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
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Other materials:
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition to START. When
the engine cranks, let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as the engine
gets warm.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking System. It assists in starting
the engine and protects components. If the ign ...
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
For vehicles with this feature, read the entire section before using it.
Warning
The LDW system is an aid to help the vehicle stay in the driving lane. It
does not steer the vehicle. The LDW system may not:
. Provide enough time to avoid a crash.
. Detect lane markings under bad weather co ...
Tire Rotation and Required Services Every 12 000 km/ 7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for the vehicle, and perform the following services.
See Tire Rotation.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage. If needed, change engine
oil and filter, and reset oil life system. See Engine Oil and Engine
Oil Life System.
Check engine coo ...
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