1997 Buick Century Owner's Manual - Page 196

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 steera 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 one in a curve, speed is the factor you can control. 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 outof the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, a car suddenly pulls out or Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. you Then from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked suddenly accelerate. Both control systems-- steering and cars and stops right in front you. You can avoid these of acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too problems by braking -- if you can stop in time. But sometimes you can't; there isn't room. That's the time for much of those places. You can lose control. evasive action-- steering around the problem. What should you do if this everhappens? Ease up on the Your Buick can perform very well in emergencies like accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it these. First apply your brakes. (See "Braking in to go, and slow down. Emergencies" earlier in this section.) It is better to Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should remove as much speed as you can from a possible adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or based on good weather and road conditions. Under less right depending on the space available. favorable conditions you'll want to go slower. 4-10