A Cadillac CTS is a luxury vehicle that requires dexos-certified synthetic oil. You’ll need to change the oil and filter every 3,000+ miles. When the Oil Life display reads “change engine oil soon,” change the oil and filter within the next 1,000 miles.

Think of motor oil as the lifeblood of your car. Without oil, the engine would seize and stop running. Over time, oil loses its viscosity, meaning it can’t lubricate engine parts effectively. To protect your Cadillac’s engine, regularly change both your car’s oil and oil filter.

To help you figure out when and what to do, the

car insurance

app

Jerry

has compiled everything you need to know about the basics of changing the oil and filter in a Cadillac CTS.

How often does a Cadillac CTS need an oil change?

The rule used to be to change your oil every 3,000 miles—and many Cadillac experts still use this mileage. But with synthetic oils, you may not need a change until you hit about 7,500 miles.

Your Cadillac CTS’s Oil Life display is calibrated to factor in your typical driving patterns. When your display reads CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON, change both the oil and filter within the next 1,000 miles.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

RECOMMENDED

Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry

This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍

Gabriella R.

Find insurance savings

4.7/5 Rating on App Store

What kind of oil does a Cadillac CTS need?

The Cadillac CTS is a luxury car that comes in various models and oil grades vary based on your engine’s needs. Common grades are 5W-30 and 0W-30. Because it’s crucial to use the correct grade of oil for a specific Cadillac CTS model, consult your owner’s manual to determine the grade you need.

Cadillac recommends using only dexos-certified synthetic motor oil. Dexos is not a brand. It is a designation given to a special synthetic motor oil designed for Cadillacs and other GM vehicles.

How much does an oil change cost for a Cadillac CTS?

Costs vary depending on whether you DIY or take your car to a mechanic. The type of oil you use will also dictate the cost.

Professional cost

The cost of a professional oil and filter change for your Cadillac CTS may range from $139 to $149. Keep in mind that most service outlets and car dealerships also throw in an inspection of key components plus items such as filling and rotating your tires, topping up your power steering fluids, and performing other basic maintenance.

DIY cost

If you’re a Cadillac CTS owner, you can save some money by learning how to change your own oil and filter. A quart of SAE 5W-30 costs about $10, but you can find 5 quarts for between $25 and $40. You’ll also need to buy a filter ($10-15).

How to change the oil in a Cadillac CTS yourself

Always consult your owner’s manual for specific information about your vehicle. Here are the basics for a Cadillac CTS oil change.

What you’ll need:

Dexos-certified motor oil (5 to 6 quarts—typically SAE 5W-30 or OW-30)

Cadillac CTS oil filter

Cadillac CTS oil filter wrench

13 mm-15 mm closed-ended wrench (size varies according to year and model)

Torque wrench

Car jack

Jack stands

Drain pan

Plastic container to dispose of old oil

Wheel chocks (recommended)

Disposable gloves and protective eye gear (recommended)

1. Warm up the engine

If the weather is cold, start your engine and let it run to thin out and help the oil flow better. Make sure to park your Cadillac CTS in a level area. Then turn off the engine once the engine is warmed up.

2. Secure the car

Jack up your car and use jack stands to secure it in place. Use wheel chocks for added stability.

3. Drain the old oil

Open your car’s hood and unscrew the oil fill cap. Get underneath the car and unscrew the drain plug with the closed-ended wrench. Let the oil drain into your drain pan for at least 15 minutes.

Install a new washer in your drain plug to prevent leaks. Then, be sure to reinstall and tighten the oil drain plug.

4. Remove the old filter

The CTS’s oil filter is on top of the engine. Remove the old filter and old o-ring with the oil filter wrench. Check that the filter gasket isn’t stuck to the engine’s surface.

5. Install the new oil filter

Wipe away any dirt from the engine block before installing the new filter. Install both the new filter and O-ring. Rub oil around the O-ring’s rubber seal (top and bottom).

Be sure to securely screw the top of the oil filter housing back on. Then torque it down with the torque wrench.

6. Put new oil in the engine and check for leaks

Pour 5-6 quarts into the oil fill opening. Then screw the oil fill cap back on, making sure that it’s screwed in tightly. Check for leaks from the drain bolt and oil filter while you run the engine for a few minutes.

7. Stop the engine and check the oil level

After running the engine for a few minutes, stop and wait for 3 minutes. Use the dipstick to check the oil level and add more if necessary.

8. Reset the oil change reminder

The Oil Life display must be reset after each oil change—it will not reset itself. Use your car’s display to reset the oil change reminder.

9. Dispose of the old oil according to regulations

Never dump old oil onto the ground or put it into a garbage can as this can harm the environment. In most states, retailers that sell motor oil or perform oil changes are required to take your old oil.

What happens if you don’t change the oil in a Cadillac CTS?

If the oil in your Cadillac CTS loses its ability to lubricate engine parts, serious problems—including total engine failure—can result.

Consider oil changes as preventative maintenance. Yes, they cost money, but they can prevent expensive problems down the road.

How to save money on car insurance

While oil changes are a straightforward expense, shopping for car insurance can be confusing. Relax and let

Jerry

do the work for you!

As a licensed broker, Jerry can find you quotes from 50+ top insurance companies and even do the paperwork to get you switched over. Once you’re set up with your new low premium, Jerry can re-shop regularly to make sure you’re not missing out on savings.

Add insurance shopping to your car’s maintenance schedule with Jerry and you could save an average of $879 per year.

“Because I have a luxury car, I was more interested in finding better coverage than the exact price.
Jerry
helped me upgrade my policy, and when my record is cleared next year, I will be using Jerry again to choose an even cheaper plan!” —Paige W.

RECOMMENDED