Cadillac 2009 owner manual Before Leaving on a Long Trip, Hydroplaning, Other Rainy Weather Tips

CAUTION: (Continued)

Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces. Driving through flowing water could cause your 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.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough. When your 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 on page 6-54.

•Turn off cruise control.

Before Leaving on a Long Trip

To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.

Things to check on your own include:

•Windshield Washer Fluid: Reservoir full? Windows clean — inside and outside?

•Wiper Blades: In good shape?

•Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: All levels checked?

•Lamps: Do they all work and are lenses clean?

•Tires: Are treads good? Are tires inflated to recommended pressure?

•Weather and Maps: Safe to travel? Have up-to-date maps?

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