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:
Door Locks
To lock or unlock the doors from outside the vehicle:
Use the key in the driver door to lock and unlock the door.
Press or
on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter, if equipped, to lock and unlock the doors. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on page 2-3.
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Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
Warning
A crash can damage the safety belt system in the vehicle.
A damaged safety belt system may not properly protect the person using it, resulting
in serious injury or even death in a crash. To help make sure the safety belt systems
are working properly after a crash, have them inspected a ...
Filling the Tank
Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn violently and can cause injury
or death.
To help avoid injuries to you and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the fuel pump island.
Turn off the engine when refueling.
Keep sparks, flames, and smoking materials away from fuel.
Do n ...
