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:
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the system developed by the United States
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which grades tires by treadwear,
traction, and temperature performance. This applies only to vehicles sold in the
United States. The grades are molded on the s ...
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic, or abrasive cleaning agents
as they can damage the vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic parts. If damage occurs,
it would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Approv ...
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/wax materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are damaged, see your dealer to have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting
agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, ...
