1998 Chevrolet Lumina Owner's Manual - Page 172

Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system not functioning,you can steer but is it will take much more effort. Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control systems -- steering and braking-- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. The same thing can happen if you're steering through a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two control systems -- steering and acceleration-- can overwhelm those places where tires meet the road the and make you lose control. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's important to take curves a reasonable speed. at do up A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on What should you if this ever happens? Ease on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle way the the news happen on curves. Here's why: you want it to go, and slow down. Experienced driver or beginner, each of is subject to us Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should the same laws physics when driving on curves. The of adjust your speed. course, the posted speeds are Of traction of the tires against the road surface makes it based on good weather and road conditions. Under less possible for the vehicle to change its path when turn you favorable conditions you'll want to go slower. the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction.If you've ever If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a tried to steer a vehicle on wet you'll understand this. ice, curve, do it before you enter the curve, while front your wheels are straight ahead. The traction you can get a curve depends on the in condition of your tires and road surface, the angle the Try to adjust your speed you can "drive" through the so at which the curve banked, and your speed. is curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to While you're in a curve, speedthe one factor you is accelerate untilyou are out ofthe curve, and then can control. accelerate gently into the straightaway.