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. Refer to “Traction Control
System’’ in the Index.
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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