1994 Oldsmobile Bravada Owner's Manual - Page 120

hur Driving and the Road Loss o Control f Let's reviewwhat driving experts say about what happens when thethree control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don't have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency,don't give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. While drivingon a surface with reduced A cornering skid and an acceleration traction, try your best avoid sudden to skid are best handled by easing your steering, acceleration, or braking foot off the accelerator pedal. (including engine braking shifting to a by If your vehicle starts toslide, ease your lower gear). Any sudden changes could foot off the accelerator pedal and cause the tires to slide. You may not quickly steer the way youwant the realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle to go. If you start steering vehicle is skidding. Learn recognize to quicldy enough, your vehicle may warning clues- such as enough water, straighten out. Always be ready a for ice or packed snow the road to make on second skidif it occurs. a "mirrored surface" and slow down Of course, traction is reduced when when you have any doubt. water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material Remember: Any anti-lock braking is onthe road. For safety, you'll to want system (ABS) helps avoid onlythe slow downand adjust your driving to braking skid. these conditions. It is important slow to down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. Skidding In a skid, a driver lose control of can the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not "overdriving" those conditions. But skids are always possible. The three types of skids correspond to your Oldsmobile'sthree control systems. In the braking skid your wheels aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causestires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. 114