1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 176

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