Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: Braking
Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20m (66 ft), which could be a lot of distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:
- Keep enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Avoid needless heavy braking.
- Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. Doing so could make the pedal harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global tragedy.
Warning
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions,
attentiveness, and judgment can be affec ...
Steering
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power steering. It does not have power steering fluid.
Regular maintenance is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due to a system malfun ...
Other materials:
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when to change the engine oil
and filter. This is based on a combination of factors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil chang ...
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be a serious situation. Stay with the vehicle unless
there is help nearby.
If possible, use Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program on page
13-5.
To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
Tie a red cloth t ...
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific tires for the vehicle. The original equipment
tires installed were designed to meet General Motors Tire Performance Criteria Specification
(TPC Spec) system rating. When replacement tires are needed, GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC Sp ...
