Buick Enclave manuals

Buick Enclave: Control of a Vehicle. Braking. Steering

Buick Enclave 2008-2017 Owners Manual / Driving and Operating / Driving Information / Control of a Vehicle. Braking. Steering

Control of a Vehicle

Braking, steering, and accelerating are important factors in helping to control a vehicle while driving.

Braking

Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time.

Average driver reaction time is about three-fourths of a second.

In that time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20m (66 ft), which could be a lot of distance in an emergency.

Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:

► Keep enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

► Avoid needless heavy braking.

► Keep pace with traffic.

If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. Doing so could make the pedal harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied.

Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Steering

Hydraulic Power Steering

Your vehicle has hydraulic power steering. It may require maintenance. See Power Steering Fluid .

If power steering assist is lost due to a system malfunction, the vehicle can be steered, but may require increased effort.

Variable Effort Steering

Some vehicles have a steering system that varies the amount of effort required to steer the vehicle in relation to the speed of the vehicle.

The amount of steering effort required is less at slower speeds to make the vehicle more maneuverable and easier to park.

At faster speeds, the steering effort increases to provide a sport-like feel to the steering. This provides maximum control and stability.

If the vehicle seems harder to steer than normal when parking or driving slowly, there may be a problem with the system. You will still have power steering, but steering will be stiffer than normal at slow speeds.

See your dealer for service.

Curve Tips

► Take curves at a reasonable speed.

► Reduce speed before entering a curve.

► Maintain a reasonable steady speed through the curve.

► Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve before accelerating gently into the straightaway.

Steering in Emergencies

► There are some situations when steering around a problem may be more effective than braking.

► Holding both sides of the steering wheel allows you to turn 180 degrees without removing a hand.

► Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows steering while braking.

READ NEXT:

 Off-Road Recovery. Loss of Control. Driving on Wet Roads

Off-Road Recovery The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. Follow these tips: 1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in

 Highway Hypnosis. Hill and Mountain Roads. Winter Driving

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 the vehicle and rest. Other driving tips include:

SEE MORE:

 Introduction Infotainment

Read the following pages to become familiar with the audio system's features. WARNING Taking your eyes off the road for extended periods could cause a crash resulting in injury or death to you or others. Do not give extended attention to entertainment tasks while driving. This system provi

 Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash

WARNING A crash can damage the airbag systems in the vehicle. ► damaged airbag system may not work properly and may not protect you and your passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in serious injury or even death. To help make sure the airbag systems are working properly after a crash, have

© 2016-2024 Copyright www.benclave.com