User manual OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 1996

[. . . ] The 1996 Oldsrnobile Silhouette Owner's Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This section tells you how to use your seatsand safety belts properly. FeaturesandControls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Comfort Controls and Audio Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seats and Restraint Systems This section tells you how to adjust the ventilation and comfort controls and how to operate your audio system. 1-1 2-1 3-1 4-1 YourDrivingandtheRoad ProblemsontheRoad Here you'll find helpful information and tips about the road and how to drive under different conditions. [. . . ] Your brakes will wear out much faster if you do alot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a lot unnecessary braking. If your engine ever stops while you're driving, brake normally but don't pumpyour brakes. Once the power assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push. Anti-Lock Brakes Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). ABS is an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent a braking skid. When you start your engine, orwhen you begin to drive away, your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and you may even notice that your brake pedal moves a little. (You may also hear a clicking noise if you leave the ignition in the RUN position for about four seconds before starting the vehicle. ) This is normal. If there's a problem with the anti-lock brake system, this warning light will stay on or flash. See "Anti-Lock Brake SystemWarning Light" in the Index. 4-6 The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure faster than any driver could. The computer is programmed to make the mostof available tire and road conditions. L Here's how anti-lock works. Here's what happens with ABS. A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer will separately work the brakes at each front wheel and at the rear wheels. You can steeraround the obstacle while braking hard. As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly. 4-7 Remember: Anti-lock doesn't change the time you need to get your foot up to thebrake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. If you get too closeto the vehicle in front of you, you won't have time to apply your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows orstops. Always leave enough roomup ahead to stop, even though you have anti-lock brakes. Steering Power Steering If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but it will take much more effort. Using Anti-Lock Don't pump the brakes. You may feel the system working, or you may notice some noise, but this is normal. 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 itspath 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 steera 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, angle at the which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Braking in Emergencies Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to. [. . . ] Some state lawsmay require you to use this program before filing a claimwith a state-run arbitration program or in the courts. For further information, contact the BBB at 1-800-955-5 100 or the Oldsmobile Customer Assistance Network at 1-800-442-6537. REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crashor could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to notifying General Motors. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that asafety defect exists in a groupof vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, yourretailer or General Motors. [. . . ]