Control Of A Vehicle; Braking; Steering - GMC 2012 Sierra Owner's Manual

9-4 Driving and Operating

Control of a Vehicle

Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.

Braking

Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding
to push the brake pedal is
perception time. Actually doing
it is reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second.
In that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
Avoid needless heavy braking.
Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.

Steering

Hydraulic Power Steering
Your vehicle has hydraulic
power steering. It may require
maintenance. See Power Steering
Fluid Power Steering Fluid on
page 10 25.
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
power steering system is not
functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but may required increased
effort. See your dealer if there is a
problem.
I n f o r ma t i o n P r o v i d e d b y :
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the
hybrid supplement for more
information.
Curve Tips
Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve
Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.
Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
allows steering while braking.