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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. Unless you
have
ASR
and the system is on, 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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