Loss Of Control; Off-Road Driving - Cadillac XT4 2023 Owner's Manual

170 Driving and Operating

Loss of Control

Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
Braking Skid - wheels are not rolling.
Steering or Cornering Skid - too much
speed or steering in a bend causes tyres
to slip and lose cornering force.
Acceleration Skid - too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognise
warning clues - such as enough water, ice,
or packed snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface - and slow down when
you have any doubt.
Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tyres to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.

Off-Road Driving

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles can be used
for off-road driving. Vehicles without AWD
and vehicles not equipped with All Terrain
(AT) or On-Off Road (OOR) tyres must not
be driven off-road except on a level, solid
surface. To contact the tyre manufacturer
for more information about the original
equipment tyres, see the warranty manual.
Controlling the vehicle is the key to
successful off-road driving. One of the best
ways to control the vehicle is to control the
speed.
Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing and
quick changes in direction can easily
throw you out of position. This could
cause you to lose control and crash. You
and your passengers should always wear
seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
Have all necessary maintenance and
service work completed.
Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels, and check
inflation pressure in all tyres, including
the spare, if equipped.
Read all the information about AWD
vehicles in this manual.
Make sure all underbody shields,
if equipped, are properly attached.
Know the local laws that apply to off-road
driving.
To gain more ground clearance if needed, it
may be necessary to remove the front fascia
lower air dam. However, driving without the
front spoiler reduces fuel economy.