Cadillac 2011 STS Owner's Manual

Also see for 2011 STS: Brochure Specifications Owner's manual

Black plate (4,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011BrakingSee Brake System Warning Light on page 4‑58.Braking action involves perception time and reactiontime. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perceptiontime. Actually doing it is reaction time.Average reaction time is about three‐fourths of asecond. But that is only an average. It might be lesswith one driver and as long as two or three seconds ormore with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,drugs, and frustration. But even in three‐fourths of asecond, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels20 m (66 feet). That could be a lot of distance in anemergency, so keeping enough space between thevehicle and others is important.And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatlywith the surface of the road, whether it is pavement orgravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry,or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weightof the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive inspurts, heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking,rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake.The brakes might not have time to cool between hardstops. The brakes will wear out much faster with a lotof heavy braking. Keeping pace with the traffic andallowing realistic following distances eliminates a lot ofunnecessary braking. That means better braking andlonger brake life.If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is beingdriven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes.If the brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder topush down. If the engine stops, there will still be somepower brake assist but it will be used when the brake isapplied. Once the power assist is used up, it can takelonger to stop and the brake pedal will be harderto push.Adding non‐dealer/non‐retailer accessories can affectvehicle performance. See Accessories andModifications on page 6‑4.5-4