Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by
not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always
possible.
The three types of skids correspond to the vehicle's
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip
and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid,
too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
Remember: StabiliTrak
®
helps avoid only the
acceleration skid. See
StabiliTrak
®
System on
page 5
‑
6
. If the StabiliTrak
®
System is off, then an
acceleration skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
If the vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
the vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, slow
down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is
important to slow down on slippery surfaces because
stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control
more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting
to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the
tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues
—
such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface
—
and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the
braking skid.
5-12
Summary of Contents for 2010 GMC Sierra
Page 6: ...2 NOTES vi ...
Page 8: ...Instrument Panel Instrument Panel Base Uplevel Version 1 2 ...
Page 10: ...Instrument Panel Premium Version 1 4 ...
Page 60: ...Put someone on it Get it up to speed Then stop the vehicle The rider does not stop 2 18 ...
Page 138: ...2 NOTES 2 96 ...
Page 224: ...2 NOTES 3 86 ...
Page 376: ...2 NOTES 4 152 ...
Page 600: ...2 NOTES 6 140 ...
Page 618: ...Maintenance Record cont d Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Services Performed 7 18 ...
Page 619: ...Maintenance Record cont d Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Services Performed 7 19 ...
Page 620: ...Maintenance Record cont d Date Odometer Reading Serviced By Services Performed 7 20 ...
Page 642: ...2 NOTES 8 22 ...
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