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You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets
stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle
is required. SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
on page 4-32andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow on page 4-31for more information. See
alsoWinter Driving on page 4-27for information
on using TCS when driving in snowy or icy conditions.
To turn the system off,
press the TC (traction
control) button located
near the shift lever.
If you press the TC button once, the traction control
system will turn off and the traction control system
warning light will come on. Press the TC button again
to turn the system back on. If you press and hold
the TC button for ve seconds, the StabiliTrak
®system
and the traction control system will turn off. Press
the TC button again to turn StabiliTrak
®back on.
For more information, seeStabiliTrak®System on
page 4-11.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modi cations
on page 5-3for more information.
Competitive Driving Mode (STS-V)
The driver can select this optional handling mode
by pressing the Traction Control button, located near
the shift lever, twice within ve seconds. Competitive
driving mode allows the driver to have control of
the power applied to the rear wheels, while the
StabiliTrak
®system helps steer the vehicle by selective
brake application. In competitive mode, the levels at
which StabiliTrak
®is engaged have been modi ed
to better suit a performance driving environment. When
the traction control warning light is on, the Traction
Control System will not be operating. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
When you press the Traction Control button again,
the Traction Control System will be on. The traction
engaged symbol will be displayed temporarily in the
DIC and a chime will be heard. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-79for more information.
4-10
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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
your 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: Any Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Competitive Driving
See your warranty book before using your vehicle for
competitive driving.
Notice:If you use your vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving, the engine may use more
oil than it would with normal use. Low oil levels can
damage the engine. Be sure to check the oil level
often during racing or other competitive driving
and keep the level at or near the upper mark that
shows the proper operating range on the engine oil
dipstick. For information on how to add oil, see
Engine Oil on page 5-18.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired — by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.
Here are some tips on night driving.
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Adjust the inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare
from headlamps behind you.
Since you cannot see as well, you may need to
slow down and keep more space between you
and other vehicles.
Slow down, especially on higher speed roads.
Your vehicle’s headlamps can light up only so much
road ahead.
In remote areas, watch for animals.
If you are tired, pull off the road in a safe place
and rest.
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Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a
wet road, you cannot stop, accelerate, or turn as well
because your tire-to-road traction is not as good as
on dry roads. And, if your tires do not have much tread
left, you will get even less traction. It is always wise
to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while
you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when
your re exes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if
your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a
heavy rain can make it harder to see road signs and
traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the
road, and even people walking.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment
in good shape and keep your windshield washer
uid reservoir lled with washer uid. Replace your
windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of
streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when
strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They will not
work as well in a quick stop and may cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly
until your brakes work normally.
Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems,
too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid
puddles. But if you cannot, try to slow down before
you hit them.
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