Power Steering; Magnetic Variable Effort Steering; Steering Tips- Page 176

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Braking in Emergencies

With anti

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lock, you can steer and brake at the same

time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.

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.

Magnetic Variable Effort Steering

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This steering system provides lighter steering effort for
parking and when driving at low speeds. Steering effort
will increase at higher speeds for improved road feel.

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 

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steering and acceleration 

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 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 “Full

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Range Traction Control System”

or “Traction Control System” 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.

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.