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Braking in Emergencies
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.
Variable Effort Steering (Option)
This steering system provides lighter steering effort
for parking and when driving at speeds below 20 mph
(32 km/h). 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
e v a
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. Unless you have the Trac System
and the system is on, adding
the
sudden acceleration can
demand too much of those places. You can lose control.
Refer to "Trac 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.
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