1997 Buick Skylark Owner's Manual - Page 173

If you do not have the Enhanced Traction System,ifor the transaxle shift lever is notthe OVERDRIVE (0) in Let's review what driving experts say about what position, thenan acceleration skidis also best handled happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering by easing your foot the accelerator pedal. off and acceleration) don't have enough friction where the If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot the off tires meetthe road to do what the driver has asked. accelerator pedal and quickly steer way you wantthe the In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer and vehicle to go.If you start steering quickly enough, your constantly seekan escape route or area less danger. of vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skidif it occurs. Loss of Control Skidding Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonablewant to slow down and adjust your driving to these care suited to existing conditions, andby not conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery "overdriving" those conditions. skids are But surfaces because stopping distance be longer and will always possible. vehicle control more limited. The three typesof skids correspond to your Buick's While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try three control systems. the braking skid, your wheels In your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or aren't rolling.In the steering or cornering skid, too braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip andgear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. lose cornering force. Andin the acceleration skid, too You may not realize the surface is slippery until your much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues -- such as enough water, or packed snow on A cornering skidis best handled by easing your foot off ice the road to make a "mirrored surface" and slow the accelerator pedal. -If you have the Enhanced Traction System, remember: down when you have any doubt. It Remember: Any anti-lock brake system(ABS) helps helps avoid only the acceleration skid. avoid only the braking skid. In a skid, a driver can control of the vehicle. lose 4-14