1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 172

Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's important to take curves ata reasonable speed. A lot of the "driverlost control" accidents mentioned on the news happen oncurves. Here's why: Experienced driveror beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws physics when driving on curves. of The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicleto change its path when you 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 wetice, you'll understand this. a Suppose you're steering through sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems steering and -acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have the Enhanced Traction System and the transaxle shift lever in the OVERDRIVE (0) is position, adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places.You can lose control. What should you do this ever happens? Ease up on the if accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle way you want it the to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. course, the postedspeeds are Of based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you'll wantto go slower. The traction you can get in curve depends on the a a condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at If you need to reduce your speed as you approach which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you're curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Try to adjust your speed so you can "drive" through the curve. Maintaina reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out the curve, and then of accelerate gently into the straightaway. 4-10