2009 Cadillac CTS Owner's Manual - Page 370

Low-Profile Performance Tires If your vehicle has 235/50ZR18, P235/50R18, 255/40ZR19 or 285/35ZR19 size tires, they are classified as low-profile 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. 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/retailer for details regarding winter tire availability and proper tire selection. Also, see Buying New Tires on page 5-82. If you choose to use winter tires: • Use tires of the same brand and tread type on all four wheel positions. Summer Performance Tires Many General Motors high performance models come factory-equipped with tires that are optimized for maximum dry and wet road performance while still retaining satisfactory tread life, excellent durability, and low noise levels. In severe winter climates where snowfall may be significant, these tires may be found to provide less traction. 5-64 • 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.