Cadillac 2010 SRX, Owner'S Manual

Page: 249 / 470

Driving and Operating 8-5
applied. Once the power assist is
used up, it can take longer to stop
and the brake pedal will be harder
to push.
Adding non ‐ dealer/non ‐ retailer
accessories can affect vehicle
performance. See
Accessories and
Modifications on page 9 ‑ 3 .
Steering
Power Steering
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
power steering 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 8 ‑ 4 . 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.
An emergency like this requires
close attention and a quick decision.
If holding the steering wheel at the
recommended 9 and 3 o'clock
positions, it can be turned a full
180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have
to act fast, steer quickly, and just as
quickly straighten the wheel once
you have avoided the object.