1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette Owner's Manual - Page 243

Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assistbecause the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Suppose you're steering through sharp curve.Then you a 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, steerthe vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signsnear curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditionsyou'll want to go slower. If you need to reduceyour speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter thecurve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can "drive" through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's important to take curves a reasonable speed. at A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here's why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible forthe vehicle tochange its path when you turn the frontwheels. If there's no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you've ever tried to steera vehicle onwet 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 curve is banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speedis the one factor you can control. 4-11