2010 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner's Manual - Page 254

Winter Driving Driving on Snow or Ice Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice can occur at about 32°F (0°C) when freezing rain begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be treated with salt or sand. Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under the tires slick, so there is even less traction. Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more. If the vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS) on page 5‑9 or Enhanced Traction System (ETS) on page 5‑12, it improves the ability to accelerate on slippery roads, but slow down and adjust your driving to the road conditions. When driving through deep snow, turn off the ETS, if equipped, to help maintain vehicle motion at lower speeds. The Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 5‑4 improves vehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads, but whether the vehicle has ABS or not, apply the brakes sooner than when on dry pavement. 5-22 Without ABS, if the vehicle begins to slide, let up on the brake pedal a little and apply steady pedal pressure to get the most traction. On vehicles without ABS, braking so hard that the wheels stop rolling can cause the vehicle to slide - brake so the wheels always keep rolling so you can still steer. Allow greater following distance on any slippery road and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering maneuvers and braking while on ice. Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces. Blizzard Conditions Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation. Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby. If possible, use the Roadside Assistance Program on page 8‑8. To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe: . Turn on the Hazard Warning Flashers on page 4‑3. Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror. .