1998 Oldsmobile Aurora Owner's Manual - Page 193

Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vel-ucle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids taking reasonable by care suited to existing conditions, and by not "overdriving" Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or othermaterial is on the road. For safety, you'll those conditions.But skids are always possible. want to slow down and adjust your driving to these The three types skids correspond to your vehicle's of conditions. Itis important to slow down on slippery three control systems. In the braking skid, wheels your surfaces because stopping distancewill be longer and aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too vehicle control more limited. much speed or steering ina curve causestires to slip While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, your best to avoidsudden steering, acceleration or too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. braking (including engine braking by shifting to a A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires the accelerator pedal. to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognizewarning Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid clues -- such as enough water, ice orpacked snow on only the acceleration skid. the road to make a "mirrored surface"-- and slow down If your traction control system is off, then an when you have any doubt. acceleration skidis also best handled by easing your Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps foot off the accelerator pedal. avoid only the braking skid. If your vehicle startsto slide, easeyour foot off the accelerator pedaland quickly steer theway you want the vehicle to go.If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out.Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs.