2003 Cadillac DeVille Owner's Manual - Page 242

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. The traction you can get a curve depends onthe in condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the CGWS is banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you'resteering 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 suddenacceleration can demand too much of thoseplaces. 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 seethe STABILITY SYS ENGAGED message on the Driver Information Center. See 'Stability Sys Engaged Message" under DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-60. Magnetic Speed Variable Assist Steering System This system continuously adjusts the effort you feel when steering at all vehicle speeds. It provides ease when parking, yet a firm, solid feel at highway speeds. 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: txperienced 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 qoing in the same direction. If you've ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this. 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 y011'11 want tn c ~ n s!n\nlpr. 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 out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. 4-1 1