Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be a serious situation. Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page 13-5.
To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
- Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
- Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to get inside. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
- Clear away snow from around the base of your vehicle, especially any that is blocking the exhaust pipe.
- Check again from time to time to be sure snow does not collect there.
- Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on the side of the vehicle that is away from the wind to bring in fresh air.
- Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel.
- Adjust the climate control system to a setting that circulates the air inside the vehicle and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See “Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about carbon monoxide, see Engine Exhaust on page 9-20.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off and close the window most of the way to save heat. Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then when you run the engine, push the accelerator pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this as little as possible to save fuel.
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the tires and the road, creating
less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32° F) when freezing rain begins to fall, resulting
in ev ...
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn the traction
system off an ...
Other materials:
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform
better in the long run if you follow these guidelines:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or slow, for
the first 805 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow t ...
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has an HSA feature, which may be useful when the vehicle is stopped
on a grade sufficient enough to activate HSA.
This feature is designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling, either forward
or rearward, during vehicle drive off. After the driver completely stops and holds
the ve ...
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Caution
Some electrical equipment can damage the vehicle or cause components
to not work and would not be covered by the warranty. Always check with your dealer
before adding electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle's 12-volt battery, even i ...
