The traction you can get in a curve depends onthe condition of your tires and the road surface, theangle at which the curve is banked, and yourspeed. While you are in a curve, speed is theone factor you can control.Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.Then you suddenly accelerate. Both controlsystems — steering and acceleration — have todo their work where the tires meet the road.Adding the sudden acceleration can demand toomuch of those places. You can lose control.See Traction Control System (TCS) on page 323and StabiliTrak® System on page 326.What should you do if this ever happens? Ease upon the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle theway you want it to go, and slow down.Since your vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak® ,the system may be active. See DIC Warnings andMessages on page 264 and StabiliTrak® Systemon page 326.Speed limit signs near curves warn that youshould adjust your speed. Of course, the postedspeeds are based on good weather and roadconditions. Under less favorable conditions you willwant to go slower.If you need to reduce your speed as you approacha curve, do it before you enter the curve, whileyour front wheels are straight ahead.Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive”through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steadyspeed. Wait to accelerate until you are out ofthe curve, and then accelerate gently intothe straightaway.To help you steer in the direction you want to go,during certain sharp or sudden corneringmaneuvers, gear selection is controlled. This willmaximize the available drive wheel torque andminimize the transmission response time and shiftactivity. During this kind of maneuver, thetransmission shifts automatically as vehiclespeed changes.Adding non-GM accessories can affect yourvehicle’s performance. See Accessories andModifications on page 363.328
