Winter Driving - Chevrolet Captiva Owner's Manual

WINTER DRIVING

Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or
ice between the tires and the road,
creating less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32°F)
when freezing rain begins to fall,
resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated with salt or
sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the
condition. Accelerate gently so traction
is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick, so there is
even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If
you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels
will spin and polish the surface under
the tires even more.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) on
page 8-28 improves vehicle stability
during hard stops on slippery roads, but
apply the brakes sooner than when on
dry pavement.
Allow greater following distance on
any slippery road and watch for
slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on
otherwise clear roads in shaded areas.
The surface of a curve or an overpass
can remain icy when the surrounding
roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control on slippery
surfaces.
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be a serious
situation. Stay with the vehicle unless
there is help nearby. To get help and
keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
Ÿ Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
Ÿ Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
Use warning triangle.
Ÿ
Driving and Operating 8-7
Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under
the vehicle. This may cause exhaust
gases to get inside. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It
can cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
Ÿ Clear away snow from around the
base of your vehicle, especially
any that is blocking the exhaust
pipe.
Ÿ Check again from time to time to
be sure snow does not collect
there.
Open a window about 5 cm (2 in)
Ÿ
on the side of the vehicle that is
away from the wind to bring in
fresh air.
(Continued)