User manual PONTIAC TRANSSPORT 1996

[. . . ] I Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how use your seats and safety belts properly. FeaturesandControls This section explains how to start and operate your Pontiac. Comfort Controls and Audio Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. YourDrivingandtheRoad Here you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and to drive under different conditions. [. . . ] (See "Braking in Emergencies" earlier inthis section. ) It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, t the left o o r right depending on the space available, 4-9 Off-Road Recovery You may find sometime that your rightwheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you're driving. An emergency like this requires close attention and^ a quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at the recommended 9 and 3 o'clock positions, you can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without remqving 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 practicle defensive driving at all times and wear safety belts properly. , _ ~' I If the level of the shoulder, is only slightly below the pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the 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. Then turn your steering wheelto go straight down the roadway. 1 , 4-10 Passing The driver of a vehicle about to pass another on a two-lane highway waits for just the right moment, accelerates, moves around the vehicle ahead, then goes back into the right lane again. A simple maneuver?Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane asoncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in judgment, ora brief surrender to frustration or anger can suddenly put the passing driver face to face with the worst of all traffic accidents -- the head-on collision. So here are some tips for passing: "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. Do not get too closeto the vehicle you want to pass while you're awaiting an opportunity. For one thing, following too closely reduces your area of vision, especially if you're following a larger vehicle. Also, you won't have adequate space if the vehicle ahead suddenly slows or stops. Keep back a reasonable distance. When it lookslike a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay inthe right lane and don't get too close. Time your move so you will be increasing speed as the time comes to move into the other lane. If the way is clear topass, you will have a "running start" that more than makes up for the distance you would lose by dropping back. And if something happens to cause you to cancel your pass, you need only slow down and drop back again and wait for another opportunity. 0 If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings and lines. If you can see a sign up ahead that might indicate a turn or an intersection, delay your pass. broken A center line usually indicates it's all right to pass (providing the road aheadis clear). Never crossa solid line on your side of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic. your turn. But take care that someone isn't trying to pass you as you pull out to pass the slow vehicle. Remember to glance over your shoulder and check the blind spot. Check your mirrors, gl'aslce over your shoulder start your left lane change signal before of the . right lane pass When you are to see ahead of the passed vehicle to its frontin your inside mirror, activate your right lane change 'nal si and move back into the right lane. (Remember that is your right outside mirror convex, The just passedmay seem to be farther away than it reallyis. ) I Loss of Control Let's review what driving expertssay about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steerkg and acceleration) don't have enough friction where the tires meet the road to what the driver has asked. [. . . ] They may be useful for owners who wish to get a greater understanding of their vehicle. They are also useful for owners with the appropriate skill level or training who wish to perform "do-it-yourself" service. These are authentic General Motors service manuals meant for professional, qualified technicians. Service manuals, service bulletins, owner's manuals and other service literature are available for purchase for all current and many past model General Motors vehicles. 1-800-668-5539 s-I1 Service Bulletins Service bulletins covering various subjects are regulbly sent to all General Motors dealerships. [. . . ]