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:
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash
Warning
A crash can damage the airbag systems in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system
may not work properly and may not protect you and your passenger(s) in a crash,
resulting in serious injury or even death. To help make sure the airbag systems
are working properly after a crash, have them i ...
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire
1. Do a safety check before proceeding. See If a Tire Goes Flat.
2. Remove the wheel cover, if the vehicle has one, to reach the wheel bolts.
3. Turn the wheel nuts counterclockwise to loosen them. Do not remove them yet.
4. Place the jack at the position marked with a half circle.
5. In ...
Transmission Mount Bracket Replacement - Rear
Removal Procedure
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
Remove the front suspension skid plate, if equipped.
Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Skid
Plate Replacement.
Using a suitable jack stand, support the rear of the ...
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