Page 181 of 372

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.
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. SeeBraking on
page 8-4. 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.An emergency like this requires
close attention and a quick decision.
If holding the steering wheel at the
recommended 9 and 3 o’clock
positions, it can be turned a full
180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have
to act fast, steer quickly, and just as
quickly straighten the wheel once
you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency
situations are always possible is a
good reason to practice defensive
driving at all times and wear safety
belts properly.
Driving and Operating 8-5
Page 185 of 372

Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention
to your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find
a safe place to park your vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
•Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
•Keep interior temperature cool.
•Keep your eyes moving — scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
•Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
•Keep the vehicle serviced
and in good shape.
•Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
•Going down steep or long hills,
shift to a lower gear.
{WARNING
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
{WARNING
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or
with the ignition off is dangerous.
The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they
could get so hot that they would
not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash.
Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going
downhill.
•Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your
own lane.
•Top of hills: Be alert — something
could be in your lane (stalled car,
accident).
•Pay attention to special road
signs (falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Driving and Operating 8-9
Page 371 of 372

Tires (cont.)
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading.......................9-65
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance.......................9-67
Wheel Replacement..........9-67
When It Is Time for New
Tires............................9-62
Winter.............................9-48
Towing
Driving Characteristics.......8-49
Equipment.......................8-55
General Information...........8-48
Recreational Vehicle..........9-87
Trailer.............................8-53
Vehicle............................9-87
Traction..............................4-24
Control OFF/StabiliTrak
OFF Light....................4-24
Control System (TCS).......8-34
Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak
®Light...........4-24
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.......8-38
Off Light..........................4-23Trailer Towing......................8-53
Transmission
Automatic........................8-26
Fluid, Automatic................9-14
Fluid, Manual...................9-15
Messages........................4-36
Temperature Gage............4-14
Transportation Program,
Courtesy.........................12-8
Trip Odometer.....................4-11
Trunk................................... 1-8
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals............................. 5-4
U
Ultrasonic Parking Assist.......8-41
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading...........................9-65
Universal Remote System.....4-45
Operation........................4-48
Programming...................4-45
Using this Manual.................... iv
V
Vehicle
Canadian Owners................. iii
Control............................. 8-3
Load Limits......................8-12
Messages........................4-37
Personalization.................4-38
Remote Start..................... 1-5
Security...........................1-10
Speed Messages..............4-37
Towing ............................9-87
Vehicle Care
Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit.......9-77
Tire Pressure...................9-54
Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)...................11-1
Service Parts Identification
Label...........................11-1
Vehicle Reminder
Messages........................4-37
Ventilation, Air....................... 7-3
Visors.................................1-16
Voltmeter Gage....................4-15
INDEX i-11