2023 Cadillac CT5 Driving Tips and Techniques Guide

2023 Cadillac CT5 Driving Tips and Techniques Guide

The Cadillac CT5 of 2023 is more than simply a high-end car; it’s an advanced system intended to make driving safe and pleasurable. In addition, the Driving Tips and Techniques Guide provides vital information on how to master vehicle control, manage impaired driving circumstances, optimize steering dynamics, and drive defensively. Let’s examine how these components work together to guarantee that every trip in the CT5 is not just fashionable but secure and safe. The Driving Tips and Techniques Guide for the Cadillac CT5 2023 goes beyond conventional recommendations. It’s an extensive resource that perfectly captures Cadillac’s dedication to driving safely, sensibly, and with enjoyment. The CT5 guarantees that every drive is more than just a trip; rather, it’s a master class in driving perfection by including defensive driving concepts, handling scenarios involving impaired driving, stressing vehicle control, and maximizing steering dynamics.

2023 Cadillac CT5 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review

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.
• On AWD vehicles, see Driver Mode Control 0 220.
• Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
• Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
• Avoid idling the engine for long periods.
• When road and weather conditions are appropriate, use cruise control.
• Always follow posted speed limits or drive more slowly when conditions require.
• Keep vehicle tyres properly inflated.
• Combine several trips into a single trip.
• Replace the vehicle’s tyres with the same TPC Spec number moulded into the tyre’s sidewall near the size.
• Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.

Cadillac CT5 Driving Tips

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 favourite radio stations and adjusting climate control and seat settings. Program all trip information into any navigation device before 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.
• Avoid stressful conversations while driving, whether with a passenger or on a cell phone.

Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too long or too often could cause a crash resulting in injury or death. Focus your attention on driving. Refer to the infotainment section for more information on using that system and the navigation system, if equipped, including pairing and using a cell phone.

2023 Cadillac CT5 Driving Tips and Techniques Owners Manual

Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear a seat belt. See Seat Belts 0 47.

• Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they may do and be ready.
• Allow enough following distance between you and the driver in front of you.
• Focus on the task of driving.

Impaired Driving

Death and injury associated with impaired driving is a global tragedy.

Warning
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol or drugs. You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking or taking drugs. Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver who has been drinking or is impaired by drugs. Find alternate transportation home; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will remain sober

Impaired Driving Prevention

Control of a Vehicle

Braking, steering, and accelerating are important factors in helping to control a vehicle while driving.

Braking
Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Doing it is reaction time. The 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.

Vehicle Control Techniques

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 while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. Doing so could make the pedal harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

2023 Cadillac CT5 Driving Tips and Techniques User Manual

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 a 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.

CT5 Steering Tips

See your dealer if there is a problem.

Curve Tips

• Take curves at a reasonable speed.
• Reduce speed before entering a curve.
• Maintain a reasonable steady speed through the curve.
• Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve before accelerating gently into the straightaway.

Steering in Emergencies

• There are some situations when steering around a problem may be more effective than braking.
• Holding both sides of the steering wheel allows you to turn 180 degrees without removing a hand.
• The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows steering while braking

Off-Road Recovery

The vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving.

Follow these tips

1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle so that it straddles the edge of the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway

2023 Cadillac CT5 Driving Tips and Techniques User Guide

Loss of Control

Skidding
Three types of skids 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 tyres 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 tyres to slide.

Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the braking skid

Track Events and Competitive Driving (V-Series and V-Series Black wing)

Before any track event, three features should be turned off:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). See
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) 0 266.
• Lane Keep Assist. See Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0 271.
• Adaptive Cruise Control. See Adaptive Cruise Control (Advanced) 0 234.

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.

Warning

• Some of the adjustments and procedures specified in this section may require specialized skill, training, and equipment.
  Failure to perform these procedures properly could cause malfunction,
• Getting out of the vehicle on the downhill side when stopped across an incline is dangerous. If the vehicle rolls over, you could be crushed or killed.
• Always get out on the uphill side of the vehicle and stay well clear of the rollover path.
• Driving on frozen lakes, ponds, or rivers can be dangerous. Ice conditions vary greatly and the vehicle could fall through the ice; you and your passengers could drown. Drive your vehicle on safe surfaces only. Driving in Water
• Driving through rushing water can be dangerous. Deep water can sweep your vehicle downstream and you and your passengers could drown. If it is only shallow water, it can still wash away the ground from under your tyres. Traction could be lost, and the vehicle could roll over. Do not drive through rushing water.

Caution
Do not drive through standing water if it is deep enough to cover the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust pipe. Deep water can damage the axle and other vehicle parts.
If the standing water is not too deep, drive through it slowly. At faster speeds, water can get into the engine and cause it to stall.
Stalling can occur if the exhaust pipe is underwater. Do not turn off the ignition when driving through water. If the exhaust pipe is underwater, the engine will not start. When going through water, the brakes get wet, and it might take longer to stop.
See Driving on Wet Roads 0 197.

After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on the underbody or chassis, or under the hood. These accumulations can be a fire hazard. After the operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings cleaned and checked. These substances can cause glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure, steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust system for damage, and check the fuel lines and cooling system for any leakage. More frequent maintenance service is required. See Maintenance Schedule 0 339.

1. Using the DIC buttons on the right side of the steering wheel, navigate to the Launch Control menu. See Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) 0 109 or
   Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) 0 112.
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 the 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 apply full throttle. Release the brake pedal to launch the vehicle.

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.
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through large puddles and deep-standing or flowing water.

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 tyres 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)
  The mode must be enabled.
• The steering wheel must be straight.
• The driver’s 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) 0 109 or Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel) 0 112.
2. Press the brake pedal firmly to move the bar graph to 100%.
3. Release the brake pedal.
4. There are 15 seconds to complete the burnout and exit.
5. To release the brakes and roll out, press and SEL at the same time.

If the burnout is not completed in 15 seconds, torque will be reduced to idle, the parking brake will be applied, Line Lock releases and Custom Launch Control will be disabled. Ensure the parking brake is disengaged to re-enter Launch Control.

Warning

• Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not work as well in a quick stop 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 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 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 0 227.
• Turn off cruise control.
• Activate All-Wheel Drive (AWD) mode. See Driver Mode Control.

Hill and Mountain Roads

Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different from driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:

• Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
• Check all fluid levels, brakes, tyres, cooling systems, 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.
• 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 lane. Do not swing wide or cross the centre line.
• Be alert on top of hills; something could be in your lane (e.g., stalled car, or 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.

Road Safety Guide

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.
• Turn on Traction Control. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control 0 218.
• 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) 0 223.
• 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.
• Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode for vehicles equipped with AWD. Select Snow/Ice Mode for FWD-only vehicles.

See Driver Mode Control 0 220 and All-Wheel Drive 0 222.

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 more 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 0 385.

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.
• 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 0 214.
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. If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off and use the rocking method. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control 0 226.

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 Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0 326.

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 non-factory-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/Tire label.

Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either the maximum front or 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

Example Label

A vehicle-specific Tire and Loading Information label is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar). The tire and loading information label shows the number of occupant seating positions (1), and the maximum vehicle capacity weight (2) in kilograms and pounds.

The Tire and Loading Information label also show the size of the original equipment tires (3) and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures (4). For more information on tires and inflation see Tires 0 293 and Tire Pressure 0 299. There is also important loading information on the vehicle Certification/ Tire label. It may show the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle. See “Certification/Tire Label” later in this section.

“Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit–

1. Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6. If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.”

See Trailer Towing 0 252 for important information on towing a trailer, towing safety rules and trailering tips.

Example 1

1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 1 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg (300 lbs).
3. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs).

Example 2

1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg (750 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg (250 lbs).

Example 3

1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for Example 3 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs).
3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs).

Refer to the vehicle’s tire and loading information label for specific information about the vehicle’s capacity weight and seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers, and cargo should never exceed the vehicle’s capacity weight.

Certification/ Label

Label Example

A vehicle-specific Certification/Tire label is attached to the center pillar (B-pillar). The label may show the size of the vehicle’s original tires and the inflation pressures needed to obtain the gross weight capacity of the vehicle. The label shows the gross weight capacity of the vehicle. This is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo.

Warning
Things inside the vehicle can strike and injure people in a sudden stop or turn, or in a crash.

• Put things in the cargo area of the vehicle. In the cargo area, put them as far forward as possible. Try to spread the weight evenly.
• Never stack heavier things, like suitcases, inside the vehicle so that some of them are above the tops of the seats.
• Do not leave an unsecured child restraint in the vehicle.
• Secure loose items in the vehicle. . Do not leave a seat folded down unless needed.

FAQS

Useful Links

View Full User Guide: Cadillac CT5 2023 User Guide

Download Manuals: https://www.cadillac.com/support/vehicle/manuals-guides

Cadillac CT5 2023 Audio Players And Navigation User Guide

2023 Cadillac CT5 Specs, Price, Features, Mileage and Review