Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual: Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include:
- Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
- Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling system, and transmission.
- Shift to a lower gear when going down steep or long hills.
Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a long downhill slope can cause brake overheating, can reduce brake performance, and could result in a loss of braking. Shift the transmission to a lower gear to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition off is dangerous. This can cause overheating of the brakes and loss of steering. Always have the engine running and the vehicle in gear.
- Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane.
- Be alert on top of hills; something could be in your lane (stalled car, accident).
- Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks area, winding roads, long grades, passing or no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings while driving. If you
become tired or sleepy, find a safe place to park the vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle ...
Winter Driving
...
Other materials:
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 muc ...
Brakes
If the overheat warning no longer displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue
to drive the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distance from
the vehicle in front. If the warning does not come back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system checked for pro ...
Hydraulic Brake System Flushing
Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning.
Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components
Caution.
Inspect the brake fluid for the following conditions, indicating brake fluid
contamination:
Fluid separation, indicating 2 types of fl ...
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