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 Inspection
We recommend that the tires, including the spare tire, if the vehicle has one,
be inspected for signs of wear or damage at least once a month.
Replace the tire if:
The indicators at three or more places around the tire can be seen.
There is cord or fabric showing through the tire's rubb ...
Automatic Door Locks
If equipped, the vehicle is programmed so that when the doors are closed, the
ignition is on, and the shift lever is moved out of P (Park) for automatic transmissions,
or the vehicle speed is above 13 km/h (8 mph) for manual transmissions, the doors
and the liftgate will lock.
To unlock the d ...
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 ...
