1995 Oldsmobile Aurora Owner's Manual - Page 174

Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. 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, and yo~lr speed. While you're i n a curve, speed is the one factor YOLI 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 your traction control system is on, adding the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. What should Y ~ L do if this ever happens'?Ease up on the I accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions YOLI'II want to go slower. If YOLI need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before YOLI enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust Y O L Ispeed so you can "drive" through the ~ curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. Magnasteer TM Your vehicle is equipped with GM Magnasteer", a steering system that continuously adjusts the effort you feel when steering at all vehicle speeds. It provides ease when parking yet a firm, solid feel at highway speeds. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed. 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 in the same direction. I f you've ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this. 4-10