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:
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can damage the engine. Driving
with the engine oil low can also damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Check the oil level as soon as possible. Add oil if required, but if the oil
level is within the operatin ...
Floor Mats
Warning
If a floor mat is the wrong size or is not properly installed,
it can interfere with the pedals.
Interference with the pedals can cause unintended acceleration and/or increased
stopping distance which can cause a crash and injury. Make sure the floor mat does
not interfere with the p ...
Dinghy Towing (with Automatic Transmission)
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
Vehicles with an automatic transmission should not be towed w ...
