User manual BUICK REGAL 1996

[. . . ] R E G A L L The 1996 Buick Regal Owner's Manual 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It also explains "SRS" system. Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ] Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, eventhough you have anti-lock brakes. Braking in Emergencies Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to. With anti-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. Using Anti-Lock Don't pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel the system working, or you may noticesome noise, but this is normal. When your anti-lock system is adjusting brake pressure to help avoid a braking skid, this light will come on. See "Anti-Lock Brake System Active Light" in the Index. LOW TRAC Variable Assist Steering (Option) 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 orbeginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against theroad surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change path when you turn its the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertiawill keep the vehicle goingin 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 theone factor you can control. Suppose you're steering througha sharp curve. Both control systems-- steering and acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Addingthe sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. up What should you do if this ever happens?Ease 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, theposted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you'llwant 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. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. 'Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked cars and stops right in front of you. [. . . ] . Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tire-Loading Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vehicle Identification Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-36 2- 10 2-1 4-27 4-27 6-5 1 4-27 6-5 1 Lamps . [. . . ]