1994 GMC Jimmy Owner's Manual - Page 166

Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer butwill take much more effort. it Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's important to take curves at reasonable speed. a A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here's why: of laws Experienced driver or beginner, each us is subject to the same of physics when driving on curves. traction of the tires against the road The surface makes it possible the vehicleto change its path for when you turn the front wheels. there's no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in If the same direction.If you've ever tried to steervehicle on wet ice, you'll a understand this. of The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition your tires and the road surface, the angle which the curve is banked, and your at speed. While you're ina curve, speedis the one factor you can control. Suppose you're steering through sharp curve. Then suddenly a you accelerate. Both control systems steering and acceleration have todo their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too muchof those places.You can lose control. on What shouldyou do if this ever happens? Ease up the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that should adjust your speed. you Of course, the posted speeds are based good weather and road conditions. on Under less favorable conditions you'll want go slower. to If you need to reduce your speed as you approachcurve, do it before you a enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. so a Try to adjust your speed you can "drive" through the curve. Maintain reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate untilyou are outof the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. 4-8