Steering, Steering -4, Automatic – Buick 2011 Enclave User Manual

Page 260

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Buick Enclave Owner Manual - 2011

9-4

Driving and Operating

If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. If the brakes are pumped,
the pedal could get harder to push
down. If the engine stops, there will
still be some power brake assist but
it will be used when the brake is
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 accessories
can affect vehicle performance.
See Accessories and Modifications
on page 10‑3
.

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.

Variable Effort Steering

The vehicle has a steering system
that continuously adjusts the effort
felt when steering at all vehicle
speeds. It provides ease when
parking, yet a firm, solid feel at
highway speeds.

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 9‑3
.
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.

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