare is for temporary use only. Replace
the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as soon as
you can.
6-103