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:
Personalization Menu (Radio with Touchscreen)
Settings can be made with the ignition ON and the vehicle not moving.
Use the audio system controls to access the personalization menus for customizing
vehicle features.
The following are all possible personalization features. Depending on the vehicle,
some may not be available.
(Home): Pres ...
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The DIC displays information about your vehicle. It also displays warning messages
if a system problem is detected. See Vehicle Messages. All messages appear in the
DIC display in the instrument cluster.
DIC Operation and Displays
The DIC has different displays which can be accessed b ...
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder reservoir is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See Engine Compartment Overview for the location
of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the fluid level in the reservoir might go down:
The fluid level goes down b ...
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