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:
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different positions.
The uplevel key must be fully extended to start the vehicle.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN and the regular brake
pedal applied.
1 (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/ OFF): When the vehicle is stopped, turn the ignition
sw ...
Customer Assistance Offices
Chevrolet encourages customers to call the toll-free number for assistance. However,
if a customer wishes to write or e-mail Chevrolet, the letter should be addressed
to:
United States and Puerto Rico
Chevrolet Motor Division
Chevrolet Customer Assistance
Center
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI ...
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled vehicle may cause damage. The damage
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Have the vehicle towed on a flatbed car carrier or a wheel lift tow truck.
If a wheel lift tow truck is used, the drive wheels cannot contact the road while
the vehicle is ...
