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.
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
is
the 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.
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.
4-8
To Next Page
Loading...
