1993 Chevrolet Cavalier Owners Manual

Speedometer and Odometer Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Your odometer shows how far your vehicle has been driven, in either miles (used in the U.S.) or kilometers (used in Canada).

Tamper Resistant Odometer Your Chevrolet has a tamper resistant odometer. If you see silver lines between the numbers, you’ll know that someone has probably tried to turn it back, so the numbers may not be true. You may wonder what happens if your vehicle needs a new odometer installed.

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OPTIONAL CLUSTER

If the new one can be set to the mileage total of the old odometer, then it must be. But if it can’t, then it’s set at zero and a label must be put on the driver’s door to show the old mileage reading when the new odometer was installed,

Trip Odometer (omoN) The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle has been driven since you last set the trip odometer to zero. To set the trip odometer to zero, press the knob to the right of it.

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Tachometer (oPnoN) The tachometer displays the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). I NOTICE

Do not operate the engine with the tachometer in the red area, or engine damage may occur.

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Features & Controls

Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators

This section describes the warning lights and gages that may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you locate them. Warning lights and gages can signal that something is wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to your warning lights and gages could also save you or others from injury. Warning lights go on when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will see in the details on the next few pages, some warning lights come on briefly when you turn the ignition key just to let you know they’re working. If you are familiar with this section, you should not be alarmed when this happens.

Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages and warning lights work together to let you know when there’s a problem with your vehicle. When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on when you are driving, or when one of the gages shows there may be a problem, check the section that tells you what to do about it. Please follow the manual’s advice. Waiting to do repairs can be costly-and even dangerous. So please get to know your warning lights and gages. They’re a big help.

Fuel Gage When the ignition is on, your fuel gage tells you about how much fuel you have left. When the indicator nears E (Empty), you still have a little fuel left, but you should get more soon. Here are four things that some owners ask about. None of these show a problem with your fuel gage: At the gas station, the gas pump shuts off before the gage reads F (Full). It takes a little more or less fuel to fdl up than the gage indicated. For example, the gage may have indicated the tank was half full, but it actually took a little more or less than half the tank‘s capacity to fill the tank.

The gage moves a little when you turn a comer or speed up. The gage doesn’t go back to E when you turn off the ignition. For your fuel tank capacity, see Service Station Information on the last page of this manual.

Law Coolant Warning Light (3.7L V6 ENGiNE) If this light comes on and stays on, your system is low on coolant and the engine may overheat. See the Index under Coolant and have your vehicle serviced as soon as you can.

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage With the ignition in the Run position, this gage shows the engine coolant temperature. If the gage pointer moves into the red area, your engine is too hot! It means that your engine coolant has overheated. If you have been operating your vehicle under normal driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible. HOT COOLANT CAN BURN YOU BADLY! In Problems on the Road, this manual shows what to do. See the Index under Engine Overheating.

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Features & Controls

Oil Warning Light (3.7~ v6 ENGINE) If you have a problem with your oil, this light may stay on after you start your engine, or come on when you are driving. This indicates that oil is not going through your engine quickly enough to keep it lubricated. The engine could be low on oil, or could have some other oil problem. Have it fixed right away.

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The oil light could also come on in three other situations:

When the ignition is on but the engine is not running, the light will come on as a test to show you it is working, but the light will go out when you turn the ignition to Start. If it doesn’t come on with the ignition on, you may have a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have it fixed right away. Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, the light may blink on and off. This is normal. If you make a hard stop, the light may come on for a moment. This is normal.

Don’t keep driving if the oil b pressure is low. If you do,

your engine can become so hot that It catches fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced.

Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be costly and is not covered by YOL warranty.

L N u t IG-E

Damage to your engine from neglected oil problems can be costly and is not covered by your warrant

Don’t keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If you do,

your engine can become so hot that it catches fire. You or others could be burned. Check your oil as soon as possible and have your vehicle serviced.

Oil Pressure Gage (opTIoN) The oil pressure gage shows the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per square inch) when the engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicate pressure in kpa. Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outside temperature, and oil viscosity, but readings above the red warning zone indicate the normal operating range. A reading in the red zone may be caused by a dangerously low oil level or other problem causing low oil pressure. Have your vehicle serviced immediately.

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Features & Controls

Charging System Light The charging system light will come on briefly when you turn on the ignition and the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is working. Then it should go out. If it stays on, or comes on while you are driving, you may have a problem with the electrical charging system. It could indicate that you have a loose generator drive belt, or another electrical problem. Have it checked right away. Driving while this light is on could drain your battery. If you must drive a short distance with the light on, be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as the radio and air conditioner.

Brake Sysfem Warning Light Your Chevrolet’s hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part isn’t working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well. If the warning light goes on, there could be a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away. This light should come on as you start the vehicle. If it doesn’t come on then, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there’s a problem. This light will also come on when you set your parking brake, and will stay on if your parking brake doesn’t release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is fully released, it means you may have a brake problem.

If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service. (See the Index under Towing Your Chevrolet.)

I /1\ Your brake system may not be

L working properly if the brake warning light is on. Driving with the brake warning light on can lead to an accident. If the light is still on after you’ve pulled off the road and stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed for service.

L-AU I IVN

Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light With anti-lock, this light will go on when you start your engine and it will stay on for three seconds. If the light doesn’t come on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. If the light stays on or comes on when you’re driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the key off. Then start the engine to reset the system. If the light still stays on, or if it comes on again while you’re driving, your Chevrolet needs service.

Shift light (MANUAL TRANSAXLE) This light comes on when you need to shift to the next higher gear. See the Index under Manual Transale.

Unless the regular brake system warning light is also on, you will still have brakes, but not anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system warning light is also on, see Brake System Warning Light earlier in this part. If the anti-lock brake system warning light ever flashes, your anti-lock brake system is still working but needs service as soon as possible.

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Features & Controls

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Lighf) A computer monitors operation of your fuel, ignition and emission control systems. This light should come on when the ignition is on, but the engine is not running, as a check to show you it is working. If it does not come on at all, have it fixed right away. If it stays on, or it comes on while you are driving, the computer is indicating that you have a problem. You should take your vehicle in for service soon.

If you keep driving your vehicle with this light on, after a while the emission controls won’t work as well, your fuel economy won’t be as good and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs not rwered by your warranty.

Liftgate Ajar Light (WAGON) This light will come on if the liftgate is not fully closed. Have your vehicle serviced if this light comes on and stays on after the liftgate is closed.

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Check Gages light This light will come on briefly when you are starting the engine. If the light comes on and stays on while you are driving, check your various gages to see if they are in the warning zones. This light will also come on when the fuel level is low, 1 to 3 gallons (3.8 to 11.4 liters).

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Notes

Part 3 Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

I n this part you’ll find out how to operate the comfort control systems and audio systems offered with your Chevrolet . Be sure to read about the particular system supplied with your vehicle .

Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Air Conditioning System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Rear Window Defogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 AM/FM Stereo Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 AM/FM Stereo Radio with Cassette Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 AM/FM Stereo Radio with Compact Disc Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Understanding Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Care of Your Cassette Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Care of Your Compact Discs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Climate Control System With this system, you can control the ventilation and heating in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation system described later in this section. Lever Controls: The upper lever changes the functions of your system. The lower lever changes the temperature of the air coming through the system. Slide the upper control lever to OFF to turn off the system.

3f : Sets the fan speed. To select the

force of air you want,'turn the knob.

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VENT Use when outside temperatures are mild and little heating or cooling is needed. Air flow is through the instrument panel outlets. Set the lower lever to the temperature desired. B/L (Bi-Level): Use on cool, but SUMY days. This setting brings in the outside air, but directs it in two ways. The cool air is directed to the upper portion of your body through the instrument panel outlets, but slightly warmer air is directed through the heater ducts and defroster vents. At times, this temperature difference may be more apparent than others. HTR (Heater): This setting brings heated air through the heater ducts, and some through the windshield defroster vents.

If you have the optional engine block heater and use it during cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or lower, your heating system will more quickly provide heat because the engine coolant is already warmed. See the Index under Engine Block Heater. BLEND: This setting divides the air flow equally between the heater ducts and the windshield defroster vents. DEF (Defrost): This setting directs most air through the windshield defroster vents, and some through the heater ducts. Defogging Windows Slide the lower lever to HOT. To defog the windows, set the upper lever to DEF and turn the fan control to HI.

r

Air Conditioning System (OPTION)

The air conditioner and heater work best if you keep your windows closed while using them. Your vehicle also has the flow-through ventilation system described later in this section. Lever Controls: The upper lever changes the functions of your system. The lower lever changes the temperature of the air coming through the system. Slide the upper control lever to OFF to turn off the system.

I 3f : Selects the fan speed. To select

the force of air you want, turn the knob. The fan is always running unless the upper lever is moved to OFF.

Air Conditioning The upper lever has three air conditioner settings. On very hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot inside air escape. This reduces the amount of work your air conditioner's compressor will have to do, which should help fuel economy. A/C (Air Conditioning): Press this button to operate the air conditioner compressor. The indicator light will glow when the button is pressed.

The air conditioner compressor operates whenever the AIC button is pressed. It also operates automatically (and the light will glow) when in the MAX setting, or in the DEF (Defrost) setting when the outside temperature is higher than about 40°F (4.5"C). MAX (Maximum): Use for maximum cooling. This setting recirculates much of the air inside your vehicle so it maximizes your air conditioner's performance and your vehicle's fuel economy.

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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

Air Conditioning (CONX:) VENT Use on pleasant days when little heating or cooling is needed, to direct outside air into the vehicle. In this setting, the air flow is through the instrument panel outlets. B/L (Bi-Level): Use on cool, but sunny days. This setting brings in the outside air, but directs it in two ways. Air is directed to the upper portion of your body through the instrument panel outlets, and to the lower portion of your body through the heater ducts. At times, this temperature difference may be more apparent than others.

HTR (Heater): Use this setting to direct most of the air flow through the heater ducts, and some through the windshield defroster vents. If you have the optional engine block heater and use it during cold weather, 0°F (-18°C) or lower, your heating system will more quickly provide heat because the engine coolant is already warmed. See the Index under Engine Block Heater.

BLEND: This setting divides the air flow equally between the heater ducts and the windshield defroster vents. DEF (Defrost): This setting directs most air through the windshield defroster vents, and some through the heater ducts.

i; ,' $,

. ...

..- -.

Defogging Windows with Air Conditioning System Slide the lower lever to HOT. To defog the front windshield, set the upper lever to DEF and turn the fan control to HI.

To defog the side windows, set the upper lever to B/L, the fan control to HI, and press the A/C button. Aim the side vents toward the side windows. For increased air flow to the side vents, close the center vents.

Rear Window Defogger (omoN) The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to remove fog from the

rear window. Press the a button and

an indicator light will glow. The defogger will turn off automatically after about ten minutes of use. If you turn it on again, the defogger will operate for about five minutes only. You can also turn the defogger off by pressing the button again, or by turning off the ignition. Do not attach a temporary vehicle license across the defogger grid on the rear window.

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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

?ear Window Defogger (cow.)

Don’t use a razor blade or something else sharp on the inside of the rear window. If you do, you could cut or damage the warming grid, and the repairs wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.

Flow-Through Ventilation System Your Chevrolet’s flow-through ventilation system lets outside air into the vehicle when it is moving. Outside air will also enter the vehicle when the heater or the air conditioning fan is running.

Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood and front air inlet free of ice, snow, or any other obstruction (such as leaves). The heater and defroster will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. In cold weather, turn the blower fan to HI for a few moments before driving off. This helps clear the intake ducts of snow and moisture, and reduces the chance of fogging the inside of your windows. Keep the air path under the front seats clear of objects. This helps air to circulate throughout your vehicle.

I Audio Systems The following pages describe the audio systems available for your Chevrolet, and how to get the best performance from them. Please read about the system in your vehicle.

IOU.

equip:

I A Hearing damage from loud noise is almost undetectable until it is too late. Your hearing can adapt to higher volumes of sound. Sound that hearing. Take precautions by I adjusting the volume control on your radio to a safe sound level before your

seems normal can be loud and harmful to your

hearing adapts to it. To help avoid hearing loss or damage: 1. Adjust the volume control to the lowest setting.

I 2. Increase volume slowly until you hear comfortably and clearly.

Setting the Clock No matter which audio system you have in your vehicle, setting the clock is easy. 1. With the ignition on and the radio on or off, press SET. The SET indicator will appear on the digital screen for five seconds.

2. You must begin to set the clock to the correct hour and minute during those five seconds. If your audio system does not have a CD player:

Press VSEEK to set the hour. Press SEE-

to set the minute.

If your audio system has a CD player:

Press SCAN to set the hour. Press WEEK to decrease minutes or SEE-

to increase minutes.

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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

AM/FM Stereo Radio 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-VOL (Power-Volume): With the ignition on, rotate the upper knob to turn the system on and off, and to control the volume. Press the upper knob to change between the clock and the radio station frequency displayed when the radio is on, and to display the time when the ignition is off.

R L (Balance): The control ring behind the upper knob adjusts the right/left speaker balance, TUNE: Rotate the lower knob to tune in radio stations. AM/FM: Press the lower knob to change between AM and FM bands. F R (Fade): The control ring behind the lower knob adjusts the fronthear speaker balance. TREBLE: Slide this lever up to increase treble, or down to decrease it. If a station is weak or noisy, reduce the treble.

...

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BASS: Slide this lever up to increase bass, or down to decrease it. YSEEKk Press to seek and stop on the next station higher or lower on the radio band. SCAN: Press both SEEK buttons together to listen for a few seconds to the next station on the AM or FM band; the scan will continue every few seconds to the next station on the AM or FM band. The radio will scan upward if you press S E E U first and downward if you press VSEEK first. When the radio is scanning stations, the word SCAN will appear on the digital screen. Press either of the SEEK buttons or the PWR-VOL knob to cancel SCAN and select a station.

To Preset Radio Stations: The four pushbuttons under the digital display can be used to preset up to 14 radio stations (seven AM and seven FM stations.) 1 . Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET. The word SET will appear on the digital screen for five seconds,

3. While SET is displayed, press one of the four pushbuttons. Whenever you press this button again, the preset station will be tuned in.

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

and four FM stations.

Up to three additional stations on each band may be preset by “pairing” pushbuttons: 1 . Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET, and within five seconds press any two adjacent pushbuttons at the same time. Whenever you press these buttons again, the preset station will be tuned in.

AMIFM Stereo Radio with Cassette Tape 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-VOL (Power-Volume): With the ignition on, rotate the upper knob to turn the system on and off, and to control the volume. PROG-RCL (Program-Recall): Press the upper knob to change between the clock and radio station freauencv displayed when the radio is’ on, io

display the time when the ignition is off, and to change sides of the tape when a cassette is playing.

R b L (Balance): The control ring

behind the upper knob adjusts the rightlleft speaker balance. TUNE: Rotate the lower knob to tune in radio stations. AM/FM: Press the lower knob to change between AM and FM. bands. F R (Fade): The control ring behind the lower knob adjusts the fronthear speaker balance.

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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

The radio will scan upward if you press S E E U first and downward if you press VSEEK first. When the radio is scanning stations, the word SCAN will appear on the digital screen. Press either of the SEEK buttons or the PWR-VOL knob to cancel SCAN and select a station.

AM/FM Stereo Radio with Cassette Tape PIayer (CONT.) TREBLE: Slide this lever up to ikrease treble, or down to decrease it. If a station is weak or noisy, reduce the treble. BASS: Slide this lever up to increase bass, or down to decrease it. VSEEKk Press to seek and stop on the next station higher or lower on the radio band. SCAN: Press both SEEK buttons together to listen for a few seconds to the next station on the AM or FM band; the scan will continue every few seconds to the next station on the AM or FM band.

To Preset Radio Stations: The four pushbuttons under the digital display can be used to preset up to 14 radio stations (seven AM and seven FM stations). 1. Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET. The word SET will

appear on the digital screen for five seconds.

3. While SET is displayed, press one of the four pushbuttons. Whenever you press these buttons again, the preset station will be tuned in.

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

and four FM stations.

Up to three additional stations on each band may be preset by “pairing” pushbuttons: 1. Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET, and within five seconds

press any two adjacent pushbuttons at the same time. Whenever you press these buttons again, the preset station will be tuned in.

AUTO DNR: This unit is equipped with an automatic Dynamic Noise Reduction (DNR) system that reduces background hiss on AM and FM radio broadcasts, as well as on cassette tapes.

Cassette Tape Player With the power on, insert a tape into the cassette door. Do not use tapes that are longer than 45 minutes on each side. When the left arrow is lit, selections listed on the top side of the cassette are playing. When the right indicator arrow is lit, selections listed on the bottom side of the cassette are playing. To zhange sides of the tape, press the upper control knob (PROG) while the cassette is playing. The tape player automatically begins playing the other side when it reaches the end of the tape.

Fast Forward: Press the button with the arrow pointing in the same direction that the tape is playing. To stop fast forward, press the STOP-EJECT button. Reverse: Press the button with the arrow pointing in the opposite direction that the tape is playing. To stop reverse, press the STOP-EJECT button. STOP-EJECT To stop playing a tape, fully press this button (the cassette will be partially ejected, and the radio will begin playing).

AM/FM Stereo Radio with Compact Disc 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-VOL (Power-Volume): With the ignition on, rotate the upper knob to turn the system on and off, and to control the volume. Press it to change between the clock and the radio station frequency displayed when the radio is on.

R L (Balance): The control ring behind the upper knob adjusts the right/left speaker balance. TUNE: Rotate the lower knob to tune in radio stations. AM/FM: Press the lower knob to change between AM and FM bands. F R (Fade): The control ring behind the lower knob adjusts the fronthear speaker balance.

RCL (Recall): Press this to change between the clock and radio frequency on the display. With the ignition off, you can press RCL to see the clock displayed. BASS: Press this button to adjust the bass level up or down; press the center of the button for a preset level. TREB (Treble): Press this button to adjust the treble level up or down; press the center of the button for a preset level. If a station is weak or noisy, reduce the treble.

Radio Controls SEEK: When you press the left side of this button, the radio automatically tunes to the next lower frequency on the band. When you press the right side, it automatically tunes to the next higher frequency on the band. SCAN: Press to listen for a few seconds to the next station up or down on the AM or FM band. Press again within five seconds to stop scanning, or press the PWR-VOL knob.

To Preset Radio Stations: The five pushbuttons can be used to preset up to ten radio stations (five A and five FM stations). 1. Tune in the desired station. 2. Press SET. The SET indicator will

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appear on the digital screen for five seconds.

3. While the SET indicator is displayed,

press one of the five pushbuttons. Whenever you press this button again, the preset station will be tuned in.

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

and FM stations.

Compact Disc Player 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. Turn the PWR-VOL knob to turn on

the power.

2. Insert a disc part-way into the slot, with the label side up. The player will pull it in. Within a few seconds, the disc should play.

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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

AM.FM Stereo Radio with Compact Disc Player (CONT.) If the disc comes back out and/or Err appears on the display:

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. As soon as things get back to normal, the disc should play.

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

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RCL (Recall): Press this button 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. COMP (Compression): Pressing this button makes soft and loud passages more equal in volume. Press again to resume normal play. RDM (Random): Press to play tracks in random, rather than sequential, order. This feature remains active until the RDM button or another CD function button is pressed.

REV (Reverse): Press and hold to rapidly reverse the disc. Release to resume playing. FWD (Fast Forward): Press and hold to rapidly advance the disc. Release to resume playing. SCAN: Press this button to sample ten seconds of each track. Press again to stop scanning. PREV (Previous): Press to play a track again. If you keep pressing the PREV button, the disc will keep backing up to previous tracks. NEXT: Press to advance to the next track. If you keep pressing the NEXT button, the disc will keep advancing to other tracks.

When Finished with the Compact Disc Player: If you turn the radio off, or turn off the ignition, the disc will stay in the player and start again when you turn on the ignition or the PWR-VOL button. 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 had stopped earlier). EJCT(Eject): Press to eject the disc; the radio will play. The disc will start at track 1 when you reinsert it. EJCT works even when the radio or the ignition is off.

CD Player Anti-Theit 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. If battery power is lost for any reason, the secret code must be entered again before your audio system can be turned on. To Set the Anti-Theft System: 1. Write down any six-digit number and

keep it in a safe place. This is your secret code.

2. Turn the ignition on. 3. Rotate the PWR knob to turn the

radio off.

4. Press station preset buttons 1 and 4 at until "---"

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

5. Press SET, and 000 will appear on

the display.

6. Press SCAN until the first digit of

your code appears.

7. Press SEEK until the second and third digits of your code appear. 8. Press the TUNE knob (000 will

appear on the display).

9. Press SCAN until the fourth digit of

your code appears.

10. Press SEEK until the fifth and sixth

digits of your code appear.

11. Press the TUNE knob (rEP will

appear for five seconds, then 000).

12. Repeat steps 6 through 10. Then

press the TUNE knob again. SEC will appear, indicating that Delco LOC II@ is set, and your radio is secure. If "- - -" appears, the steps were not successful and you must repeat the entire procedure.

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Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

6. Press SCAN until the fourth digit of

your code appears.

7. Press SEEK until the fifth and sixth

digits of your code appear. 8. Press the TUNE knob. 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, and the time will appear if you are successful. If SEC appears, the numbers did not match and your unit is still locked.

CD Player Anti-Theft kature (CONT.) 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 station preset buttons 1 and 4. SEC will appear, showing the radio is secure.

2. Press SET and 000 will appear on

the display.

3. Press SCAN until the first digit of

your secret code appears.

4. Press SEEK until the second and third digits of your code appear. 5. Press the TUNE knob (000 will

appear on the display).

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Understanding Radio Reception F M 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 bur 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 known 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.

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I . .

Comfort Controls & Audio Systems

X3074

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.

Care of Your Cassette Tape Player (CONT.) Clean your tape player with a wiping- action, non-abrasive cleaning cassette, and follgw 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.

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

Part 4 Your Driving and the Road

Braking ....................................................... Anti-Lock Brakes ............................................... Steering Tips ................................................... Steering in Emergencies .......................................... Passing .......................................................

Roadsigns ...................................................... 124 Defensive Driving ................................................ 128 Drunken Driving ................................................. 129 Control of a Vehicle ............................................... 131 132 134 138 139 140 DrivingatNight .................................................. 143 Driving in the Rain ............................................... 145 Driving in Fog, Mist and Haze ...................................... 148 CityDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 Freeway Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Driving a Long Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 HillandMountainRoads ........................................... 154 ParkingonHills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155 Winter Driving ................................................... 157 TowingaTrailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 I23

Your Driving and the Road

;_. SrOP

WAY

WRONG

DO NOT ENTER Color of Road Signs Red means Stop. It may also indicate that some movement is not allowed. Examples are Do Not Enter and Wrong Way.

Road Signs The road signs you see everywhere are coded by color and shape. 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.

PASSING

NO

RR ADVANCE CROSSING

NARROW BRIDGE

ZONE Yellow indicates a general warning. Slow down and be carefbl 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.

.... YTDU

INFORMATION

HOSPITAL

... I24

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.

Bhe signs with white letters show motorists' services.

LOW

SHOULDER

AHEAD

WORKERS

AHEAD

FLAGGER

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 tom 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.

:I

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.

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Your Driving and the Road

KEEP RIGHT

LEFT OR THROUGH

muHT TURN

ONLY

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

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8 8 1

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

Traffic 1 ights 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 y ~ u must.stop before turning on red.

NO U TURN

NO

PARKING

NO 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.

BICYCLES

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.

Mur 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.

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Your 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 Chevrolet: 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.

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.

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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 drinking. The length of time it has taken the drinker to consume the alcohol.

According to the American Medical Association, a 180-pound (82 kg) person who drinks three E-ounce (355 ml) 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 1% 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 ml 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.

I29 I . .

Your Driving and the Road

3 HOURS

I 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 (CONI) 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).

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 shows that the driving skills of many

I30

“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 who 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.

CAUTION

Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, and judgment will be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You could have a serious-or even fatal-accident 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.

if

I 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.

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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.

Braking 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 34 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 % of a second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/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.

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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.

I

“Riding” your brakes can cause them to averheat to the 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 down. Avoid “riding” the brakes.

‘‘Riding” the brakes wears them out much faster. You would neec costly brake replacement much sooner than normal, and it also reduces fuel economy.

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.

Your Driving and the Road

Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) Your Chevrolet has an advanced electronic braking system that will help prevent skidding. 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 km/h) or until you take your foot off the brake pedal.

134

After an ABS stop, you may hear a clicking noise the next time the vehicle goes about 4 mph (6 km/h). 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.

ou can steer around the obstacle while raking hard. As you brake, your b~ lmputer keeps receiving updates on thee1 speed and controls braking ressure accordingly. P’

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

To Use Anti-Lock: Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down and let anti-lock work for you. You may hear a clicking noise as you accelerate after a hard stop.

Disc Brake Wear indicators Your Chevrolet has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. 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).

b A U I I U N

The brake wear warning

4 L 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.

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8 8 8

Your Driving and the Road

Disc Brake Wear lndicators (CONT)

Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could

sult in costly

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.

Rear Drum Brakes Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each time the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When you have the front brakes replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too. Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets.

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.

. . I

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Braking In Emergencies Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to. With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking.

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.

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,OOO miles (1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly. If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.

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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 youT speed.

While you’re in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control. Suppose you’re steering through a sharp curve. Then 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 accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it to go, and slow down. Speed limit signs near curves warn lhat 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.

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I

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 Chevrolet can perform very well in emergencies like these. First apply your brakes. 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.

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. 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.

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 problems. If there is not enough room to

I39

Your Driving and the Road

Off-Road Recovev (CONT.) 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. 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 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. 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 cance1,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. 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 further 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.

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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.

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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 Chevrolet’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. Remember: Any anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps avoid only the braking skid. 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 from 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.

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I . .

Your Driving and the Road

Night Wsion No one can see as well at night as in the daytime. But as we get older these differences increase. A SO-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. Eyes I44

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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 take 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