Buick LaCrosse: 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 quickly 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.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and
then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer ...
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles ...
See also:
Trunk light
The light illuminates when the trunk lid is opened.
When the trunk lid is closed, the light goes off.
The light will go off after about 15 minutes if the
trunk lid is left open, unless the ignition ...
Emergency towing
See page 265 for more information. ...
Door Locks
To lock or unlock the door, use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or the key from outside the vehicle, and the door lock knob or switch from inside the vehicle.
To unlock or lock the fuel do ...