Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has ABS, an advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going on, and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS,
this warning light stays on. See Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light on page
5-16.
If driving safely on a wet road and it becomes necessary to slam on the brakes and continue braking to avoid a sudden obstacle, a computer senses the wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as required, faster than any driver could. This can help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed to get a foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, there will not be enough time to apply the brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down firmly and let ABS work. You may hear the ABS pump or motor operating and feel the brake pedal pulsate. This is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than even the very best braking.
Brakes
...
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down and pull up on the parking
brake lever. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light will come on.
See Brake System Warning Light o ...
Other materials:
Winter Tires
This vehicle was not originally equipped with winter tires. Winter tires are
designed for increased traction on snow and ice-covered roads. Consider installing
winter tires on the vehicle if frequent driving on ice or snow covered roads is
expected. See your dealer for details regarding winter ...
Starter Switch Check
Warning
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle could move suddenly.
If the vehicle moves, you or others could be injured.
Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room around the vehicle.
Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake.Do not use the accelerator
pe ...
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes
serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there could be a problem with a vehicle function.
Some ...
