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:
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much weight the vehicle can carry. This weight
is called the vehicle capacity weight and includes the weight of all occupants,
cargo, and all nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle show how much weight it may properly carry: the Tire
and Loadi ...
Starting the Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). The engine will not start in
any other position. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicle is moving. If you
do, you could dam ...
Doing Your Own Service Work
Warning
It can be dangerous to work on your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service manual, tools, or parts. Always follow owner manual
procedures and consult the service manual for your vehicle before doing any service
work.
If doing some of your own service work, use the p ...
