GMC Terrain: Driving Information / Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
- Braking Skid — wheels are not
rolling.
- Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force.
- Acceleration Skid — too much
throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
- Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go.
The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
- Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. 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.
- Try 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.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:
Ease off the accelerator and
then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement...
All-wheel-drive vehicles can be
used for off-road driving. Vehicles
without all-wheel drive and vehicles
not equipped with All Terrain (AT) or
On-Off Road (OOR) tires must not
be driven off-road except on a level,
solid surface...
Other information:
To open the hood:
Pull the hood release lever with
this symbol on it. It is on the
lower left side of the instrument
panel between the door and
the steering wheel.
Go to the front of the vehicle to
find the secondary hood
release handle...
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not lash
or hook to suspension
components. Use the proper
straps around the tires to secure
the vehicle. Do not drag a locked
wheel/tire while loading the
vehicle...