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.
Magnetic Speed Sensitive Steering
This steering system provides lighter steering effort
for parking and when driving at speeds below
20
mph
(32
km/h). Steering effort will increase at
higher speeds for improved road
feel.
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.
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