1998 Chevrolet Venture Owner's Manual - Page 264

Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or thesystem is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. 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 meet the 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 want it to go, and slow down. Steering Tips Driving on Curves warn that you should Speed limit signs near curves adjust your speed.Of course, the posted speeds are It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed. based on good weather and road conditions. Under less go slower. A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on favorable conditions you'll want to the news happenon curves. Here's why: If you need to reduce your speedas you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to wheels are straight ahead. the same lawsof physics when driving on curves.The traction of the tires againstthe road surface makes it Try to adjust your speedso you can "drive" through the possible for the vehicle tochange its path when you turn curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to the front wheels.If there's no traction, inertia will keep accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then the vehiclegoing in the same direction. If you've ever accelerate gently into the straightaway. tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this. The traction you can get ina curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curveis banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. 4-11