User manual BUICK REGAL 1996

[. . . ] R E G A L L The 1996 Buick Regal Owner's Manual 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . This section tells you how to use your seats and safety belts properly. Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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. [. . . ] As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on wheel speed and controls brakingpressure accordingly. Remember: Anti-lock doesn't change the time you need to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease stopping distance. 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 room up ahead to stop, eventhough you have anti-lock brakes. Braking in Emergencies Use your anti-lock braking system when you need to. In many emergencies, steering can help you more than even the very best braking. 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 noticesome noise, but this is normal. When your anti-lock system is adjusting brake pressure to help avoid a braking skid, this light will come on. See "Anti-Lock Brake System Active Light" in the Index. LOW TRAC Variable Assist Steering (Option) This steering system provides lighter steering effort for parking and when driving at low speeds. Steering effort will increase at higher speeds for improved road feel. 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 orbeginner, each of us is subject to the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The traction of the tires against theroad surface makes it possible for the vehicle to change path when you turn its the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertiawill keep the vehicle goingin the same direction. If you've ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this. The traction you can get in a curve depends on the condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is banked, and your speed. Both control systems-- steering and acceleration -- have to do their work where the tires meet the road. Addingthe sudden acceleration can demand too much of those places. You can lose control. Ease 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, theposted speeds are based on good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable conditions you'llwant 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. 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. That's the time for evasive action -- steering around the problem. (See "Braking in Emergencies" earlier in this section. ) It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the left or right depending onthe space available. 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. An emergency like thisrequires close attention and a quick decision. [. . . ] If this mediation is unsuccessful, an informal hearing will be scheduled where eligible customers may present their case to an impartial third-party arbitrator. The entire dispute resolution procedure should ordinarily take about 40 days from the time you file a claim until a decision is made. Some state laws may require you to use this program before filing a claim with a state-run arbitration program or in the courts. For further information, contactthe BBB at 1-800-955-5 100 or the Buick Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-7300. REPORTING SAFETY DEFECTS TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or 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 a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. [. . . ]