Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual: 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 much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these suggestions:
- Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and steer the way you want the vehicle to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be ready for a second skid if it occurs.
- Slow down and adjust your driving according to weather conditions. Stopping distance can be longer and vehicle control can be affected when traction is reduced by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material on the road. Learn to recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down when you have any doubt.
- Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder
while driving. Follow these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the ...
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop
and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and ...
Other materials:
Floor Mats
Warning
If a floor mat is the wrong size or is not properly installed, it can interfere
with the pedals. Interference with the pedals can cause unintended acceleration
and/or increased stopping distance which can cause a crash and injury. Make sure
the floor mat does not interfere with the pe ...
Airbag Instrument Panel Module Replacement
Airbag Instrument Panel Module Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Warning: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage
Warning.
Warning: Refer to SIR Warning.
Preliminary Procedure
Disable t ...
Transmission Fluid Cooler Flushing and Flow Test
GM studies indicate that plugged or restricted transmission oil coolers and pipes
cause insufficient transmission lubrication and elevated operating temperatures
which can lead to premature transmission failure. Many repeat repair cases could
have been prevented by following published procedur ...
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