User manual PONTIAC SUNFIRE 2003

[. . . ] I 1 COOZ The 2003 PontiacSunfireOwn SeatsandRestraintSystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30 Child Restraints Air Bag Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-59 Restraint System Check Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle 2-33 Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ] Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not "overdriving" those conditions. The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle's three control systems. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tiresto slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If you have the Enhanced Traction System, remember: It helps to avoid only the acceleration skid. If you do not have the Enhanced Traction System, or if the system is off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. Loss of Control Let's review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don't have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger. 4-14 If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready for a second skid if it occurs. Of course, tractionreduced is when water, snow, ice, qravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear). 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. If you have the anti-lock braking system, remember: It helps avoid only the braking skid. If you do not have anti-lock, then in a braking skid (where the wheels are no longer rolling), release enough pressure on the brakes-to get the wheels rolling again. This restores steeringcontrol. Pushthe brake pedal down steadilyNight \/nul h l \ / n Sten cltr-idnnht. m g 2s the \. t!hppIc r -------SI J. "" are you rolllng, will have steering control. 'I-" Driving at Night reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired - by driving is more dangerous than day driving. One problems, or by alcohol or drugs, with vision night fatigue. 4-1 5 Here are some tips on night driving. Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare from headlamps behind you. 0 You can be temporarily blinded by approaching headlamps. It can take a second or two, or even several seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who doesn't lower the high beams, or a vehicle with misaimed headlamps), slow down a little. [. . . ] 4-10 Storage Areas Center Console Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38 2-38 2-38 5-68 5-69 4-30 2-15 2-39 T Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22 5-48 3-54 2-16 2-16 2-17 6-22 3-4 6-17 5-76 5-55 5-59 5-60 5-70 5-60 5-52 Tires (cont. ) Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-73 1-39 Top Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ]