Braking In Emergencies; Variable Effort Steering; Steering Tips - Pontiac 1994 Grand Am Owner's Manual

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To Use 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 notice some noise,
but this is normal.
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.
Variable Effort Steering
(OPTION)
This steering system provides lighter
steering effort for parking and at low
vehicle 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 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
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 isthe 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. Adding the
sudden acceleration can demand too
much of those places. You can lose
control.
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.
I
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This manual is also suitable for:

Grandam 1994

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