2011 GMC Savana 3500 Passenger Owner's Manual - Page 212

9-4 Driving and Operating Steering Tips It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed. Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is the one factor that can be controlled. If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering the curve, while the front wheels are straight. Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If the brakes are pumped, the pedal could get harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will still be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push. Adding non‐dealer accessories can affect vehicle performance. See Accessories and Modifications on page 10‑4. Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. These problems can be avoided by braking - if you can stop in time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time because there is no room. That is the time for evasive action - steering around the problem. The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply the brakes. See Braking on page 9‑3. It is better to remove as much speed as possible from a collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. Steering Power Steering If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops or the power steering system is not functioning, the vehicle can be steered but it will take more effort.