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:
Accessories and Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or making modifications to the vehicle can affect
vehicle performance and safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics, durability, and electronic systems
like antilock brakes, traction control, a ...
What to Use
Warning
Adding only plain water or some other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water and other liquids, can boil before the proper coolant
mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine coul ...
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The filter reduces the dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part of routine scheduled maintenance. See Maintenance
Schedule on page 11-3. To find out what type of filter to use, see Maintenance Replacement ...
