User manual OLDSMOBILE AURORA 1996

[. . . ] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. Italso explains the "SRS" system. FeaturesandControls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ] Perhaps you can ease a little to the right. Loss of Control Let's review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don't have enough friction where the tires meet the road to dowhat the driver has asked. If your traction control system is off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you wantthe vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not "overdriving" those conditions. The three types of skids correspond to your Aurora's three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only the acceleration skid. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding. 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. Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid. 4-14 Driving at Night Here are some tips on night driving. 0 0 0 Drive defensively. Since you can't see as well, you mayneed to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles. Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlamps can light up only so much road ahead. 0 0 0 In remote areas, watch for animals. If you're tired, pull off the road in a safe place and rest. Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired by -alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, by fatigue. or 4-15 No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. [. . . ] 2-68, 4-8 Control System Warning Light . 4-34 Maintenance When Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33 4-34 Total Weight on Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-76 Transmitters 2-8 Remote Lock Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ]