steering wheel Oldsmobile Cutlass 1999 s User Guide

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4-10
What should you 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 a
curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can ªdriveº 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.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 ªBraking in
Emergenciesº 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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4-11
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.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving at
all times and wear safety belts properly.
Off-Road Recovery
You may find 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 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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4-13

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 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
ªoverdrivingº 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 is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
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.

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4-28
Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well
-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on
with your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost
all the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again
and repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable
from the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the
fuel as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get
out of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
You can tow your vehicle behind another vehicle for use
at your destination. Be sure to use the proper towing
equipment designed for recreational towing. Follow the
instructions for the towing equipment.
Towing Your Vehicle from the Front
There are two ways to tow your vehicle from the front.
To tow your vehicle with a dolly, follow these steps:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Put the vehicle in PARK (P).
3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight
-ahead position
with a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Release the parking brake.

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4-37 Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you
would when driving your vehicle without a trailer. This
can help you avoid situations that require heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
You'll need more passing distance up ahead when
you're towing a trailer. And, because you're a good deal
longer, you'll need to go much farther beyond the
passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if
possible, have someone guide you.
Making Turns
NOTICE:
Making very sharp turns while trailering could
cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you're turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer won't strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well
in advance.

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5-18
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the pressure
cap is hand
-tight.
Check the level in the surge tank when the cooling
system has cooled down. If the coolant isn't at the
proper level, repeat Steps 1 to 3 and reinstall the
pressure cap or see your dealer.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblow outº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you'd use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.

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5-30
If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you
will need to spin the wheels, but you don't want to spin
your wheels too fast. The method known as ªrockingº
can help you get out when you're stuck, but you must
use caution.
CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured. And,
the transaxle or other parts of the vehicle can
overheat. That could cause an engine
compartment fire or other damage. When you're
stuck, spin the wheels as little as possible. Don't
spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown
on the speedometer.
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transaxle back and
forth, you can destroy your transaxle.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see ªTire Chainsº in the Index.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. Then shift back
and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the
accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on
the accelerator pedal when the transaxle is in gear. By
slowly spinning your wheels in the forward and reverse
directions, you will cause a rocking motion that may
free your vehicle. If that doesn't get you out after a few
tries, you may need to be towed out. If you do need to
be towed out, see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.

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9-5
Fog Lamps 2-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Following Distance with a Trailer 4
-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2
-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6
-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2
-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2
-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garment Hook 2
-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transaxle 2
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2
-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5
-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2
-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6
-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 8
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High
-Beam Headlamps 2-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4
-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hood
Checking Things Under 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Release 6
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Horn 2
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hydroplaning 4
-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Positions 2-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Transaxle Lock Check 7
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illuminated Entry/Exit 2
-40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation, Tire 6
-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night Rearview Mirror 2
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspections 7
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake System 7
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 7
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhaust System 7
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front Drive Axle Seal 7
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front
-Wheel-Drive Axle Boot 7-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator and Heater Hose 7
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 7
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension 7
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Throttle System 7
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9-8
Parking (Continued)
Lots 2
-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With a Trailer 4
-39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passenger Position 1
-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4
-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing with a Trailer 4
-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passlock
2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passlock
Warning Light 2-61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Periodic Maintenance Inspections 7
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Accessory Outlets 2
-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks 2
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Option Fuses 6
-55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Control Mirror 2
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seats 1
-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2
-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1
-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5
-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8
-10, 8-11, 8-12 . . . . . . . . .
Radiator 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3
-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radios 3
-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rain, Driving In 4
-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rear
Door Security Locks 2
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior Lock
-Out 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outside Seat Position 1
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety Belt Comfort Guides 1
-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Passengers 1
-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Window Defogger 3
-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Turn Signal Lamp Bulb Replacement 6
-33 . . . . . . . . . . .
Rearview Mirror 2
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inside Day/Night 2
-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reclining Front Seatbacks 1
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 7
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recreational Vehicle Towing 4
-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning 6
-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote
Lock Control 2
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Release 2
-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trunk Release Lockout 2
-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Lock Control 2
-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation 2
-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement
Bulbs 6
-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parts 6
-63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel 6
-43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Safety Belts 1
-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting Safety Defects 8
-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .