Chevrolet 1998 Cavalier Owner's Manual download pdf (Page 194)

Loss

Control

Let’s review what driving experts say about what

happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering

and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the

tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.

In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to

steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of

less danger.

Skidding

skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.

Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable

care

suited to existing conditions, and by not “overdriving”

those conditions. But skids

are

always possible.

The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s

three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels

aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too

much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and

lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too

much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin,

cornering skid

best handled by easing your foot off

the accelerator pedal.

If you have the Enhanced Traction System, remember:

helps avoid only the acceleration skid.

you

not have the Enhanced Traction System, or

the transaxle shift lever is not in the

OVERDRIVE

(0)

position, then an acceleration skid is also best handled

by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.

your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the

accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the

vehicle to go.

you start steering quickly enough, your

vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready

for

second skid if it occurs.

Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,

gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll

want to slow down and adjust your driving to these

conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery

surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and

vehicle control more limited.

While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try

your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or

braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower

gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to

slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until

your vehicle is skidding. Learn

recognize warning

clues

such as enough water, ice or packed snow on

the road

make

“mirrored surface”

and slow down

when you have any doubt.

Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps

avoid only the braking

skid.

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Chevrolet 1998 Cavalier Owner's Manual Page 194

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