Owner`s manual
Loss
of
Control
Let’s review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering
and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the
tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
In
any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and
constantly seek
an
escape route or area
of
less danger.
Skidding
In
a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and- by not
“overdriving” those conditions.
But
skids are
always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your Buick’s
three control systems.
In
the braking skid, your wheels
aren’t rolling.
In
the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A
cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot
off
the accelerator pedal.
If
you have the Enhanced Traction System, remember: It
helps avoid only the acceleration skid.
If you
do
not have the Enhanced Traction System, or
if
the transaxle shift lever is not
in
the
OVERDRIVE
(0)
position, then
an
acceleration skid is also best handled
by easing your foot
off
the accelerator pedal.
If
your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot
off
the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way 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.
Of
course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll
want to slow down and adjust your driving
to
these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction,
try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues
--
such as enough water, ice
or
packed snow on
the road to make a “mirrored surface”
--
and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system
(ABS)
helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-14