Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not
“overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always
possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels
to
spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your
foot
off
the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid.
If
your traction control system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled
by easing your foot
off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot
off
the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to
go.
If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid
if
it occurs.
If
you have Stabilitrak@, you may see the STABILITY
SYS ENGAGED message on the Driver Information
Center.
See
“Stability
Sys
Engaged Message” under
DIC
Warnings and Messages on page
3-60.
Of course, traction
is
reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration
or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a
lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires
to slide. You may not realize the surface
is
slippery
until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize 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.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
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