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:
Cargo Cover
Warning
An unsecured cargo cover could strike people in a sudden stop
or turn, or in a crash. Store the cargo cover securely or remove it from the vehicle.
The cargo cover can be used to cover items in the rear of the vehicle.
To remove the cargo cover:
Remove both of the cords (1) from ...
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has ABS, an advanced electronic braking system that helps prevent
a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise might be heard while this test is going on,
and it might even be noticed that the brake pedal moves a lit ...
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
Warning
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death. Never run the engine in an enclosed
area that has ...
