Steering; Power Steering; Steering Tips- Page 212

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Steering

Power Steering

If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer 
but it will take much more effort.

Steering Tips

Driving on Curves

It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.

A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here’s why:

Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.

The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.

Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you
suddenly accelerate. Both control systems 

--

 steering and

acceleration 

--

 have to do their work where the tires meet

the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too
much of those places. You can lose control. Refer to
“Traction Control” in the Index.

What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the
accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it
to go, and slow down.

If you have Stabilitrak

R

, you may see the STABILITY

SYSTEM ACTIVE message on the Driver Information
Center. See “Stability System Active Message” in 
the Index.

Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are
based on good weather and road conditions. Under less
favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower.

If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a
curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.

Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through 
the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. 
Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, 
and then accelerate gently into the straightaway.