2003 Buick LeSabre Owner's Manual - Page 218

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. Suppose you're steeriag through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems - steering and acceleration - have to do their work wherethe tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. If you have Stabilitrak@, you may see the STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE message on the Driver Information Center. See "Stability System Active Message" under DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-50. 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'ii unaersrana inis. The traction you can getin a curve depends onthe condition of your tires and road surface, the angle at the which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you cancontrol. 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. -ry io aujusi ywur speed I 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. b u yuu c.di-1 U-I..:. UI I V G .-I1 AI^ 11I I U U ~ 1 ..^. .-L &L IC - curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. 4-1 1