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:
Brake Rotor Surface and Wear Inspection
Warning: Refer to Brake Dust Warning.
If the inboard friction surface of the brake rotor is not accessible, reposition
and support the caliper with the brake pads. Refer to Front Disc Brake Pads
Replacement.
Clean the friction surfaces of the brake rotor with denatured alcohol, or ...
Drum Brake Hardware Inspection
Warning: Refer to Brake Dust Warning.
Visually inspect the drum brake upper return spring (1) for the following
conditions:
Excessive corrosion
Excessive stretching
Broken
Missing
If any of the conditions listed were found, the drum brake upper return sp ...
Catalytic Converter Replacement (LUV)
Removal Procedure
Warning: Refer to Exhaust Service Warning.
Warning: Refer to Protective Goggles and Glove Warning.
Remove the exhaust manifold heat shield. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Heat
Shield Replacement.
Remove the catalytic converter heated oxygen senso ...
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