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:
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can signal that something is wrong before it becomes
serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gauges could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there could be a problem with a vehicle function.
Some ...
TPMS Malfunction Light
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of the TPMS sensors are missing
or inoperable. When the system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light
flashes for about one minute and then stays on for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. The malfunction light comes on at each ign ...
Reclining Seatbacks
Warning
If either seatback is not locked, it could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the seatbacks to be sure they are locked.
To recline the seatback:
Lift the lever.
Move the seatback to the desired p ...
