1954 Cadillac - GM Heritage Center

ENGINE BREAK-IN INSTRUCTIONS
Your new Cadillac does not require a formal break-in period. You
should drive it at varying speeds in a normal manner, just as you
expect to drive your car when it is a year old.
Precision manufacturing methods have prepared your Cadillac
for all normal driving, and it has already been tested under
simulated road conditions at the factory.
There are no maximum speed limitations which must be
observed. For the first 100 miles or longer, however, you should
avoid driving for extended periods at any one constant speed,
either slow or fast, and you should avoid full-throttle "jack rabbit"
starts and severe application of the brakes in stopping.
COLD WEATHER HINTS
It is good practice to run the engine a few minutes to warm the
engine and transmission lubricants before moving the car. In
sub-zero weather, moderate speeds for the first mile or two will
also insure proper warm-up of the rear axle lubricant. The use of
the Hydra-Matic right-hand "Dr" arrow position in congested
traffic will increase generator output and reduce the effect of high
current demands on the y-
GASOLINE TANK
CAPACITY
The capacity of the gasoline
tank on all series is 20 gallons.
The gasoline filler cap is
located under the hinged top
of the left rear tail lamp. Open
by pushing in the reflector
button at the base of the tail
lamp. When closed, the cover
locks itself firmly in position.
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USE GASOLINE WITH HIGH OCTANE RATING
Best engine performance will be obtained by the use of a gasoline
having a high octane rating. The. use of gasoline with a low octane
rating tends to increase the possibility of "pinging" with a
resultant reduction in engine operating efficiency. If a "pinging"
condition is either excessive or prolonged, using a premium fuel,
see your Cadillac Dealer.
Should your car show loss of power at fairly high altitudes, do
not become alarmed. Any marked gain in altitude results in
reduced air density and power.
ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS
Your use of the proper engine oil is of great importance in obtaining
maximum performance and satisfaction from your car.
Oil oxidizes when heated. Unless protected against oxidation,
crankcase oils may form sludge and varnish, and under some
conditions, corrosive acids.
To minimize the formation of these harmful decomposition
products, and to supply the type of oil best suited for the different
operating conditions, the refiners market several types of oils.
In many instances, during so-called moderate or light driving
conditions when the engine is used infrequently or driven for short
periods, the lubricating oil does not reach normal operating
temperatures. Sludge formation increases under these conditions.
For maximum protection of your Cadillac engine under all
normal driving conditions, it is recommended that oils designated
"For Service MS" or "For Service DG" be used. These oils were
formerly called "Heavy-Duty Oils."
THE FIRST 500 MILES
For the first 500 miles, use the heavy-duty
oil in the crankcase at the time your car
was delivered to you. During this period
should additional oil be necessary, use
nothing heavier than 10-W oil in winter or
20-W oil in summer. Change oil at 500
miles. Break-in oils or compounds are
entirely unnecessary.
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