2003 Buick Regal Owner's Manual - Page 177
2003 Buick Regal Manual
Page 177 highlights
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'resteering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems - steering and tires braking - have to do their work where the meet the road. Unless you havefour-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can demand too much those of places. You can lose control. The same thing can happen if you're steering through a sharp curve and you suddenlyaccelerate. Those two control systems - steering and acceleration can overwhelm those places where thetires meet the road and make youlose control. See Full-Range Traction Control System on page 4-9 or Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4- IO. 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. 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 getin a curve depends onthe 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 cancontrol. 4-12