User manual BUICK SKYLARK 1997

[. . . ] . . The 1997 Buick Skylark Owner's Manual 1-1 2- 1 Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. It Features and Controls This section explains how start and operate your Buick. to 3-1 4-1 Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and howoperate your audio system. to to Your Driving and the Road Here you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how under different conditions. [. . . ] Ease up on if the accelerator pedal, steer vehicle the way you wantit the to go, and slow down. Steering Tips Driving on Curves It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed. Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are A lot of the "driver lost control" accidents mentioned on based on good weather and road conditions. Here's why: If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a Experienced driver or beginner, each us is subject to of curve, doit before you enter the curve, while your Eront the same laws of physics when driving on curves. traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicleto change its path when youturn Try to adjust your speed you can "drive" through so the the front wheels. Wait to the vehicle going in the same direction. you've ever If accelerate until you are out the curve, and then of tried to steer a vehicle on ice, you'll understand this. wet the in The traction you can get a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curveis banked, and yourspeed. While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Steering imergencies There are times when steering can be more effective than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stoppedin your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out from nowhere, or a childdarts out from between parked cars and stops right front of you. That's the timefor evasive action-- steering around the problem. Your Buick can perform very well emergencies like in these. (See "Braking in Emergencies" earlierin this section. )It is better to remove as much speed as you from a possible can collision. Then steer around the problem, to left or the right dependingon the space available. An emergency like this requires close attention and a quick decision. If you are holdingthe steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing either hand. But you have act fast, steer quickly, and to just as quickly straightenthe wheel once you have avoided the object. The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving a all times and wear safety belts properly. 4-11 Off-Road Recovery You may find sometime that your right wheels have dropped off the edgeof a road onto the shoulder while you're driving. Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for the right moment, , just accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. Passing another vehicle a two-lane on highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane oncoming as traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a brief surrender to frustration or anger can suddenly put the passing driver to face with the face worst of all traffic accidents -- the head-on collision. So here are some tips passing: for a - "Drive ahead. "Look down the road, to the sides and to crossroads for situations that might affect your passing patterns. If you have any doubt whatsoever about making a successful pass, wait for a better time. If the levelof the shoulder is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease the off accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to one-quarter turn until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. If you can seea sign up ahead that might indicate a t r or an intersection, delay your pass. broken un A center line usually indicates it's right to pass al l (providing the road aheadis clear). Never crossa solid line on your side of the lane ora double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traf%lc. 0 Do not get too close to vehicle you want to pass the while you're awaiting an opportunity. one thing, For following too closely reduces your areavision, of especially if you're following a larger vehicle. Also, you won't have adequate space the vehicle if ahead suddenly slows or stops. [. . . ] immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to The arbitrator will make a decision which you may accept or reject. If you accept the decision, GM will be notrfying General Motors. entire dispute resolution The If NHTSA receives similar complaints, may open an it procedure should ordinarily take about 40 days the from investigation, andif it finds that a safety defect exists in time youfile a claim until a decision is made. However, NHTSA cannot become involved Some state laws may require youuse this program to before filing a claim with a state-run arbitration program in individual problems between you, your dealer or General Motors. For further information, contact the BBB at 1-800-955-5100 or the Buick Customer To contact NHTSA, you may either the Auto Safety call Assistance Center at 1-800-955-7300. [. . . ]