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:
Tire Chains
Warning
Do not use tire chains. There is not enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the proper amount of clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another typ ...
Driver Assistance Systems
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
If equipped, the RVC system can assist the driver when backing up by displaying
a view of the area behind the vehicle.
Warning
The camera(s) do not display children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
crossing traffic, animals, or any other object outside of the cameras’ field ...
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function 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.
It should be parked on a level surface.
Apply the parking brake. Be ready to app ...
