1994 Oldsmobile Silhouette Owner's Manual - Page 140

Your Driving andthe Road wait until there's no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing the switch again. The light on the switch should come on. A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here's why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going inthe same direction. If you've evertried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this. The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, andyour speed. While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you're steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control systems steering and acceleration - have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have traction control and the system is on, adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. Braking in Emergencies I'he traction control system mtomatically comes on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should dways leave the system on. But you can :urn the traction controlsystem off if IOU ever need to. (You should turn the ;ystem off if your vehicle ever gets stuck n sand, mud, ice or snow. See Rocking Your Vehicle in the Index.) T turn the system off, press the switch o ocated on the center instrument panel :onsole. The light on theswitch will go off. If the Lraction control system is limiting wheel ;pin when you press the switch, the ;ystem won't turn off right away. It will Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to. With anti-lock, you can steer andbrake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or thesystem is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's importantto take curves at a reasonable speed. 138