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:
Front Bumper Fascia Bracket Replacement
Front Bumper Fascia Bracket Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Preliminary Procedure
Remove the front bumper fascia. Refer to Front Bumper Fascia Replacement.
Remove the front bumper fascia center support bracket. Refer to ...
Instrument Panel Lower Intermediate Reinforcement Replacement
Instrument Panel Lower Intermediate Reinforcement Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Preliminary Procedures
Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.
Remove the passenger inflatable restraint instrument ...
Lead/Pull Description
At a constant highway speed on a typical straight road, lead/pull is the amount
of effort required at the steering wheel to maintain the vehicle's straight path.
Important: Vehicles will tend to lead/pull in the direction of the
road slope as part of normal operation.
Lead/pull is ...
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