1993 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual - Page 178

Braking in Emergencies Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to. With anti-lock, you 'cansteer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the roadsurface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve,speed is the one factor can you control. Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. Then 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? Let up on the .acceleratorpedal, steer the vehicle the way you wantit 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 androad conditions. Under less favorable conditions you'll want to goslower. Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system fails to function, 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" accidentsmentioned on the news happen on curves. Here's why: Experienced driver orbeginner, 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 forthe vehicle to changejts path when youturn the frontwheels. 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. If you need to reduceyour speed as you approach a curve, doit 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. 176 I