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:
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer. If
the system is working normally, the indicator light then turns off.
The traction off light comes on when the Traction Control System (TCS) has been
turned off by pressing and re ...
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is designed to assist the driver in stopping or decreasing
vehicle speed in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the stability system
hydraulic brake control module to supplement the power brake system under conditions
where the driver has quickly and forcef ...
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate effectively.
Caution
Neither tire underinflation nor overinflation is good.
Underinflated tires, or tires that do not have enough air, can result in:
Tire overloading and overheating which could lead to a blowout.
Premature or irregul ...
