Driving and Operating 8-5applied. Once the power assist isused up, it can take longer to stopand the brake pedal will be harderto push.Adding non‐dealer/non‐retaileraccessories can affect vehicleperformance. See Accessories andModifications on page 9‑3.SteeringPower SteeringIf power steering assist is lostbecause the engine stops or thepower steering system is notfunctioning, the vehicle can besteered but it will take more effort.Steering TipsIt is important to take curves at areasonable speed.Traction in a curve depends on thecondition of the tires and the roadsurface, the angle at which thecurve is banked, and vehicle speed.While in a curve, speed is the onefactor that can be controlled.If there is a need to reduce speed,do it before entering the curve, whilethe front wheels are straight.Try to adjust the speed so you candrive through the curve. Maintain areasonable, steady speed. Wait toaccelerate until out of the curve, andthen accelerate gently into thestraightaway.Steering in EmergenciesThere are times when steering canbe more effective than braking. Forexample, you come over a hill andfind a truck stopped in your lane,or a car suddenly pulls out fromnowhere, or a child darts out frombetween parked cars and stops rightin front of you. These problems canbe avoided by braking — if you canstop in time. But sometimes youcannot stop in time because there isno room. That is the time forevasive action — steering aroundthe problem.The vehicle can perform very well inemergencies like these. First applythe brakes. See Braking onpage 8‑4. It is better to remove asmuch speed as possible from acollision. Then steer around theproblem, to the left or rightdepending on the space available.An emergency like this requiresclose attention and a quick decision.If holding the steering wheel at therecommended 9 and 3 o'clockpositions, it can be turned a full180 degrees very quickly withoutremoving either hand. But you haveto act fast, steer quickly, and just asquickly straighten the wheel onceyou have avoided the object.
