CHEVROLET BLAZER 1997 2.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Suppose you‘re steering through a sharp curve. Then you
suddenly accelerate.
Both control systems -- steering and
acceleration
-- have to do their work where the tires meet
the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too
much of those places. You can lose control.
What should
YOLI do if this ever happens‘? Ease up on the
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 it
curve. do it befhre you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try
to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
CLII-ut. klaintain ;I reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
acwlcrate
llntil >.ou are out of the curve. and then
accclcrate gcntlv into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over
a hill and
find
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere. or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops
right in front of you. You can
avoid these problems
by braking -- if you can stop in
time. But sometimes you can’t: there isn’t room. That’s
the time
for evasive action -- steering around
the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply your brakes. (See ”Braking
in
Emergencies” earlier in this section.) It is better to
remove as much speed as you can from a possible
collision. Then steer around the problem.
to the left or
right depending on the space available.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 tull 180 degrees very quickly without removing
either
hand. Bur you hrt\*e to act fast, steer quickly, and
just ah quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided
the ob-jcct.
The fact that wch clncrgcncy situations are always
possible ih ;I good reason to practice defensive driving at
all
times and NYN satety belts properly.
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.
I OFF - ROA
v/// edge of paved surface
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 one-quarter turn until the
right front tire contacts the pavement
edge. Then turn your
steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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
malung
a successful pass. wait for a better time.
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 to pass
(providing the road ahead is clexj. 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.
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.
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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 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 lamps 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.
Loss of Control
Let’s review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering
and accelerationj 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 vehicle‘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.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If your vehicle starts to slide. ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way
you want the
vehicle to
go. If you start steering quickly enough. your
vehicle may straighten
out. Always be ready for a
second skid
if it occurs.
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
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.
t oear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system
(ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
Driving Guidelines
This multipurpose passenger vehicle is defined as a utility
vehicle
in Consumer Information Regulations issued by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) of the United States Department of
Transportation. Utility vehicles have higher ground
clearance and a nmower track to make them capable
of
perfolming in a wide variety of off-road applications.
Specific design characteristics give them a higher center of
gravity than ordinary cars.
An advantage of the higher
to anticipate problems. They are
not designed for
cornering at the same speeds as conventional
two-wheel-drive vehicles any more than low-slung
sports
cars are designed to perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions.
If at all possible, avoid sharp turns or abrupt
maneuvers.
As with other vehicles of this type, failure to
operate this vehicle correctly may result
in loss of control
or vehicle rollover.
2 oround clearance is a better view of the road allowing you
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Off-Road Driving with Your
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicle
This off-road guide is for vehicles that have
four-wheel drive.
Also, see “Anti-Lock Brakes”
in the Index.
If your vehicle doesn‘t have four-wheel drive, you
shouldn‘t drive off-road unless you‘re on a level,
solid surface.
Off-road driving can be great
fun. But it does have some
definite hazards. The greatest
of these is the terrain itself.
“Off-roading” means
you’ve left the great North
American road
system behind. Traffic lanes aren‘t
marked. Curves aren’t banked. There are
no road signs.
Surfaces can be slippery. rough, uphill
or downhill. In
short. you’ve gone right back to nature.
Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that’s
why it’s very important that you read this guide. You’ll
find many driving tips and suggestions. These will help
make your off-road driving safer and more enjoyable.
Before You Go Off-Roading
There are sutfre things to do before you go out. For
example, be sure
to have all necessary maintenance and
service work done. Check
to make sure all underbody
shields
(if so equipped) are properly attached. Be sure
you read all the information about your
four-wheel-drive vehicle
in this manual. Is there enough
fuel?
Is the spare tire fully inflated? Are the fluid levels
up where they should be? What are
the local laws that
apply to off-roading where you’ll be driving? If
you
don’t know, you should check with law enforcement
people
in the area. Will you be on someone’s private
land?
If so, be sure to get the necessary permission.
Loading Your Vehicle for Off-Road Driving
There are some important things to remember about
how
to load your vehicle.
The heaviest things should be on the load floor and
forward of your rear axle. Put heavier items as far
forward
as you can.
Be sure the load is secured properly, so driving on
the off-road terrain doesn’t toss things around.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine A CAUTION:
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Cargo on the load floor piled higher than
the seatbacks can be thrown forward
during a sudden
stop. You or your
passengers could
be injured. Keep cargo
be
below
the top of the seatbacks.
Unsecured cargo on the load floor can
tossed about when driving over rough terrain. You or your passengers can be
struck by flying objects. Secure the
cargo properly.
Heavy loads on the roof raise the vehicle's
center
of gravity, making it more likely to
roll over. You can be seriously or fatally
in.jured
if the vehicle rolls over. Put heavy
loads inside the cargo area, not on the roof.
Keep cargo
in the cargo area as far forward
and low as possible.
You'll find other important information in this manual.
See "Vehicle Loading."
"Luggage Carrier" and "Tires"
in the Index.
Environmental Concerns
Off-road driving can provide whoIesome and satisfying
recreation. However.
it also raises environmental
concerns.
GM recognizes these concerns and urges
every off-roader
to follow these basic rules for
protectins the environment:
Always use established trails, roads and areas that
have been specially set aside
for public off-road
recreational drivihg; obey all posted regulations.
0 Avoid any driving practice that could damage the
environment
-- shrubs. flowers. trees, grasses -- or
disturb wildlife
(this includes wheel-spinning,
breaking down trees
or unnecessary driving through
streams or over
soft ground).
0 Always carry a litter bag . . . make sure all refuse is
removed from any campsite before leaving.
Take extreme care with open fires (where permitted).
camp stoves and lanterns.
0 Never park your vehicle over dry grass or other
cotnbustible materials that could catch fire
f1-0~11 the
heat
of the vehicle's exhaust system.
4-16

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Traveling to Remote Areas
It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when going
to a remote area. Know the terrain and plan your route.
You are much less likely to get bad surprises. Get
accurate maps of trails and terrain. Try to learn
of any
blocked or closed roads.
It’s also
a good idea to travel with at least one other
vehicle. If something happens to one of them, the other
can help quickly.
Does your vehicle have
a winch? If so. be sure to read
the winch instructions.
In a remote area, a winch can be
handy if you get stuck. But you’ll want to know how to
use
it properly.
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving
It’s a good idea to practice in an area that’s safe and
close to home before you
go into the wilderness.
Off-road
driving does require some new and different
driving
skills. Here’s what we mean.
Tune your senses to different kinds of signals. Your
eyes. for example, need to constantly sweep the terrain
for unexpected obstacles. Your ears need to listen for
unusual tire
or engine sounds. With your arms, hands,
feet and body, you’ll need to respond to vibrations and
vehicle bounce. Controlling
your vehicle is the key to successful
off-road driving. One of
the best ways to control your
vehicle is to control your speed. Here are some things to
keep
in mind. At higher speeds:
0
e
0
a
you approach things faster and you have less time to
scan the terrain for obstacles.
you have less time to react.
you have more vehicle bounce when you drive
over obstacles.
you’ll need more distance for braking, especially
since you’re on
an unpaved surface.
I A CAUTION:
When you’re driving off-road, bouncing and
quick changes in direction can easily throw you
out
of position. This could cause you to lose
control and crash. So, whether you’re driving on
or off the road, you and your passengers should
wear safety belts.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Scanning the Terrain
Off-road driving can take you over mLmy different kinds
of terrain.
You need to be fatniliar with the terrain and its
many different features.
Here are some things to consider.
Surface Cmditiom. Off-roading can take you over
hard-packed dirt, gravel. rocks. grass. sand, mud, snow
or ice. Each
of these surfaces affects the steering,
acceleration and brakinz
of your vehicle in different
ways. Depending upon the kind of surfxe you are on.
you may experience slipping. sliding. wheel spinning.
delayed acceieration, poor traction and longer
braking distances.
Sru-fnce 0hstcrcle.v. Unseen or hidden obstacles can be
hazardous.
A rock. log hole. rut or bump CUI startle you if
you're not prepared for them. Often these obstacles are
hidden
by grass, bushes. snow or even the rise and fall of
the terrain itself. Here are some things to consider:
Is the path ahead clear'?
0 Will the surface texture change abruptly up ahead'?
Does the travel take you uphill or downhill'? (There's
more discussion
of these sub-jects later.)
Will you have to stop suddenly or change
direction quicklv'? When
you drive
over obstacles or rough terrain, keep a
firm grip on the steering wheel. Ruts, troughs or other
surface features can jerk the wheel out of
your hands if
you're not prepared.
When
you drive over bumps. rocks, or other obstacles,
your wheels can leave
the ground. If this happens. even
with one or two wheels, you can't control the vehicle as
well or at all.
Because you
will be on an unpaved surface. it's
especially important to avoid sudden acceleration.
sudden
turns or sudden braking.
In a way, off-road driving requires a different kind of
alertness from driving on paved roads and highways.
There are
no road signs. posted speed limits or signal
lights. You have to
use your own good judgment about
what is
safe and what isn't.
Drinking and driving can be very dangerous on any
road.
And this is certainty true for off-road driving. At
the very time you need special alertness and driving
skills, your reflexes. perceptions and judgment can be
affected
by even z1 small amount of alcohol. You could
have a serious -- or even fatal -- accident if you drink
and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking.
See "Drunken Driving" in the index.
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Driving on Off-Road Hills
Off-road driving often takes you up, down or across a
hill. Driving safely
on hills requires good judgment and
an understanding
of what your vehicle can and can’t do.
There are some hills that simply can’t be driven,
no
matter how well built the vehicle. incline
may get steeper as
you near the top, but you may
not see this because
the crest of the hill is hidden by
bushes, grass or shrubs.
Here are some other things
to consider as you approach
a
hill.
0
I A CAUTION: 0
Many hills are simply too steep for any vehicle. If
you drive up them, you will stall. If you drive
down them, you can’t control your speed.
If you
drive across them, you will roll over.
You could be
~ seriously injured or killed. If you have any doubt
~ about the steepness, don’t drive the hill.
Approaching a Hill
When you approach a hill, you need to decide if it’s one
of those hills that’s just too steep to climb, descend or
cross. Steepness can be hard to judge. On a very small
hill, for example, there
may be a smooth. constant
incline with
only a small change in elevation where you
can easily see all the way to the top. On a large hill, the
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Is there a constant incline, or does the hill get sharply
steeper in places?
Is there good traction on the hillside, or will the
surface cause tire slipping?
Is there a straight path up or down the hill so you
won’t have to make turning maneuvers?
Are there obstructions on the
hill that can block your
path (boulders. trees, logs or ruts)?
What’s beyond the hill?
Is there a cliff, an
embankment. a drop-off,
a fence? Get out and walk
the
hill if you don’t know. It’s the smart way to
find out.
Is the hill simply too rough? Steep hills often have
ruts, gullies, troughs and exposed rocks because they
are more susceptible
to the effects of erosion.
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