Buick 2011 Lucerne Automobile User Manual


 
Black plate (8,1)
Buick Lucerne Owner Manual - 2011
Adding nondealer accessories can affect the vehicle's
performance. See Accessories and Modifications
on
page 63
for more information.
Magnetic Ride Control
The vehicle may have Magnetic Ride Control that
automatically adjusts the ride of the vehicle. The
controller receives input from the system to determine
the proper ride. If the controller detects a problem within
the system, the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays
a SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS message. See DIC
Warnings and Messages
on page 447
for more
information. If this message appears, have the vehicle
serviced at your dealer.
Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stops
or the system is not functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and
find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. These
problems can be avoided by braking if you can stop
in time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time because
there is no room. That is the time for evasive
action steering around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply the brakes. See Braking
on
page 53
. It is better to remove as much speed as
possible from a collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right depending on the space
available.
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