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:
Automatic Door Locks
The vehicle is programmed so that when the doors are closed, the ignition is
on, and the shift lever is moved out of P (Park) for automatic transmissions, or
when the vehicle speed is above 13 km/h (8 mph) for manual transmissions, the doors
and the trunk/liftgate will lock.
To unlock the doo ...
Tire and Wheel Assembly Runout Measurement - Off Vehicle
Raise and support the vehicle.
Mark the location of the wheels to the wheel studs and mark the specific
vehicle position on each tire and wheel – LF, LR, RF, RR.
Remove the tire and wheel assemblies from the vehicle.
Closely inspect each tire for proper and even bead seating.
If an ...
Replacement Wheels Description
Replace the wheel if any of the following conditions exist:
The wheel exhibits excessive runout.
The wheel is bent.
The wheel is cracked.
The wheel is severely rusted.
The wheel is severely corroded.
Note: Air leaks caused by porosity on aluminum wheels are repairable.
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