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:
Doors
Liftgate
Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it is driven with the liftgate,
hatch/trunk open, or with any objects that pass through the seal between the body
and the hatch/trunk or liftgate. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can caus ...
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions, regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils. Note that newspapers or dark garments that can
transfer color to home furnishings can also permanently transfer color to the vehicle's
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove ...
When It Is Time for New Tires
Factors such as maintenance, temperatures, driving speeds, vehicle loading, and
road conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to tell when it is time for new tires.
Treadwear indicators appear when the tires have only 1.6mm (1/16 in) or less
of tread r ...
