Pontiac Sunfire owners manual page 188

text version of content this owner's manual page from owners manual to the vehicle Pontiac Sunfire, year of production 1995 - 2005:

Loss of Control If you do not have the Enhanced Traction System, or if Let’s review what driving experts say about whatthe system is off, then an acceleration skid is also best happens when the three control systems (brakes, steeringhandled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where theIf your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a less danger. second skid if it occurs. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, Skidding gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.want to slow down and adjust your driving to these Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonableconditions. It is important to slow down on slippery care suited to existing conditions, and by notsurfaces because stopping distance will be longer and “overdriving” those conditions. But skids are vehicle control more limited. always possible. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’syour best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheelsbraking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, toogear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip andslide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, tooyour vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.-- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on the road to make a “mirrored surface” -- and slow A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot offdown when you have any doubt. the accelerator pedal. Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps If you have the Enhanced Traction System, remember: avoid only the braking skid. It helps avoid only the acceleration skid. 4-15

owners manual Pontiac Sunfire

owners manual Pontiac Sunfire - year of production: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 - Pontiac Sunfire owners manual EN