Winter driving, Winter driving -17, Driving on snow or ice – Saturn 2010 AURA Hybrid User Manual

Page 247

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Winter Driving

Driving on Snow or Ice

Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice
can occur at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rain begins
to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid driving on wet
ice or in freezing rain until roads can be treated with salt
or sand.

Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate
gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under
the tires slick, so there is even less traction.

Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.

If the vehicle has the Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 5-7, it improves the ability to accelerate on
slippery roads, but slow down and adjust your driving to
the road conditions. When driving through deep snow,
turn off the traction control system to help maintain
vehicle motion at lower speeds.

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 5-4 improves
vehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads,
but apply the brakes sooner than when on dry
pavement.

Allow greater following distance on any slippery road
and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on
otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface
of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.

Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.

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