1998 Cadillac Eldorado Owner's Manual - Page 213

Loss of Control Let's review what driving experts say about what happens when the three controlsystems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don'thave enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. If your vehicle startsto slide, ease yourfoot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer theway you want the vehicle to go.If you start steering quicklyenough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. If you have Stabilitrak, you may see the STABILITY ENGAGED message on the Driver InformationCenter. See "Stability Engaged Message" in the Index. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will longer and be vehicle control more limited. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not "overdriving" those conditions. But skidsare always possible. The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle's three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causestires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only the acceleration skid. If your traction control system isoff, then an acceleration skidis also best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. While driving on a surfacewith reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, accelerationor braking (including engine braking shifting to alower by gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding.Learn to recognize warning clues -- such as enough water, ice orpacked snow on the road to make a "mirrored surface" -- and slow down when you have any doubt. Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid. 4-15