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58nManual transmission


Turn signals/High beams


Reverse Select reverse only when the vehicle is stationary. Press the shift lever to the left to overcome the resistance. As you do this, the backup lamps will turn on automatically when the ignition key is in position 2.


Do not hold the vehicle in place on slopes by slipping or "riding" the clutch. Use the parking brake instead, otherwise, the ensuing friction to the clutch plates will cause a great deal of wear and tear on the clutch.<


Press the clutch pedal all the way down each time you shift, pressing the manual-shift gear lever into its proper end position. Depress the clutch when starting the vehicle, too, otherwise, lockout will prevent the engine from starting. The shift lever's neutral plane is located between 3rd and 4th gear. When shifting from each gear into "Neutral," the shift lever returns auto- matically to this neutral position because of its spring loading.


1 High beams (blue indicator lamp) 2 Headlamp flasher (blue indicator


lamp)


3 Turn signal indicator (green indicator


lamp and rhythmic clicking of the relay)


If the indicator lamp and the clicking from the relay are both faster than normal, one of the turn signal indicators has failed.


To signal briefly Press the lever up to but not beyond the resistance point. It then returns to the center position when released.


Wiper/Washer system


Windshield 0 Wipers retracted 1 Intermittent operation 2 Normal wipe 3 Fast wipe 4 Brief wipe 5 Cleaning the windshield


Rear window – M coupe only 6 Intermittent operation/Cleaning the


rear window


0 Wipers retracted The wipers are partially hidden behind the hood. To bring the wipers up into their vertical position (important when changing the blades, or folding up when frost is expected): Switch on the wipers and switch off the ignition when the wipers are approxi- mately vertical.


Fold the wipers down onto the windshield before turning on the


ignition key. Failure to do this could result in damage to the wiper/washer system and hood.<


1 Intermittent operation The length of the interval is varied auto- matically according to the vehicle's actual road speed.


2 Normal wipe The wipers automatically revert to inter- mittent operation when the vehicle is stationary.


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3 Fast wipe When the vehicle is stationary, the system does not switch to a lower wiper speed.


4 Brief wipe The wipers move once across the wind- shield.


5 Cleaning the windshield The system sprays washer fluid against the windshield and activates the wipers for a brief period. If you only pull the lever briefly, the system sprays washer fluid onto the windshield without activating the wipers.


60nWiper/Washer system


Rear window defroster


6 Intermittent operation/


Cleaning the rear window


Press the lever briefly: The intermittent setting of the rear window wiper is switched on or off. Press and hold the lever: The system sprays washer fluid against the rear window and activates the wiper. After the lever is released, the wiper continues to cycle for a few seconds. To change the wiper blades, refer to page 128.


Cleaning the headlamps* If the headlamps are on, they will also be cleaned every fifth time you activate the cleaning the windshield 5 mode.


Do not use the washers if there is any danger that the fluid will freeze


on the windshield, otherwise vision could be obscured. For this reason, use an antifreeze agent. Refer to page 108. Do not use the washers when the reser- voir is empty, otherwise damage to the washer pump could result.<


Windshield washer jets The windshield washer jets are heated automatically* when the ignition key is in position 2.


M coupe


The M coupe is equipped with a rear window defroster.


To activate Press the button, the indicator lamp comes on.


To deactivate Press the button if the indicator lamp is on.


Maximum switch-on time 8 minutes.<


Cruise control*


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To store and maintain speed/ to accelerate Press the lever briefly in direction 1: The system records and maintains the current vehicle speed. Every time you briefly press the lever, the speed increases by approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h). Hold the lever in position 1: The vehicle accelerates without pres- sure on the accelerator pedal. When you release the lever, the system stores and maintains the current speed.


If, on a downhill grade, the engine braking effect is insufficient, the


controlled speed can be exceeded. Speed can drop on uphill grades if the engine output is insufficient.<


To decelerate Press the lever briefly in direction 2: If you are already driving with active cruise control, the speed is decreased by approx. 0.6 mph (1 km/h) every time you briefly press the lever.


Hold the lever in position 2: With the cruise control active, the system automatically reduces the throttle opening to slow the vehicle. When you release the lever, the system stores and maintains the current speed.


Activate stored setting (resume) Press the lever briefly in direction 3: The vehicle accelerates to and main- tains the last speed stored.


To deactivate Press the lever briefly in direction 4: The cruise control is deactivated imme- diately. In addition, the system is also automati- cally deactivated in response to the following conditions: > When you apply the brakes. > When you depress the clutch. > If you exceed or fall below the


programmed speed for an extended period (by depressing the acceler- ator, for example).


You can store and automatically main- tain any desired vehicle speed above approx. 25 mph (40 km/h). The system is switched off and the stored speed deleted from its memory when you turn the ignition key to posi- tion 0.


Do not use the cruise control on winding roads, when high traffic density prevents driving at a constant speed, when the road surface is slick (snow, rain, ice) or when the road surface is loose (rocks or gravel, sand).<


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Odometer


Tachometer


Fuel gauge


1 Odometer You can activate the displays shown in the illustration with the ignition key in position 0 by pressing the button in the instrument cluster (arrow).


2 Trip odometer To reset the trip odometer to zero, press the button (arrow) with the igni- tion key in position 1 or higher.


Never allow the engine to operate with the needle in the red overspeed sector of the gauge. To protect the engine, the engine management system automatically interrupts the fuel supply in this range; you will notice a loss of power.


When you switch on the ignition, the indicator lamp comes on briefly to confirm that the system is operational. Once the indicator lamp stays on continuously, there are still approx. 2.1 gallons (8 liters) of fuel in the fuel tank. Tank capacity: page 159. If the tilt of the vehicle varies (extended driving in mountainous areas, for example), the needle may fluctuate slightly.


Please refuel early, since driving to the last drop of fuel can result in


damage to the engine and/or catalytic converter.<


Coolant temperature gauge


Engine oil temperature


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Between the blue and red zones Normal operating range. It is not unusual for the needle to rise as far as the edge of the red zone in response to high outside temperatures or severe operating conditions. Checking coolant level: page 112.


During normal operation the engine oil temperature is between 175 7 (80 6) and 250 7 (120 6). During perfor- mance-oriented driving, do not exceed the maximum temperature of 265 7 (130 6). Up to an oil temperature of 140 7 (60 6) an engine speed of 4,000 rpm may not be exceeded.


Blue The engine is still cold. Drive at moderate engine and vehicle speeds.


Red When you switch on the ignition, the warning lamp comes on briefly to confirm that the system is operational. Comes on while driving: the engine is overheated. Switch off the engine immediately and allow it to cool down.


64nService Interval Display


Outside temperature


Clock


Green lamps The number of illuminated lamps decreases as the time for your next maintenance visit approaches.


Yellow lamp This field appears together with OILSERVICE or INSPECTION. This alerts you that maintenance is due. Please arrange for an appointment with your BMW center.


Red lamp Maintenance is overdue.


The display appears from ignition key position 1.


Set the clock Starting in ignition key position 0. Press adjustment knob (arrow) with a pointed object, e.g. a ballpoint pen. Press briefly: setting is carried out in steps of one minute. Keep pressing: setting is carried out in fast mode. Releasing adjustment knob stops setting.


Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)


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The concept DSC helps maintain vehicle stability, even in critical driving situations. The system optimizes vehicle stability during acceleration and when starting from a full stop, as well as optimizing traction. In addition, it recognizes unstable vehicle conditions, such as understeering or oversteering, and, as far as is possible within the laws of physics, helps keep the vehicle on a steady course by reducing the engine speed and brake applications to the individual wheels. The DSC is operational every time you start the engine.


Indicator lamp


The indicator lamp in the instru- ment cluster goes out shortly after you switch on the ignition.


Refer to page 22. The indicator lamp flashes: DSC is active and controls the drive and braking forces. If the indicator lamp fails to go out after the engine has been started, or if it comes on during normal driving and stays on: the DSC has been switched off via the button or there is a malfunc- tion. You can continue to drive the vehicle normally, but without DSC. In the event of a malfunction, please consult your BMW center.


To deactivate the system Press the button (arrow) – the indicator lamp comes on and remains on. When the DSC is deactivated, you are operating the vehicle in the conven- tional drive mode. In the following exceptional circum- stances, it may be effective to deacti- vate the DSC for a short period: > When rocking the vehicle or starting off in deep snow or on loose surfaces


> When driving with snow chains.


To help maintain driving stability, always drive with the DSC acti-


vated when possible.<


66nDynamic Stability Control (DSC)


To reactivate the system Press the button again; the indicator lamp will go out.


The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even with DSC. The


results of driving irresponsibly rest with the driver. We therefore urge you to avoid using the additional safety margin of the system as an excuse for taking risks. Do not make any modifications to the DSC system. Allow only authorized technicians to perform service proce- dures on the DSC.<


You will find additional details concerning DSC in the chapter "Advanced technology" on page 151.


Tire Pressure Warning (RDW)


The concept The Tire Pressure Warning (RDW) moni- tors the tire pressure in all four wheels while driving. The system is designed to detect whenever the inflation pressure in a tire drops significantly, monitoring the speed of the tires relative to each other. A flat tire can be detected and reported because its speed suddenly deviates drastically from that of the other tires.


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3 Continue to press the button until the


indicator lamp in the instrument cluster lights up. After a short time, the indicator lamp will go out auto- matically.


4 Switch the ignition off.


Initializing the system Initializing is necessary to familiarize the system with the correct inflation pres- sure. Repeat this process after any changes in tire inflation pressure, tire rotation or replacement. Do not carry out further system initialization after correcting the inflation pressure and letting the system "learn" what condition is required. 1 Check the tire inflation pressure in all


the tires, comparing them with the inflation pressure table (page 27), and adjusting their pressure if neces- sary.


2 Turn the ignition key to position 2.


68nTire Pressure Warning (RDW)


Flat tire


The indicator lamp in the instru- ment cluster will flash in the event of tire pressure loss. To


come to an immediate stop, reduce speed, while avoiding any sudden, jerky braking or steering maneuvers. Fix the flat tire using the M Mobility system (refer to page 135). Reset the indicator lamp: the indicator lamp must be switched off manually after mounting a new wheel. At this point, hold the RDW button down until the indicator lamp goes out. Re- initialize the system afterward.


The RDW cannot alert you to severe and sudden tire damage


caused by external factors. The RDW will not identify the natural loss of pressure in all four tires, either.<


Check the tire inflation pressure on a regular basis and correct if


necessary. Refer to page 26. Under certain circumstances, there may be false warnings or a delayed detection of pressure losses when driving on snow-covered or slippery road surfaces. A sporty driving style (slip at the wheels receiving the torque, high lateral accel- eration) can lead to delayed RDW warn- ings.<


System malfunction As long as there is still a malfunction, the indicator lamp in the instrument cluster will stay lit. Please contact your BMW center for assistance.


Activating/deactivating the system The system is automatically active in ignition key position 2 and is therefore always on during driving. To deactivate the system: tap the button, the indicator lamp will light up. To activate the system: tap the button again, the indicator lamp goes out. Deactivate the system while driving with snow chains, since false warnings and undetected losses in pressure are possible under these kinds of condi- tions.


Parking lamps/Low beams


69n


Instrument panel lighting In order to adjust the illumination intensity, turn the pulled switch.


"LIGHTS ON" warning When you open the driver's door after turning the ignition key to position 0, a warning signal sounds for a few seconds to remind you if the low beams have not been switched off.


Daytime running lamps* The headlamps are automatically switched on for daylight driving at ignition key position 2.


Parking lamps (position lamps/ side marker lamps)


Position 1
With the switch in this position, vehicle lighting on both sides is


on.


Low beams


Position 2
When you switch the ignition off while the low beams are still on, only the parking lamps (position lamps/ side marker lamps) remain on.


70nInterior lamps


M roadster


M coupe


M coupe


M roadster 1 Continuously off 2 Automatically controlled 3 Continuously on


M coupe – front 1 Continuously on 2 Continuously off 3 Automatically controlled


M coupe – rear 1 Continuously on 2 Continuously off 3 Automatically controlled


Reading lamps


M coupe


The M coupe is equipped with reading lamps: 1 Continuously on 2 Continuously off 3 Automatically controlled


In order to conserve the battery, all of the lamps in the vehicle are switched off about 15 minutes after the ignition key is turned to position 0.<


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Heating and ventilation/Air conditioner


Heating and ventilation/Air conditioner


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1 Airflow toward the windshield and


side windows


2 Airflow toward upper body


The rotary dials allow infinitely vari- able regulation of the air supply. You can change the airflow direction with the lever in the center of the vent or by rotating the vent grille 75


3 Front footwell ventilation 4 Air distribution onto the


> windows > upper body > footwell All intermediate settings are possible 74


5 Temperature 74
6 Air supply


The heating and ventilation are oper- ational beginning with position 1 74


7 Air conditioner 74
8 Recirculated air mode 74


Recirculated air mode


If there are unpleasant odors in the incoming air, you can temporarily block the airflow. The system then recirculates the air currently within the vehicle.


If the windows fog over in the recirculated air mode, switch this mode off and increase the air supply as required.<


74nHeating and ventilation/Air conditioner


Air distribution


Air conditioner


You can direct the airflow onto the windows upper body . All intermediate settings are


and into the foot-


, toward the


, a small volume


well possible. In position of air is directed onto the windows in order to keep them free of condensa- tion. A "6 o'clock" position is recommended as the normal operating setting.


Temperature


In order to increase the temper- ature of the passenger compart- ment, turn to the right (red). For


rapid heating, turn completely to the right. Then select an interior tempera- ture which is pleasant for you.


Air supply


You can select blower speeds from 1 to 4. Both heating and ventilation become more effec- tive as the airflow rate is increased. In position 0, the blower and the heater are switched off.


The air is cooled and dehumidi- fied and – depending on the temperature setting – warmed


again when the air conditioner is switched on. Depending on the weather, the wind- shield may fog over briefly when the engine is started. At outside temperatures below approx. 41 7 (+5 6), switch off the air condi- tioner. This will help to prevent the windows from fogging up. If the windows fog over directly after switching the air conditioner off, switch it on again.


Condensation forms in the air conditioner system during opera- tion, which then exits under the vehicle. Traces of condensed water of this kind are thus normal.<


Heating and ventilation/Air conditioner


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Draft-free ventilation The outlets for the occupants' upper body area can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences: Use the rotary dials (2) to open and close the outlets throughout an infi- nitely-variable range. With the levers (1) you can direct the airflow to the side, and up or down by rotating the vent grill. Set the outlets so that the air flows past you and is not directed straight at you.


Rapid ventilation 1 Set the rotary blower speed control


for the airflow rate to position 4.


2 Switch on the air conditioner. 3 Turn the rotary temperature control


completely to the left (blue). Then select an interior temperature which is pleasant for you.


Cooling 1 Set the rotary blower speed control


for the airflow rate to position 2.


2 Switch on the air conditioner. 3 Use the rotary temperature control to select an interior temperature which is pleasant for you.


4 Rotary control for air distribution in


4 Rotary control for air distribution in


position


position


5 Open the outlets for the upper body


5 Open the outlets for the upper body


area.


area.


76nHeating and ventilation/Air conditioner


Heating This setting is recommended if the windows are free of ice and condensa- tion: 1 Set the rotary blower speed control


for the airflow rate to position 2.


2 Use the rotary temperature control to select an interior temperature which is pleasant for you.


3 Rotary control for air distribution in


position


Rapid heating 1 Set the rotary blower speed control


for the airflow rate to position 3.


To defrost the windows and remove condensation 1 Set the blower speed control for the


2 Turn the rotary temperature control


airflow rate to position 4.


completely to the right (red). Then select an interior temperature which is pleasant for you.


2 Turn the rotary temperature control


completely to the right (red).


3 Rotary control for air distribution in


3 Rotary dial for air distribution in posi-


position


tion


4 To defrost the rear window on the coupe, switch on the rear window defroster.


To switch over while heating: press the section of the switch that is dimly lit. To switch off early: press the section of the switch that is brightly lit.


Seat heating*


The seat cushion and backrest can be heated in ignition key position 2. Press the switches with the heating symbols:


Rapid heating as long as the switch comes on brightly. Auto- matic changeover to regular


heating.


Heating as long as the switch comes on brightly. Heating switches off automatically.


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78n


Glove compartment


Storage compartments


Storage boxes*


M coupe


M roadster


To open Pull the handle and push down the door.


To close Push the door up.


To prevent injury in the event of an accident, close the glove


compartment immediately after use.<


Storage compartments are located in the center console, in the doors and, on the M coupe, between the backrests (refer to the illustration). A coin box is located in the door pocket on the driver's side. A storage net is mounted on the passenger side of the center console.


The M roadster has locking storage boxes*:


Small storage box Press button 1 to open the box.


Large storage box Press button 3 and lift the lid of the box. Both of the storage boxes can be locked with the master keys (refer to page 30) at lock 2.


Beverage holder*


Ashtray*


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The beverage holder is located in the center console next to the parking brake. You will find a coin box in front of the beverage holders.


To open Press down on the left of the lid (arrow). To extinguish a cigarette, tap off the ash and gently press the tip into the funnel.


To empty Open the lid and press down (arrow): The ashtray insert pops up and can be removed.


80nCigarette lighter*


Press in. The lighter can be removed as soon as it pops up.


Hold or touch the hot cigarette lighter by the knob only. Holding


or touching it in other areas could result in burns. The cigarette lighter remains opera- tional when the ignition key has been removed. For this reason, children should never be left in the vehicle unat- tended.<


Cigarette lighter socket This socket can be used for connecting a flashlight, car vacuum cleaner, or other appliances up to approx. 200 watts at 12 volts. Do not damage the socket by inserting plugs of a different shape or size.


Non-smoker's equipment package* On vehicles with the non-smoker's equipment package, the socket is concealed by a cover. For access to the socket: lift the cover off.


Roll-up cover


Partition net*


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M coupe


M coupe


Pull out the roll-up cover and hook it into the holders at the rear. The roll-up cover can carry light items such as articles of clothing.


Do not place heavy or hard objects on the roll-up cover.


These objects could endanger vehicle occupants during heavy brake applica- tions and evasive maneuvers or in a crash. Do not allow the roll-up cover to snap back when it is retracted. This could damage it.<


Pull out the partition net on the strap and grip the bar firmly with the other hand. Then grasp the bar on both sides, pull it up and position it into the holders. This process will work out best if you do it from inside the passenger compartment.


Do not allow the partition net to snap back when it is retracted. If this is done, there is a risk of personal injury, and the partition net could be damaged.<


82nCargo loading


M coupe


M coupe


Stowing cargo If you are transporting cargo in your coupe: > Load heavy cargo as far forward as


possible – directly behind the luggage compartment partition – and as low as possible.


> Cover sharp edges and corners. > Do not pile objects higher than the


Securing the load For securing suitcases, you can obtain load-securing devices* from your BMW center. The lashing eyes located in the luggage compartment serve for mounting these load-securing devices. Comply with the information enclosed with the load-securing devices.


Always position and secure the load correctly. If you do not, it can


endanger the passengers during braking or evasive maneuvers, for example, or in a crash. Do not exceed the permissible gross weight and the approved axle loads (refer to page 158). If you do so, the operating safety of the vehicle is no longer ensured, and the registration specifications are not met. Do not carry hard or heavy objects unsecured in the passenger compart- ment. If you do so, they may be projected through the air during braking and evasive maneuvers, for example, or in a crash, thus endangering vehicle occupants.<


top edge of the backrest.


> Pull the partition net* out (refer to


page 81). Be sure that no items are able to penetrate the partition net.


Roof-mounted luggage rack


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Drive smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration or braking. Do not corner at high speeds. The roof load increases the aerody- namic resistance. Increased fuel consumption results from this.


A special luggage system is available for your coupe as an optional acces- sory. Please comply with the precau- tions included with the installation instructions. Because roof racks raise the center of gravity of the vehicle when loaded, they exercise a major effect on its handling and steering response. You should therefore always remember not to exceed the approved roof load capacity, the approved gross vehicle weight or the axle loads when loading the rack. You will find the specifications for this under "Technical Data" on page 158. Make sure that the load is not too large in size, and distribute it evenly. Always load the heaviest pieces first (on the bottom). Be sure that adequate clear- ance is maintained for raising the sunroof, and that objects do not project into the opening path of the luggage compartment lid. Lash the roof luggage down correctly and securely to prevent it from shifting or being lost during driving – this would endanger following traffic.


84n


Special operating instructions: Break-in procedure 86
Driving notes 87
Catalytic converter 88
Antilock Brake System (ABS) 89
Disc brakes 91
Brake system 92
Winter operation 93
Power steering 94
Cellular phone 95
Radio reception 95
Hardtop – roadster 96


Wheels and tires: Notes on tire inflation


pressure 98


Tire condition 98
Tire replacement 99
Tire rotation 100
Wheel and tire


combinations 101


Special features of winter


tires 102


Snow chains 102
Approved wheel and tire


specifications 103


Under the hood: Hood 104
Engine compartment 106
Fluids for the washer


systems 108


Washer nozzles 108
Engine oil 109
Coolant 111
Brake fluid 112
Vehicle Identification


Number 113


Care and maintenance: The BMW Maintenance


System 114


Caring for your vehicle 115
Airbags 122
Storing your vehicle 123


Laws and regulations: Technical modifications 124
California Proposition


65 Warning 124


OBD connector 125


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Overview


Controls and features


Operation, care and maintenance


Owner service procedures


Advanced technology


Technical data


Index


Car care


86n


Break-in procedure


To ensure that your vehicle provides maximum economy throughout a long service life, we request that you observe the following:


Engine and differential Up to 1,200 miles (2,000 km): Drive with varying engine and road speeds, but do not exceed 4,500 rpm or 100 mph (150 km/h). Comply with local and state maximum speed limits. Refrain from using full throttle and avoid pressing the accelerator beyond the "Kickdown" point. After you have driven 1,200 miles (2,000 km), you can gradually increase the engine and road speeds. You should also comply with these break-in procedures if the engine or differential is replaced later in the course of the vehicle's service life.


Tires Due to technical factors associated with their manufacture, tires do not achieve their full traction potential until an initial break-in period has elapsed. You should therefore drive with extra caution during the initial 200 miles (300 km). Comply with local and state maximum speed limits.


When the vehicle is operated on wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water may form between the tire and the road surface. This phenomenon is referred to as aquaplaning or hydro- planing, and can lead to partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle control and braking effectiveness. Reduce your speed on wet roads.<


Brake system Approx. 300 miles (500 km) must elapse before the brake pads and discs achieve the optimal surface and wear pattern. To break-in the separate parking brake drums, apply the parking brake lightly when coasting to a standstill (at a traffic signal, for instance), provided that traffic conditions allow you to do so. To avoid corrosion, repeat this proce- dure from time to time.


The brake lamps do not light up when the parking brake is applied.


Vacuum for the brake system booster on your BMW is available only when the engine is running. When you move the vehicle with the engine off – for instance, by towing – substantially higher levels of pedal force will be required to brake the vehicle.<


Clutch The clutch will reach optimal function after approx. 300 miles (500 km). Shift gears carefully during the break-in period.


Driving notes


Brakes: Do not drive with your foot resting


on the brake pedal. Even light but consistent pedal pressure can lead to high temperatures, brake wear and possibly even brake failure. Aquaplaning: When driving on wet or slushy roads, reduce vehicle speed. If you do not, a wedge of water may form between the tires and the road surface. This phenomenon is referred to as aqua- planing or hydroplaning. It is character- ized by a partial or complete loss of contact between the tires and the road surface. The ultimate results are loss of steering and braking control.


Driving through water:

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