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:
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an electrical problem with the airbag system. The
system check includes the airbag sensor(s), passenger sensing system, the pretensioners
(if equipped), the airbag modules, the wiring, and the crash sensing and diagnostic
module. For more information on the airbag ...
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving,
except when applying the brake pedal firmly.
Warning
The brake wear warning ...
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control
The TCS limits wheel spin. The system is on when the vehicle is started.
The StabiliTrak system assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult
driving conditions. The system is on when the vehicle is started.
To turn off traction control, press and release the TCS/StabiliTrak bu ...
