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:
Where to Put the Restraint
According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly
restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear
seating position.
Whenever possible, children aged 12 and under should be secured in a rear seating
position.
Never put a rear-fa ...
Doors
Liftgate
Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it is driven with the liftgate,
hatch/trunk open, or with any objects that pass through the seal between the body
and the hatch/trunk or liftgate. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can caus ...
Clock
Radio without Touchscreen
The infotainment system controls are used to access the time and date settings
through the menu system. See Operation on page 7-6 for information about how to
use the menu system.
Setting the Time and Date
Press the or CONFIG
button and select Time and D ...
