Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include:
- Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
- Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling system, and transmission.
- Shift to a lower gear when going down steep or long hills.
Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a long downhill slope can cause brake overheating, can reduce brake performance, and could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower gear to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition off is dangerous. This can cause overheating of the brakes and loss of steering. Always have the engine running and the vehicle in gear.
- Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane.
- Be alert on top of hills; something could be in your lane (stalled car, accident).
- Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks area, winding roads, long grades, passing or no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
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 ...
Winter Driving
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Other materials:
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions, even belted occupants
can contact the steering wheel or the instrument panel. In moderate to severe side
collisions, even belted occupants can contact the inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection provided by safety belts ...
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving,
except when applying the brake pedal firmly.
Warning
The brake wear warning ...
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
Move the lever all the way up or down to signal a turn.
An arrow on the instrument cluster flashes in the direction of the turn or lane
change.
Raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to flash to signal a lane change.
Hold it there until the lane change is completed.
If the lever ...
