Chevrolet 2002 tracker Owner's Manual download pdf (Page 168)

4-11

Steering

Power Steering

If you lose power steering assist because the engine

stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer

but it will take much more effort.

Steering Tips

Driving on Curves

It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.

A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned

on the news happen on curves. Here’s why:

Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject

to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.

The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it

possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn

the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep

the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever

tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.

The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition

of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the

curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re in a curve,

speed is the one factor you can control.

Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you

suddenly apply the brakes. Both control systems

-- steering

and braking

-- have to do their work where the tires meet

the road. Unless you have four

-wheel anti-lock brakes,

adding the hard braking can demand too much of those

places. You can lose control.

The same thing can happen if you’re steering through

a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two

control systems

-- steering and acceleration -- can

overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road

and make you lose control.

What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on

the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way

you want it to go, and slow down.

Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should

adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are

based on good weather and road conditions. Under

less favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower.

If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a

curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your

front wheels are straight ahead.

Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through

the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed.

Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve,

and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.

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Chevrolet 2002 tracker Owner's Manual Page 168

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