Buick 2006 LaCrosse - Manual (Page 261)

StabiliTrak ® System
Your vehicle may be equipped with a vehicle stability
enhancement system called StabiliTrak
® . It is an
advanced computer controlled system that assists
you with directional control of the vehicle in difficult
driving conditions.
StabiliTrak ® activates when the computer senses a
discrepancy between your intended path and the
direction the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak
®
selectively applies braking pressure at any one of
the vehicle’s brakes to help steer the vehicle in the
direction which you are steering.
When the system activates, a STABILITY CONTROL
ACTIVE message will be displayed on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See DIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-57. You may also hear a noise
or feel vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal.
Continue to steer the vehicle in the direction you want
it to go.
If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak ® , a
SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM message will be
displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-57.
When this message is displayed, the system is not
operational. Driving should be adjusted accordingly.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the StabiliTrak ®
activates, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, you may reengage the cruise control.
See Cruise Control on page 3-10 for more information.
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.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is 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 is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction.
If you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice,
you will understand this.
4-11