2014 Cadillac ATS Owner Manual - Page 218

9-4 Driving and Operating If the vehicle seems harder to steer than normal when parking or driving slowly, there may be a problem with the system. You will still have power steering, but steering will be stiffer than normal at slow speeds. See your dealer for service. Normal use of the power steering assist should return when the system cools down. See specific vehicle steering messages under Vehicle Messages on page 5-32. See your dealer if there is a problem. 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. Electric Power Steering The vehicle has electric power steering. It does not have power steering fluid. Regular maintenance is not required. If power steering assist is lost due to a system malfunction, the vehicle can be steered, but may require increased effort. See your dealer if there is a problem. If the steering wheel is turned until it reaches the end of its travel and is held against that position for an extended period of time, power steering assist may be reduced. If steering assist is used for an extended period of time, power assist may be reduced. Curve Tips . Steering Variable Effort Steering Some vehicles have a steering system that varies the amount of effort required to steer the vehicle in relation to the speed of the vehicle. The amount of steering effort required is less at slower speeds to make the vehicle more maneuverable and easier to park. At faster speeds, the steering effort increases to provide a sport-like feel to the steering. This provides maximum control and stability. 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. There are some situations when steering around a problem may be more effective than braking. . . . Steering in Emergencies .