1993 Pontiac Grand PRIX Owners Manual

be partially ejected, and the ra’dio will begin playing.

C,ornfort Controls & Audio Systems

€TR AMlFM Stereo Radio with Cassette Player and €qudizer The digital display indicates information on time or radio station frequency, the AM or FM radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other radio functions. PWR (Power): Press to turn the system on or off. VOL (Volume): To increase volume, twist the upper knob to the right and hold it until the unit reaches the volume you want.

Then release the knob. To decrease volume, twist the knob to the left and release it. MUTE: Press the upper knob to temporarily silence the unit. Press again to restore the original volume. BAL (Balance): Twist the control behind the upper knob to adjust the left-right speaker balance. Release the knob when the balance is to your taste. TUNE: To tune radio stations, twist and hold the lower knob. Twisting to the right tunes stations higher on the band. Twisting to the left tunes stations lower on the band. Release the knob when the unit tunes the desired station.

m 126

BAND: Press the lower knob to select the AM, FMl, or FM2 band. Your radio has an AMAX-certified receiver. It can produce quality AM stereo sound and receive C-Quamm stereo broadcasts. AMAX reduces noise without reducing the high frequencies you need for the best sound. You don't have to do anything to your Delco/GM radio because AMAX is automatic. FADE: To adjust the front-rear speaker balance, twist and hold the control behind the lower knob. Twisting to the right moves the balance to the rear. Twisting to the left moves it to the front. RCL (Recall): Press to switch the display between the time and station frequency. SEEK: Press +SEEK to tune the next station lower on the radio band. Press SEEK,

to tune the next station higher.

Equalizer: To adjust the tone, slide the knobs until you get the sound you want. The 60 and 250 levers adjust the bass; 1I< is the midrange adjustment; 3.5K and 10K control the treble. To Preset Radio Stations: You can preselect up to 15 radio stations (five FM1, five FM2 and five AM) and tune to any of them by pushing a single button. Here's how. 1. Tune to a desired station with the

lower h o b . 2. Press SET. 3. Within about five seconds, press one

of the five numbered pushbuttons. The station you selected will be automatically tuned whenever you press this button again.

4. Repeat for up to four more stations on the same band, and up to five on each of the other bands. To Play a Cassette Tape: Your cassette tape player is designed to work best with tapes that play for 30 to 45 minutes per side. Tapes that run longer than that are so thin they may not work well in this player.

This audio system has automatic 00 Dolby B NR@ to reduce background noise on Dolby encoded tapes. Dolby@ Noise Reduction is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Dolby@ and the 00 symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. With the unit on, press a cassette into the slot marked AUTO REVERSE, tape side first. An arrow above the word TAPE in the graphic display shows which side of the tape is playing. Adjust volume, balance, fade and tone as described earlier. Here are your other tape player controls: PROG (Program): Press to switch from one side of the tape to the other. The unit switches automatically at the end of a side. CrO,: Press to adjust the unit for high bias chrome or metal tapes. For standard bias tapes, press again to return to the factory-preset adjustment.

REV (Reverse): Press to rewind the tape rapidly. The tape will stop at the end, or when you press REV or PROG lightly. The radio will play while the tape is rewinding. FWD (Forward): Press to advance the tape rapidly. The tape will stop at the end, or when you press FWD or PROG lightly. The radio will play while the tape is advancing. PREV (Previous): Press to repeat a selection or passage. The tape will rewind and stop either at the first four- second quiet spot or when you press PREV again {or PROG) . NEXT: Press to advance to the next selection or passage. The tape will fast- forward and stop either at the first four- second quiet spot or when you press NEXT again (or PROG). ST-PL (Stop-Play): Press to stop the tape and switch to radio. Press again to stop the radio and resume the tape. EJECT: Press to remove the tape.

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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Player The digital display indicates information on time or radio station frequency, the AM or FM radio band, whether the station is in stereo, and other radio functions. PWR (Power): Press t'o turn the unit on and off when the ignition is on. VOL (Volume}: Adjusts the volume up or down, and the bottom of the digital screen displays the setting. For a normal listening level preset at the factory, press the center of the switch.

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TUNE: Press this switch to tune in higher frequencies and lower frequencies. SEEK: Press to tune automatically to the next station higher or lower on the band. BAL (Balance): Adjusts the left/right and front/rear speaker balance to your individual taste. When you change either adjustment, the bottom of the digital screen will display the point of balance you have selected. For the normal setting preset at the factory, press the left and right or front and rear buttons at the same time.

AM-FM: Press to select either the AM or FM radio band. The band you select will be displayed on the digital screen. Your radio has an AMAX-certified receiver. It can produce quality AM stereo sound and receive C-QuamB stereo broadcasts. AMAX reduces noise without reducing the high frequencies you need for the best sound. You don't have to do anything to your Delco/GM radio because AMAX is automatic. SCAN: Press to listen for a few seconds to the next station on the AM or FM band; the scan will continue every few seconds until you press SCAN again to stop on a particular station. RCL (Recall): Press to change between the clock and the radio station frequency displayed on the digital screen.

0

EQUALIZER: To adjust the tone, slide the knobs until you get the sound you want. The 60 and 250 levers adjust the bass; 1IC is the midrange adjustment; 3.5IC and 1OIC control the treble. To Preset Radio Stations: The five pushbuttons in the lower right corner can be used to preset up to ten radio stations (five AM and five FM stations). The buttons have other uses when you are playing a compact disc. 1. Tune the digital display to the station

you want.

2. Press SET. The SET indicator will

appear on the digital screen for five seconds.

3. While the SET indicator is displayed,

press one of the five pushbuttons. The station you selected will be automatically tuned whenever you press this button again.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 for each of five AM

and five FM stations.

To Play a Compact Disc: Many of the controls for the radio also have functions for the compact disc player, as explained here. Don’t use mini-discs that are called singles. They won’t eject. Use only full- size compact discs. 1. Press PWR to turn the unit on. 2. Insert a disc part-way into the slot,

with the label side up. The player will pull it in. In a few seconds, the disc should play.

If the disc comes back out:

The disc may be upside down. The disc may be dirty, scratched or wet. There may be too much moisture in the air (wait about one hour and try again). The player may be too hot, or the road may be too rough for the disc to play.

While a disc is playing, the CD indicator is displayed on the digital screen, as is the clock.

RCL (Recall): Press once to see which track is playing. Press again within five seconds to see how long your selection has been playing. The track number also will be displayed when the volume is changed or a new track starts to play. PREV (Previous): Press to play a track again. If you hold the PREV button, the disc will keep backing up to previous tracks. NEXT: Press when you want to hear the next track. If you hold the NEXT button, the disc will keep advancing to other tracks. REV (Reverse) : Press and hold to rapidly back up to a favorite passage. Release to resume playing. FF (Fast Forward): Press and hold to rapidly advance the disc. Release to resume playing. COMP (Compression) : Depressing this button makes soft and loud passages more equal in volume. Press again to resume normal play.

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

AM/FM Stereo with Compact Disc Player (COIVT.) When Finished with the Compact Disc Player: If you press PWR or turn off the ignition, the disc will stay in the player and start again when you turn on the ignition or power switch. The disc will begin playing at the point where it had been stopped. ST/PL (Stop/Play): Press to stop the disc player; the radio will play. Press again to play the disc (the player will start playing the disc where it was stopped earlier).

CD Player Anti-Theft Feature Delco LOC I P is a security feature that can be used or ignored. If you ignore it, the radio will play normally. If you use it, your radio cannot be turned on if it is stolen. These instructions will tell you how to enter a secret code into the radio. Then, if battery power is lost for any reason, the secret code must be entered again before the radio can be turned on. To Set: 1. Write down any 6-digit number and keep it in a safe place. This is your secret code.

2. Turn the ignition on. 3. Press the PWR button to turn the

radio off.

4. Press the PREV and FF buttons at

( 6

the same time and hold until '' shows on the display. --- You now have only 15 seconds between each of the following steps.

5. Press SET and 000 appears on the

display.

6. Depress SEEK until the first digit of

your code appears.

7. Depress SCAN until the second and

third digits of your code appear.

8. Press AM-FM (000 appears). 9. Depress SEEK until the fourth digit

of your code appears.

10. Depress SCAN until the fifth and sixth digits of your code appear.

11. Press AM-FM (rEP will appear for

five seconds, then 000).

12. Repeat steps 6 through 10. Then press the AM-FM button again. SEC will appear, indicating that Delco LOC I P is set, and your radio is secure. If " " appears, the steps were not successful and you must repeat the entire procedure.

---

To Disable the Anti-Theft System: Enter your secret code by following these steps (you will have only 15 seconds between each step). 1. Turn the ignition on and the radio off, then press the PREV and FF buttons of the station presets. SEC will appear, showing the radio is secure.

2. Press SET and 000 appears on the

display.

3. Depress SEEK until the first digit of

your secret code appears.

4. Depress SCAN until the second and

third digits of your code appear.

5. Press AM-FM (000 will appear on

the display).

6. Depress SEEK until the fourth digit

of your code appears.

7. Depress SCAN until the fifth and sixth digits of your code appear.

ii

8. Press AM-FM. If the display shows " the radio is unsecured and --- will play again. If the display shows SEC, the steps were not successful and the numbers did not match the secret code.

If you lose or forget your code, see your dealer. If you lose battery power, when the battery is reconnected, the radio will not turn on and LOC will appear. Follow steps 1-8 for disabling your system, but the time will appear if you are successful. If SEC appears, the numbers did not match and your unit is still locked.

Steering Wheel Controk for Audio System (omow Some audio functions can be operated with these controls: 4ON/OFFb: Press ON t'o turn the system on. Press OFF to turn it off. TUNE Press an up or down arrow on TUNE to tune the radio to stations higher or lower on the AM or FM band. STOP PLAY: Press to play the radio when a cassette is playing. Press again to play the cassette when the radio is on. BAL (Balance): Press +BAL or BAL) to adjust your speaker balance to the left or right.

...

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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Gain Control Some models have this control on the driver's door, beneath the power window controls, in the storage area. Move the GAIN control to adjust the amount of bass.

Steering Wheel Controls for Asrdjo Sysfem (CONT.) AMflM: Press to select either the AM or FM radio band. The band you select will be displayed on the digital screen. The frequency of the station will be -displayed, and if the station is in stereo, the STEREO indicator will also be displayed. MUTE: Press to silence your audio system temporarily. Press MUTE again to play your system normally again. l ON/OFF: Turns the unit on and off when the ignition is on. to FADE: Press +FADE or FADE, adjust your speaker balar ce forward or rearward.

VOL (Volume): Press A to increase volume. Press 7 to lower the volume. SEEK: Each time you press a right or left arrow on SEEK, you will tune in the next station up or down the AM or FM radio band. When listening to a cassette tape or compact disc, you can change to the previous or next selection by pressing the SEEK right or left arrow. PRE-SET Press this to hear the radio stations that are set on your system.

Understanding Radio Reception FM Stereo FM Stereo will give you the best sound, but FM signals will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing the sound to come and go. AM The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM, especially at night. The longer range, however, can cause stations to interfere with each other. AM can also pick up noise from things like storms and power lines. To lower this noise, try reducing the treble level.

AM Stereo Your Delco@ system may be able to receive C-Quam@ stereo broadcasts. Many AM stations around the country use C-Quam@ to produce stereo, though some do not. C-Quam@ is a registered trademark of Motorola, Inc. If your Delco@ system can get C-Quam@ signals, your stereo indicator light will come on when you are receiving it.

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player A tape player that is not cleaned regularly can cause reduced sound quality, ruined cassettes, or a damaged mechanism. Cassette tapes should be stored in their cases away from contaminants, direct sunlight, and extreme heat. If they aren’t, they may not operate properly or cause failure of the tape player. Your tape player should be cleaned regularly each month or after every 15 hours of use. If you notice a reduction in sound quality, try a ltnown good cassette to see if the tape or the tape player is at fault. If this other cassette has no improvement in sound quality, clean the tape player.

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player (CONT.) Clean your tape player with a wiping- action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette, and follow the directions provided with it. Cassettes are subject to wear and the sound quality may degrade over time. Always make sure that the cassette tape is in good condition before you have your tape player serviced.

Care of Your Compact Discs Handle discs carefully. Store them in their original cases or other protective cases and away from direct sunlight and dust. If the surface of a disc is soiled, dampen a clean, soft cloth in a mild, neutral detergent solution and clean it, wiping from the center to the edge. Be sure never to touch the signal surface when handling discs. Pick up discs by grasping the outer edges or the edge of the hole and the outer edge.

Fixed Mast Antenna The fixed mast antenna can withstand most car washes without being damaged. If the mast should ever become slightly bent, you can straighten it out by hand. If the mast is badly bent, as it might be by vandals, you should replace it. Check every once in a while to be sure the mast is still tightened to the fender.

Power Antenna Mast Care Your power antenna will look its best and work well if it's cleaned from time to time. To Clean the Antenna Mast: 1. Turn on the ignition and radio to

raise the antenna to full mast extension.

2. Dampen a clean cloth with mineral

spirits or equivalent solvent.

3. Wipe cloth over the mast sections,

removing any dirt.

4. Wipe dry with clean cloth before

retracting.

5. Make the antenna go up and down by

turning the radio or ignition on and Off.

6. Then repeat if necessary. NOTICE

If the mast portion of your antenna is damaged, you can easily replace it. See your dealer for a replacement kit and follow the instructions in the kit.

Notes

H e r e you'^ find information about driving on different kinds of roads and in varying weather conditions. We've also included many other useful tips on driving.

Your Driving and the Road

Part 4

- ..... .........- 138 Road Signs ............................................................................................... Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Drunken Driving . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Control of a Vehicle Braking ................................................................................................................. 146 Anti-Lock Brakes .... . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. ... . ... . . ... ...... .. ... . . . .. 147 152 Steering Tips ........................................................................................................ Steering Emergencies. .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .... ... . . . . . . . . .. . ...... . . ... . . 153 Passing.. . . . . . , . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -. . . . . . . . 154 Driving at Night .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. ... . .. 157 Driving in the Rain . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . .. .. . .... . . . . . . , .. .... . .... . 159 ,. . ............ 162 Driving Fog, Mist and Haze ............................................ City Drlvmg.. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Freeway Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Driving a Long Distance ......................................................................................... 166 Hill and Mountain Roads ........................................................................................ 168 Parlcing on Hills .... ..... . ..... . .. ... ... . .. ... .. . .. ....... ... . . ... , . . .. . ... .... . . ... . . . ... . ... . . . ... . ... . .... .. . ..... . . 169 Winter Driving .. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . ... . . .. . ..... ... . . . . . . ,. .. . . ... .. . . . .. .. 171 Towing a Trailer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -. . . . . . . 174

. . . . .

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Your Driving and the Road

Roadsigns The road signs you see everywhere are coded by color, shape and symbols. It’s a good idea to know these codes so that you can quickly grasp the basic meaning or intent of the sign even before you have a chance to read it.

STOP

DO NOT ENTER

WRONG

WAY

RR ADVANCE NARROW CROSSING ZONE

BRIDGE

NO PASSING

Color of Road Signs Red means Stop. It may also indicate that some movement is not allowed. Examples are Do Not Enter, Wrong Way, or No Parking.

Yellow indicates a general warning. Slow down and be careful when you see a yellow sign. It may signal a railroad crossing ahead, a no passing zone, or some other potentially dangerous situation. Likewise, a yellow solid line painted on the road means Don’t Cross.

I . .

Green is used to guide the driver. Green signs may indicate upcoming freeway exits or show the direction you should turn to reach a particular place.

Blue signs with white letters show motorists’ services.

HOSPITAL

INFORMATION

STOP]

LOW

SHOULDER

WORKERS

AHEAD

FLAGGER AHEAD

Orange indicates road construction or maintenance. You'll want to slow down when you see an orange sign, as part of the road may be closed off or torn up. And there may be workers and maintenance vehicles around, too.

Shape of Road Signs The shape of the sign will tell you something, too. An octagonal (eight-sided) sign means Stop. It is always red with white letters.

A diamond-shaped sign is a warning of something ahead-for example, a curve, steep hill, soft shoulder, or a narrow bridge.

CANOEING

SWIMMING

Brown signs point out recreation areas or points of historic or cultural interest.

A triangle, pointed downward, indicates Yield. It assigns the right of way to traffic on certain approaches to an intersection.

A triangular sign also is used on two- lane roads to indicate a No Passing Zone. This sign will be on the left side of the roadway.

Your Driving and the Road

KEEP RIGHT

LEFT OR THROUGH

RIGHT TURN

ONLY

Rectangular (square or oblong) signs show speed limits, parking regulations, give directions, and such information as distances to cities.

Symbols on Road Signs There are many international road signs in use today.

NO u TURN

NO

PARKING

NO

BICYCLES

The basic message of many of these signs is in pictures or graphic symbols. A picture within a circle with a diagonal line across it shows what not to do.

Traffic Lights We’re all familiar with traffic lights or stop lights. Often green arrows are being used in the lights for improved traffic control. On some multilane roads, green arrows light up, indicating that traffic in one or more lanes can move or make a turn. Green arrows don’t mean “go no matter what.” You’ll still need to proceed with caution, yielding the right of way to pedestrians and sometimes to other vehicles. Some traffic lights also use red arrows to signify that you must stop before turning on red.

I I

REVERSIBLE LANE ON MULTILANE ROADWAY

NO PASSING ZONE

Many city roads and expressways, and even bridges, use reversible-lane traffic control during rush hours. A red X light above a lane means no driving in that lane at that time. A green arrow means you may drive in that lane. Look for the signs posted to warn drivers what hours and days these systems are in effect.

Pavement Markings Pavement markings add to traffic signs and signals. They give information to drivers without taking attention from the roadway. A solid yellow line on your side of the road or lane means Don’t Cross.

Your Own Signals Drivers signal to others, too. It’s not only more polite, it’s safer to let other drivers know what you are doing. And in some places the law requires driver signals. Turn and Lane Change Signals: Always signal when you plan to turn or change lanes. If necessary, you can use hand signals out the window: Left arm straight out for a left turn, down for slow or about- to-stop, and up for a right turn. Slowing Down: If time allows, tap the brake pedal once or twice in advance of slowing or stopping. This warns the driver behind you. Disabled: Your four-way flashers signal that your vehicle is disabled or is a hazard. See the Index under Hazard Warning Flashers.

Traffic Officer The traffic police officer is also a source of important information. The officer’s signals govern, no matter what the traffic lights or other signs say. The next section discusses some of the road conditions you may encounter.

141

Yolur Driving and the Road

Defensive Driving The best advice anyone can give about driving is: Drive defensively. Please start with a very important safety device in your Pontiac: Buckle up. (See the Index under Safety Belts.) Defensive driving really means “be ready for anything.” On city streets, rural roads, or freeways, it means “always expect the unexpected.” Assume that pedestrians or other drivers are going to be careless and make mistakes, Anticipate what they might do. Be ready for their mistakes. Expect children to dash out from behind parked cars, often followed by other children. Expect occupants in parked cars to open doors into traffic. Watch for movement in parked cars- someone may be about to open a door.

142

Expect other drivers to run stop signs when you are on a through street. Be ready to brake if necessary as you go through intersections. You may not have to use the brake, but if you do, you will be ready. If you’re driving through a shopping center parking lot where there are well- marked lanes, directional arrows, and designated parking areas, expect some drivers to ignore all these markings and dash straight toward one part of the lot. Pedestrians can be careless. Watch for them. In general, you must give way to pedestrians even if you know you have the right of way. Rear-end collisions are about the most preventable of accidents. Yet they are common. Allow enough following distance. It’s the best defensive driving

maneuver, in both city and rural driving. You never know when the vehicle in front of you is going to brake or turn suddenly. Here’s a final bit of information about defensive driving. The most dangerous time for driving in the U.S. is very early on Sunday morning. In fact, GM Research studies show that the most and the least dangerous times for driving, every week, fall on the same day. That day is Sunday. The most dangerous time is Sunday from 3 a.m. to 4 a.m. The safest time is Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Driving the same distance on a Sunday at 3 a.m. isn’t just a little more dangerous than it is at 10 a.m. It’s about 134 times more dangerous! That leads to the next section.

Drunken Driving Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a national tragedy. It’s the number one contributor to the highway death toll, claiming thousands of victims every year. Alcohol takes away three things that anyone needs to drive a vehicle:

Judgment Muscular Coordination Vision

Police records show that half of all motor vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol-a driver, a passenger or someone else, such as a pedestrian, had been drinking. In most cases, these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking and driving. Over 25,000 motor vehicle-related deaths occur each year because of alcohol, and thousands of people are injured.

Just how much alcohol is too much if a person plans to drive? Ideally, no one should drink alcohol and then drive. But if one does, then what’s “too much”? It can be a lot less than many might think. Although it depends on each person and situation, here is some general information on the problem. The Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of someone who is drinking depends upon four things:

How much alcohol is in the drink. The drinker’s body weight. The amount of food that is consumed before and during drinlung. The length of time it has taken the drinker to consume the alcohol.

According to the American Medi’cal Association, a 180-pound [82 kg) person who drinks three 12-ounce (355 mi) bottles of beer in an hour will end up with a BAC of about 0.06, percent. The person would reach the same BAC by drinking three 4-ounce (120 ml) glasses of wine or three mixed drinks if each had ll/z ounces (45 ml) of a liquor like whiskey, gin or vodka. It’s the amount of alcohol that counts. For example, if the same person drank three double martinis (3 ounces or 90 rnl of liquor each) within an hour, the person’s BAC would be close to 0.12 percent. A person who consumes food just before or during drinking will have a slightly lower BAC level.

Your Driving and the Road

shows that the driving skills of many people are impaired at a BAC approaching 0.05 percent, and that the effects are worse at night. All drivers are impaired at BAC levels above 0.05 percent. Statistics show that the chance of being in an accident increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of 0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of 0.06 percent (three beers in one hour for a 180-pound or 82 kg person) has doubled his or her chance of having an accident. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance of that driver having an accident is six times greater; at a level of 0.15 percent, the chances are twenty-five times greater! And, the body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold showers will speed that up.

Drunken Driving (CONT.) The law in most U.S. states sets the legal limit at a BAC of 0.10 percent. In Canada the limit is 0.08 percent, and in. some other countries it’s lower than that. The BAC will be over 0.10 percent after three to six drinks (in one hour), 144

Of course, as we’ve seen, it depends on how much alcohol is in the drinks, and how quickly the person drinks them. But it’s very important to keep in mind that the ability to drive is affected well below a BAC of 0.10 percent. Research

P

Control of a Vehicle You have three systems that make your vehicle go where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at the places where the tires meet the road. Sometimes, as when you’re driving on snow or ice, it’s easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose control of your vehicle.

“I’ll be careful” isn’t the right answer. What if there’s an emergency, a need to take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street? A person with a higher BAC might not be able to react quickly enough to avoid the collision. There’s something else about drinking and driving that many people don’t know. Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries worse. That’s especially true for brain, spinal cord and heart injuries. That means that if anyone whc has been drinking-driver or passenger-is in a crash, the chance of being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if that person had not been drinking. And we’ve already seen that

the chance of a crash itself is higher for drinking drivers.

L A U I I U N A Drinking and then driving is 3 very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You could have a serious-or even fatal-accident if you drive after drinking. Please don’t drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you’re with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.

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Your Driving and the Road

. .-

Don’t “ride” the brakes by letting your left foot rest lightly on the brake pedal while driving.

8raking Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal. That’s perception time. Then you have to bring up your foot and do it. That’s reaction time. Average reaction time is about 3/4 of a second. But that’s only an average. It might be less with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness, coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol, drugs and frustration. But even in 3/4 of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 lun/h) travels 66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an emergency, so keeping enough space between your vehicle and others is important. 146

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And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly with the surface of the road (whether it’s pavement or gravel); the condition of the road (wet, dry, icy); tire tread; and the condition of your brakes. Most drivers treat their brakes with care. Some, however, overwork the braking system with poor driving habits. Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in spurts-heavy acceleration followed by heavy braking-rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking.

‘Riding” your brakes can :ause them to overheat to t point that they won’t work well. You might not be able to stop your vehicle in time to avoid an accident. If you “ride” your brakes, they will get so hot they will require a lot of pedal force to slow you &-- Avoid “riding” the brake-.

wears them out much faster. You would need costly brake replacement much sooner than normal, and it also

If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking and longer brake life.

If your engine ever stops while you’re driving, brake normally but don’t pump your brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine stops, you will still have some power brake assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

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Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) (OPTION) If your Pontiac has this system, it has an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent skidding. If you have an anti-lock brake system (ABS), the brake pedal will say so.

Your Driving and the Road

Anti-lock Brakes (CONT.) And this light on the instrument panel will go on when you start your vehicle. When you start your vehicle and begin to drive away you may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise and you may even notice that your brake pedal moves a little while this is going on. This is the ABS system testing itself. If you have your foot on the brake pedal, this check won't happen until the vehicle goes about 4 mph (6 ltm/h) or until you take your foot off the brake pedal. After an ABS stop, you may hear a clicking noise the next time the vehicle goes about 4 mph (6 l t d h ) .

m a .

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If there's a problem with the anti-lock brake system, the anti-lock brake system warning light will stay on or flash. See the Index under Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.

Here's how anti-lock works. Let's say the road is wet. You're driving safely. Suddenly an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam on the brakes. Here's what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. The computer separately works the brakes at each front wheel and at the rear wheels. The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the most of available tire and road conditions.

I

You can steer around the obstacle while To Use Anti-Lock Don’t pump the braking hard. As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.

brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down and let anti-lock work for you. You also may hear a cliclting noise as you accelerate after a hard stop.

Anti-lock doesn’t change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t have time to apply your braltes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes.

Disc Brake Wear Indicators Your Pontiac has four-wheel disc braltes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high- pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go, or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly).

A The brake wear warnin& sound means that sooner or later your brakes won’t work well, That could lead to an accident. When you hear the brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.

Your Driving and the Road

Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.

Brake Adjustment Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. If you rarely make a moderate or heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly. If you drive in that way, then-very carefully-make a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles (1 600 km) , so your brakes will adjust properly.

Disc Brake Wear Indicators (COWT.)

NOTICE Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair.

Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes. Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets.

Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system fails to function, you can steer but it will take much more effort.

Braking In Emergencies At some time, nearly every driver gets into a situation that requires hard braking. If you have anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. However, if you don’t have anti-lock, your first reaction-to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it down-may be the wrong thing to do. Your wheels can stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle can’t respond to your steering. Momentum will carry it in whatever direction it was headed when the wheels stopped rolling. That could be off the road, into the very thing you were trying to avoid, or into traffic. If you don’t have anti-lock, use a “squeeze” braking technique. This will

give you maximum braking while maintaining steering control. You do this by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure. In an emergency you will probably want to “squeeze” the brakes hard without locking the wheels. If you hear or feel the wheels sliding, ease off the brake pedal. This will help you retain steering control. (If you do have anti-lock, it’s different: see the Index under Anti-Lock Brake System.) In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking.

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Your Driving and the Road

Steering Tips-Driving on Curves It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed. A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on the news happen on curves. Here’s why: Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against the road surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn the front wheels. If there’s no traction, inertia will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you’ve ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this. The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.

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to do their

Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then you suddenly apply the brakes. Both control systems- steering and braking-have work where the tires meet the road. Unless you have four-wheel anti-lock brakes, adding the hard braking can demand too much at those places. You can lose control. The same thing can happen if you’re steering through a sharp curve and you suddenly accelerate. Those two control systems-steering and acceleration- can overwhelm those places where the tires meet the road and make you lose control. What should you do if this ever happens? Let up on the brake or accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down.

Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower. If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front wheels are straight ahead. Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then accelerate gently into the straightaway. When you drive into a curve at night, it’s harder to see the road ahead of you because it bends away from the straight beams of your lights. This is one good reason to drive slower.

,'here are times when steering can be more e-- :tive than braking. For example, you come over a hill and find a truck stopped in your lane, or a car sudderdy pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked

tops right in front of you. You these problems by braking-if op in time. But sometimes there isn't room. That's the vasive action-steering le problem. .tiac can perform very well in like these. First apply your tut, unless you have anti-lock, ;h to lock your wheels. It is memove as much speed as you

Steering There are more effe

Depending on your speed, this can be rather violent for an unprepared driver. This is one of the reasons driving experts recommend that you use your safety belts and keep both hands on the steering wheel. The fact that such emergency situations are always possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at all times.

can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending on the space available. 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 removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have avoided the object. You must then be prepared to steer back to your original lane and then brake to a controlled stop.

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Your Driving and the Road

Off-Road Recovery You may find sometime that your right wheels have dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while you’re driving. 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 ‘/4 turn until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge. Then turn your steering wheel to go straight down the roadway. If the shoulder appears to be about four inches (100 mm) or more below the pavement, this difference can cause 154

problems. If there is not enough room to pull entirely onto the shoulder and stop, then follow the same procedures. But if the right front tire scrubs against the side of the pavement, do not steer more sharply. With too much steering angle, the vehicle may jump back onto the road with so much steering input that it crosses over into the oncoming traffic before you can bring it back under control. Instead, ease off again on the accelerator and steering input, straddle the pavement once more, then try again.

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? Not necessarily! Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway is a potentially dangerous move, since the passing vehicle occupies the same lane as oncoming traffic for several seconds. A miscalculation, an error in judgment, or a 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.

When it looks like a chance to pass is coming up, start to accelerate but stay in the 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 to pass, 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. If other cars are lined up to pass a slow vehicle, wait 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.

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. A broken center line usually indicates it’s all right tdpass (providing the road ahead is clear). Never cross a solid line on your side of the lane or a double solid line, even if the road seems empty of approaching traffic. If you suspect that the driver of the vehicle you want to pass isn’t aware of your presence, tap the horn a couple of times before passing. Or, you can use flash-to-pass. See the Index under Flash-to-Pass. Do not get too close to 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.

Check your mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and start your left lane change signal before moving out of the right lane to pass. When you are far enough ahead of the passed vehicle to see its front in your inside mirror, activate your right lane change signal and move back into the right lane. (Remember that your right outside mirror is convex. The vehicle you just passed may seem to be farther away from you than it really is .) Try not to pass more than one vehicle at a time on two-lane roads. Reconsider before passing the next vehicle. Don’t overtake a slowly moving vehicle too rapidly. Even though the brake lights are not flashing, it may be slowing down or starting to turn. If you’re being passed, make it easy for the following driver to get ahead of you. Perhaps you can ease a little to the right.

Your Driving and the Road

LOSS of‘ Control Let’s review what driving experts say about what happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering and acceleration) don’t have enough friction where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked. In any emergency, don’t give up. Keep trying to steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.

Skidding In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not “overdriving” those conditions. But skids are always possible. The three types of skids correspond to your Pontiac’s three control systems. In the braking skid your wheels aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin. A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are best handled by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal. If your vehicle starts to slide (as when you turn a corner on a wet, snow- or ice-covered road), ease your foot off the accelerator pedal as soon as you feel the vehicle

start to slide. Quickly steer the way you want the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough, your vehicle will straighten out. As it does, straighten the front wheels. Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you’ll want to slow down and adjust your driving to these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to

recognize warning clues-such as enough water, ice or packed snow on the road to make a “mirrored surface”-and slow down when you have any doubt. If you have the anti-lock braking system, remember: It helps avoid only the braking skid. If you do not have anti-lock, then in a braking skid (where the wheels are no longer rolling), release enough pressure on the brakes to get the wheels rolling again. This restores steering control. Push the brake pedal down steadily when you have to stop suddenly. As long as the wheels are rolling, you will have steering control. Steer the way you want to go.

Driving at Night Night driving is more dangerous than day driving. One reason is that some drivers are likely to be impaired- by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue. Here are some tips on night driving.

Drive defensively. Remember, this is the most dangerous time. Don’t drink and drive. (See the Index under Drunken Driving for more on this problem.) Adjust your inside rearview mirror to reduce the glare hom headlights behind you.

Since you can’t see as well, you may need to slow down and keep more space between you and other vehicles. It’s hard to tell how fast the vehicle ahead is going just by looking at its taillights. Slow down, especially on higher speed roads. Your headlights can light up only so much road ahead. In remote areas, watch for animals. If you’re tired, pull off the road in a safe place and rest.

Your Driving and the Road

Night Vision No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as we get older these differences increase. A 50-year-old driver may require at least twice as much light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old. What you do in the daytime can also affect your night vision. For example, if you spend the day in bright sunshine you are wise to wear sunglasses. Your eyes will have less trouble adjusting to night. But if you’re driving, don’t wear sunglasses at night. They may cut down on glare from headlights, but they also make a lot of things invisible that should remain visible-such as parked cars, obstacles, pedestrians, or even trains blocking railway crossings. You may want to put on your sunglasses after you have pulled into a brightly- lighted service or refreshment area. 1 5 8

Eyes shielded from that glare may adjust more quickly to darkness back on the road. But be sure to remove your sunglasses before you leave the service area. You can be temporarily blinded by approaching lights. It can tale a second or two, or even several seconds, for your eyes to readjust to the dark. When you are faced with severe glare (as from a driver who doesn’t lower the high beams, or a vehicle with misaimed headlights), slow down a little. Avoid staring directly into the approaching lights. If there is a line of opposing traffic, make occasional glances over the line of headlights to make certain that one of the vehicles isn’t starting to move into your lane. Once you are past the bright lights, give your eyes time to readjust before resuming speed.

High Beams If the vehicle approaching you has its high beams on, signal by flicking yours to high and then back to low beam. This is the usual signal to lower the headlight beams. If the other driver still doesn’t lower the beams, resist the temptation to put your high beams on. This only makes two half-blinded drivers. On a freeway, use your high beams only in remote areas where you won’t impair approaching drivers. In some places, like cities, using high beams is illegal. When you follow another vehicle on a freeway or highway, use low beams. True, most vehicles now have day-night mirrors that enable the driver to reduce glare. But outside mirrors are not of this type and high beams from behind can bother the driver ahead.

A Few More Might Driving Suggestions Keep your windshield and all the glass on your vehicle clean-inside and out. Glare at night is made much worse by dirt on the glass. Even the inside of the glass can build up a film caused by dust. Tobacco smoke also makes inside glass surfaces very filmy and can be a vision hazard if it’s left there. Dirty glass makes lights dazzle and flash more than clean glass would, making the pupils of your eyes contract repeatedly. You might even want to keep a cloth and some glass cleaner in your vehicle if you need to clean your glass frequently.

Remember that p u r headlights light up far less of a roadway when you are in a turn or curve. Keep your eyes moving; that way, it’s easier to pick out dimly lighted objects. Just as your headlights should be checked regularly for proper aim, so should your eyes be examined regularly. Some drivers suffer from night blindness-the light-and aren’t even aware of it.

inability to see in dim

Driving in the Rain Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet road you can’t stop, accelerate or turn as well because your tire-to-road traction isn’t as good as on dry roads. And, if your tires don’t have much tread left, you’ll get even less traction. It’s always wise to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when your reflexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement. The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy rain can male it harder to see road signs and traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road, and even people

Your Driving and the Road

Driving in the Rain (CONT.) walking. Road spray can often be worse for vision than rain, especially if it comes from a dirty road. So it is wise to keep your wiping equipment in good shape and keep your windshield washer tank filled. Replace your windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts.

Driving too fast through larg,e w.ater puddles or even going through some car washes can cause problems, too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid puddles. But if you can't, 'try to slow down before you hit them.

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Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. You might not be aware of hydroplaning. You could drive along for some time without realizing your tires aren’t in constant contact with the road. You could find out the hard way: when you have to slow, turn, move out to if you get hit by a gust of wind. pass-or You could suddenly find yourself out of control.

Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your tires haven’t much tread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning. Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining, and be careful.

just

Some Other Rainy Weather Tips Turn on your headlights-not your parking lights-to help make you more visible to others. Look for hard-to-see vehicles coming from behind. You may want to use your headlights even in daytime if it’s raining hard. Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be especially careful when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted by road spray. If the road spray is so heavy you are actually blinded, drop back. Don’t pass until conditions improve. Going more slowly is better than having an accident. Use your defogger if it helps. Have good tires with proper tread depth. (See the Index under Tires.)

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Your Driving and the Road

probably thickening. Slow down to give traffic behind you a chance to slow down. Everybody then has a better chance to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead. A patch of dense fog may extend only for a few feet (meters) or for miles (kilometers); you can’t really tell while you’re in it. You can only treat the situation with extreme care. One common fog condition- sometimes called mist or ground fog- can happen in weather that seems perfect, especially at night or in the early morning in valley and low, marshy areas. You can be suddenly enveloped in thick, wet haze that may even coat your windshield. You can often spot these fog patches or mist layers with your headlights. But sometimes they can be waiting for you as you come over a hill or dip into a shallow valley. Start your windshield wipers and washer to help clear accumulated road dirt. Slow down carefully.

Tips on Driving in Fog If you get caught in fog, turn your headlights on low beam, even in daytime. You’ll see-and be seen- better. Use your fog lights. Don’t use your high beams. The light will bounce off the water droplets that make up fog and reflect back at you. Use your defogger. In high humidity, even a light buildup of moisture on the inside of the glass will cut down on your already limited visibility. Run your windshield wipers and washer occasionally. Moisture can build up on the outside glass, and what seems to be fog may actually be moisture on the outside of your windshield. Treat dense fog as an emergency. Try to find a place to pull off the road. Of course you want to respect another’s property, but you might need to put something between you and moving vehicles-space, a private driveway, anything that removes you from other traffic.

trees, telephone poles,

Driving in Fog, Mist and Haze Fog can occur with high humidity or heavy frost. It can be so mild that you can see through it for several hundred feet (meters). Or it might be so thick that you can see only a few feet (meters) ahead. It may come suddenly to an otherwise clear road. And it can be a major hazard. When you drive into a fog patch, your visibility will be reduced quickly. The biggest dangers are striking the vehicle ahead or being struck by the one behind. Try to “read” the fog density down the road. If the vehicle ahead starts to become less clear or, at night, if the taillights are harder to see, the fog is

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If visibility is near zero and you must stop but are unsure whether you are away from the road, turn your lights on, start your hazard warning flashers, and sound your horn at intervals or when you hear approaching traffic. Pass other vehicles in fog only if you can see far enough ahead to pass safely. Even then, be prepared to delay your pass if you suspect the fog is worse up ahead. If other vehicles try to pass you, make it easy for them.

Cify Driving One of the biggest problems with city streets is the amount of traffic on them. You’ll want to watch out for what the other drivers are doing and pay attention to traffic signals. Here are ways to increase your safety in city driving:

Know the best way to get to where you are going. Try not to drive around trying to pick out a familiar street or landmark. Get a city map and plan your trip into an unknown part of the city just as you would for a cross- country trip. Try to use the freeways that rim and crisscross most large cities. You’ll save time and energy. (See the next section, Freeway Driving.)

Treat a green light as a warning signal. A traffic light is there because the corner is busy enough to need it. When a light turns green, and just before you start to move, check both ways for vehicles that have not cleared the intersection or may be running the red light. Obey all posted speed limits. But remember that they are for ideal road, weather and visibility conditions. You may need to drive below the posted limit in bad weather or when visibility is especially poor. Pull to the right (with care) and stop clear of intersections when you see or hear emergency vehicles.

Your Driving and the Road

Freeway Driving Mile for mile, freeways (also called thruways, parkways, expressways, turnpikes, or superhighways) are the safest of all roads. But they have their own special rules. The most important advice on freeway driving is: Keep up with traffic and keep to the right. Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers are driving. Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks a smooth traffic flow. Treat the left lane on a freeway as a passing lane.

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Entering the Freeway At the entrance there is usually a ramp that leads to the freeway. If you have a clear view of the freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you should begin to check traffic. Try to determine where you expect to blend with the flow. If traffic is light, you may have no problem. But if it is heavy, find a gap as you move along the entering lane and time your approach. Try to merge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed. Switch on your turn signal, check your rearview mirrors as you move along, and glance over your shoulder as often as necessary. Try to blend smoothly with the traffic flow.

Driving on the Freeway Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed to the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it’s slower. Stay in the right lane unless you want to pass. If you are on a two-lane freeway, treat the right lane as the slow lane and the left lane as the passing lane. If you are on a three-lane freeway, treat the right lane as the slower-speed through lane, the middle lane as the higher-speed through lane, and the left lane as the passing lane. Before changing lanes, check your rearview mirrors. Then use your turn signal. Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to make sure there isn’t another vehicle in your “blind” spot.

If you are moving from an outside to a center lane on a freeway having more than two lanes, make sure another vehicle isn’t about to move into the same spot. Look at the vehicles two lanes over and watch for telltale signs: turn signals flashing, an increase in speed, or moving toward the edge of the lane. Be prepared to delay your move. Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you allow a reasonable following distance. Expect to move slightly slower at night.

Leaving the Freeway When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane well in advance. Dashing across lanes at the last minute is dangerous. If you miss your exit do not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive on to the next exit. At each exit point is a deceleration lane. Ideally it should be long enough for you to enter it at freeway speed (after signaling, of course) and then do your braking before moving onto the exit ramp. Unfortunately, not all deceleration lanes are long enough- some are too short for all the braking. Decide when to start braking. If you must brake on the through lane, and if there is traffic close behind you, you can

allow a little extra time and flash your brake lights (in addition to your turn signal) as extra warning that you are about to slow down and exit. The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed according to your speedometer, not to your sense of motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower than you actually are. For example, 40 mph (65 W h ) might seem like only 20 mph (30 l d h ) . Obviously, this could lead to serious trouble on a ramp designed for 20 mph (30 lun/h) !

Your Driving and the Road

Drkjng a Long Distance Although most long trips today are made on freeways, there are still many made on regular highways. Long-distance driving on freeways and reguIar highways is the same in some ways. The trip has to be planned and the vehicle prepared, you drive at higher-than-city speeds, and there are longer turns behind the wheel. You’ll enjoy your trip more if you and your vehicle are in good shape. Here are some tips for a successful long trip.

Before Leaving on a Long Trip Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when you’re not fresh-such as after a day’s work- don’t plan to make too many miles that first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily drive in. Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it serviced and maintained, it’s ready to go. If it needs service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in Pontiac dealerships all across North America. They’ll be ready and willing to help if you need it.

Here are some things you can check before a trip:

Windshield Washer Fluid Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean inside and outside? Wiper Blades: Are they in good shape? Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels? Lights: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean? Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the recommended pressure? Weather Forecasts: What’s the weather outlook along your route? Should you delay your trip a short time to avoid a major storm system? Maps: Do you have up-to-date maps?

On the Road Unless you are the only driver, it is good to share the driving task with others. Limit turns behind the wheel to about 100 miles (160 lm) or two hours at a sitting. Then, either change drivers or stop for some refreshment like coffee, tea or soft drinks and some limbering up. But do stop and move around. Eat lightly along the way. Heavier meals tend to make some people sleepy. On two-lane highways or undivided multilane highways that do not have controlled access, you’ll want to watch for some situations not usually found on freeways. Examples are: stop signs and signals, shopping centers with direct access to the highway, no passing zones and school zones, vehicles turning left and right off the road, pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, and even animals.

Highway Hypnosis Is there actually such a condition as “highway hypnosis”? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of awareness, or whatever. There is something about an easy stretch of road with the same scenery, along with the hum of the tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make you sleepy. Don’t let it happen to you! If it does, your vehicle can leave the road in less than a second, and you could crash and be injured. What can you do about highway hypnosis? First, be aware that it can happen. Then here are some tips:

Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with a comfortably cool interior.

Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors frequently and your instruments from time to time. This can help you avoid a fixed stare. Wear good sunglasses in bright light. Glare can cause drowsiness. But don’t wear sunglasses at night. They will drastically reduce your overall vision at the very time you need all the seeing power you have. If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest, service, or parking area and take a nap, get some exercise, or both. For safety, treat drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.

As in any driving situation, keep pace with traffic and allow adequate following distances.

your Driving and the Road

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HM and Mountain Roads Driving on steep hills or mountains is different fiom driving in flat or rolling terrain. If you drive regularly in s t e p country, or if you’re planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make your trips safer and more enjoyable. * Keep your vehicle in go’od shape. Check all fluid levels and also the brakes, tires, co’oling system and transaxle. These parts can work hard ~n mountain roads.

. K ~ Q W how to go, down hills. The most

important thing to h o w is this: let your engine do some of the slowing down. Don’t make your brakes do it an.. Shift to a lower gear when YQU go down a steep or long hill. That way, you will slow down without excessive use of your brakes.

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If you don’t shift down, your brakes could get so hot that

they wouldn’t work well. You would then have poor braking or even none going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down to let your engine assist your brakes on a steep downhill slope.

- N (Neutral) or with the A Coasting downhill in * ignition off is dangerous. Your

akes will have to do all the work slowing down. They could get so

riot that they wouldn’t work well. You could crash. Always have your Pngine running and your vehicle in a-ar when you go downhill.

Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your engine and transaxle, and you can climb the hill better. Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane roads in hills or mountains. Don’t swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane. That way, you won’t be

’ surprised by a vehicle coming toward

you in the same lane. It takes longer to pass another vehicle when you’re going uphill. You’ll want to leave extra room to pass. If a vehicle is passing you and doesn’t have enough room, slow down to make it easier for the other vehicle to get by.

As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There could be something in your lane, like a stalled car or an accident. You may see highway signs on mountains that warn of special problems. Examples are long grades, passing or no passing zones, a falling rocks area, or winding roads. Be alert to these and take appropriate action. Winter driving can present special problems. See the Index under Winter Driving.

Parking on M//s Hills and mountains mean spectacular scenery. But please be careful where you stop if you decide to look at the view or take pictures. Look for pull-offs or parking areas provided for scenic viewing. Another part of this manual tells how to use your parking brake (see the Index under Parking Brake). But on a mountain or steep hill, you can do one more thing. You can turn your front wheels to keep your vehicle from rolling downhill or out into traffic. Here’s how:

Parking Downhill Turn your wheels to the right. You don’t have to jam your tires against the curb, if there is a curb. A gentle contact is all you need.

Your Driving and the Road

Parking on Hills (CONT.) Parking Uphill If there is a curb, turn your wheels to the left if the curb is at the right side of your vehicle.

If you’re going uphill on a one-way street and you’re parking on the left side, your wheels should point to the right.

If there is no curb when you’re parking uphill, turn the wheels to the right. If there is no curb when you’re parking uphill on the left side of a one-way street, your wheels would be turned to the left.