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:
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine compartment on the driver side
of the vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview on page 10-7 for more information
on location.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the scheduled maintenance intervals.
See ...
Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires damage repairs, GM recommends that you
take an active role in its repair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility
of choice, take the vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any required replacement collision parts be origi ...
Lower Anchor and Top Tether Anchor Locations
(Top Tether Anchor): Seating positions
with top tether anchors.
(Lower Anchor): Seating positions
with two lower anchors.
To assist in locating the lower
anchors, each seating position with lower anchors has two labels, near the crease
between the seatback and the seat cushion.
To a ...
