1998 Chevrolet Express Van Owner's Manual - Page 172
1998 Chevrolet Express Van Manual
Page 172 highlights
Speed Sensitive Steering Your vehicle is equipped with a speed sensitive steering system. This system automatically varies the amount of to steering effort in proportion your vehicle speed. The required steering effort increases as your speed increases. Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems -- steering and acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meetthe road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you wantit 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 whenyou 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 get in a curve depends the on condition of your tires andthe 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 can control. 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 thecurve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.