1994 Cadillac Seville Owner's Manual - Page 200

LOSS OF CONTROL Let's review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don't haveenough friction where the tires meet the road to dowhat the driver has asked. In any emergency, don't up. Keep trying to steerand constantly seek give of an escape route or area less danger. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skidsby taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not "overdriving" those conditions. But skids always possible. are The threetypes of skids correspond to your Cadillac'sthree control systems. In the braking skid your wheels aren't rolling. thesteering or In cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causestires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid too much throttle causes the driving wheelsto spin. A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you havethe traction control system, remember: It helps avoid only the acceleration skid. If your vehiclestarts toslide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer theway youwant the vehicle to go. If youstart steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skidif it occurs. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel,or other material is on the road. For safety,you'll wantto slow down and adjust your driving to these 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 bestto avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking (includingengine braking by shifting to a lowergear). Any sudden changes couldcause the tires to 187