Steering - Buick 1993 Park Avenue Owner's Manual

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 fails
to
function, you can steer but it
.will take much more effort.
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 changejts 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.
Those two control systems -- steering .and acceleration --
can overwhelm those places where the tires meet the
road and make you lose control.
What should you do if this ever happens? Let 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.
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. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
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