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.
4-9
To Next Page
Loading...
