Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle's three control systems:
- Braking Skid - wheels are not rolling.
- Steering or Cornering Skid - too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.
- Acceleration Skid - too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these suggestions:
- Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and steer the way you want the
vehicle to go.
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it occurs.
- Slow down and adjust your driving according to weather conditions. Stopping distance can be longer and vehicle control can be affected when traction is reduced by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material on the road. 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.
- Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder
while driving. Follow these tips:
Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer
...
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop
and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through
large puddles and ...
Other materials:
Engine Exhaust
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen
or smelled. Exposure to CO can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation (parking
garages, tunnels, deep snow that may block underbody a ...
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle brake system consists of two hydraulic circuits. If one circuit is
not working, the remaining circuit can still work to stop the vehicle. For normal
braking performance, both circuits need to be working If the warning light comes
on, there is a brake problem. Have the brake system ...
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with DOT 4 brake fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 10-7 for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in the reservoir might go
down:
The brake fl ...
