1. Vehicle Systems & Handling Heavy Vehicles Topic 1 - Vehicle Warning Systems Topic 2 - Vehicle Malfunctions Topic 3 – Handling Special Vehicles & Pulling a Trailer Module Ten Virginia Department of Education ©Virginia Department of Education

2. Topic 1 - Vehicle Warning Systems Topic 1 - Vehicle Warning Systems ©Virginia Department of Education

3. Dashboard Warning Symbols Dashboard Warning Symbols Temperature light or gauge - warns you when the coolant in the engine is too hot or too low. - if temperature warning light comes on or the gauge reads too hot, don’t drive the vehicle - seek professional help. Caution: never attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot - the pressure and hot steam may cause severe upper torso and facial burns. Oil Pressure light or gauge HOT OIL symbol light gauge light symbol - warns you when the oil is not circulating at proper pressure or there is not enough oil. - when the oil warning light comes on it is recommended that you stop at the nearest service center and have the oil level checked. ©Virginia Department of Education

4. Dashboard Warning Symbols Dashboard Warning Symbols Alternator/Generator light or gauges ALT lightgauge symbol - The alternator is not generating enough electricity to charge the battery. -The engine must now use electricity stored in the battery. -Turn off as many electrical devices as possible. (i.e., the radio, heater/AC, etc.) When the “ALT” light comes on or the gauge shows “discharge” while the engine is running the vehicle’s electrical system is not functioning properly. Brake System light Caution: when the battery is drained the engine may stall without warning. This warning light serves two purposes: (1) indicates the parking brake is set; and (2) alerts you that part or all of the braking system is not working properly; or, in some vehicles, the brake fluid is low. ©Virginia Department of Education

5. Dashboard Warning Symbols Dashboard Warning Symbols ABS light Air Bag light The ABS light comes on when you start the vehicle indicating the ABS system is functioning normally. If the light stays on, or comes on while you are driving, there is a problem which should be checked by a qualified mechanic. When you start the engine, this light should illuminate momentarily indicating the system is activated. If the air bag readiness light stays on or comes on while you are driving, it is a warning that there is a problem. If the air bag system in your vehicle is not working properly it can be dangerous as the air bags: -may NOT inflate in a crash or -may spontaneously inflate while you are driving. ©Virginia Department of Education

6. Dashboard Warning Symbols Dashboard Warning Symbols Service Engine light Door Ajar light Low fuel light symbol gauge LOW FUEL light The fuel gauge measures how much fuel is in the vehicle's fuel tank. When the fuel level is low, the fuel warning light will come on and stay on until you add more fuel to the tank. SERVICE ENGINE SOON DOOR OPEN This warning light will illuminate when starting the engine and then goes out. If this light remains on, one or more of the vehicle doors is not completely latched. If it comes on while driving, someone has opened a door or the door latch was not properly fastened. In either case, pull off the road as soon as possible to secure the door. The SERVICE ENGINE or CHECK ENGINE light should flash for a few seconds when you start the engine and then go out. If the light stays on, there may be a problem - make an appointment to get it checked. ©Virginia Department of Education

7. Topic 2 - Vehicle Malfunction Topic 2 - Vehicle Malfunction Tire BlowoutAccelerator FailureEngine FailureSteering FailureCar Catches on Fire ©Virginia Department of Education

8. Vehicle Failure – Tire Blowout Vehicle Failure – Tire Blowout Tire Blowout A Tire Blowout occurs when you - hit a curb or sharp object. - have a defective tire. - have an under-inflated tire that builds up heat and explodes or loses its seal to the rim while the tires are rotating. If a front tire blows out, the vehicle will pull sharply in the direction of the blowout. If a rear tire blows out, the vehicle will wobble and pull slightly in the direction of the flat tire. ©Virginia Department of Education

9. Grip the wheel firmly. Foot off accelerator. DO NOT BRAKE. Allow vehicle to slow. Check traffic. Turn on flashers. Drive to a protected area. Change tire. Tire Blowout ©Virginia Department of Education

10. Vehicle Malfunction — Accelerator Failure Vehicle Malfunction — Accelerator Failure The accelerator will not return to idle when you release it and the engine is racing. Shift to Neutral (engine may race but no harm done). Search for an escape path. Steer smoothly and brake gently. Pull off the roadway and park. Caution —DO NOT Turn off the vehicle. Caution — DO NOT turn the ignition off while the vehicle is moving--this may lock the steering wheel. Have the pedal repaired before driving again. Follow these steps: Accelerator failure is caused by either a broken spring or the pedal getting stuck in the down position. In either case, you no longer have control over the vehicle’s speed. Follow these steps: Accelerator Pedal STUCK in down position ©Virginia Department of Education

11. When the engine stalls, the steering mechanism will still work but will require more effort and: Shift to neutral Look for escape path DO NOT BRAKE HARD Pull off roadway Restart engine If unsuccessful, raise hood and turn on emergency flashers. Engine Failure ©Virginia Department of Education

12. Turn off AC. Turn on heater. Pull off roadway if all else fails. Turn engine off. DO NOT OPEN RADIATOR. Seek help. Engine Overheats ©Virginia Department of Education

13. The vehicle can still be steered, It will require much more effort on the driver’s part. Power Steering Failure ©Virginia Department of Education

14. Vehicle Malfunction — Brake Failure Vehicle Malfunction — Brake Failure Total Brake Failure — Pump the brake pedal to try to build up brake pressure – after 3 or 4 pumps you will know if the brakes are going to hold. Power Brake Failure — is the loss of power when the booster unit assisting the brakes no longer functions. Apply the brakes--they may function normally for one more application of the pedal and modulate pressure without releasing the brake. You will need to press harder on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.. If this does not work downshift to a lower gear to use the braking power of the engine to slow the vehicle and look for an escape route. activate the hazard lights to warn others. Holding release button, apply the parking brake gradually and select a safe path of travel. ©Virginia Department of Education

15. Rapidly pump the brakes. Shift to lower gear. Apply parking brake. Find “soft” crash area. Brake Failure ©Virginia Department of Education

16. Vehicle Failure — Fire Vehicle Failure — Fire Car Catches Fire Quickly steer the vehicle out of traffic and away from buildings and people. Get everyone out of the vehicle and have them move at least 100 feet away. If the engine is on fire, call the fire department and leave the hood closed. If the passenger compartment is on fire, smother it, use a fire extinguisher, or call the fire department. NEVER use water on an engine fire — water will NOT put out an oil or fuel fire - in fact, it may even aid in spreading the fire. Use an A-B-C-type fire extinguisher. ©Virginia Department of Education

17. Topic 4 – Handling Special Vehicles ©Virginia Department of Education

18. 1.What is the maximum recommended speed for most car-trailer combinations? 2.How much braking time or following distance do you need when towing a trailer? 3.What is a good rule of thumb when going up and down a hill while towing a trailer? Pulling a Trailer ©Virginia Department of Education

19. Handling Large Vehicles  Weigh more than a passenger vehicle  Affect the ability to accelerate, turn and slow down :  Allow enough space to get up to speed.  Slow down in advance of turns.  Allow more space between vehicles. ©Virginia Department of Education

20.  Do not exceed load limits.  Practice driving where there is no traffic.  Allow a larger gap in traffic before pulling out.  Check both side mirrors to be sure the trailer does not intrude into adjoining lane. Handling Special Vehicles ©Virginia Department of Education

21. Practice Turns Before Going on the Road Drivers pulling trailers must “overshoot turns” making them wide enough so you don’t hit the curb or a pedestrian. ©Virginia Department of Education

22.  Right turns  Move farther from the curb or edge of pavement.  Delay turning until well beyond curb line.  Left turns  Proceed farther into the intersection.  Check left outside mirror to see that vehicle clears any vehicles at the intersection. Handling Special Vehicles ©Virginia Department of Education

23. Passing Need more time and space to pass. If whipping occurs Do not steer or apply brakes. Let off gas and firmly hold wheel. Trailer will stabilize as vehicle slows down. Handling Special Vehicles ©Virginia Department of Education

24. Roads that curve right ◦ Allow more distance from edge of pavement. ◦ Keep toward the center line. Roads that curve left ◦ Stay to the right so you do not cross the center line. Handling Special Vehicles ©Virginia Department of Education

25. Increase following distance one second for each additional 10 feet beyond 15 feet of overall vehicle and trailer length. Handling Special Vehicles VehicleNormal Following Distance Additional Following Distance Total Following Distance Automobile with no trailer 3 to 4 secondsNone needed3 to 4 seconds Automobile with 20-foot trailer 3 to 4 seconds2 seconds5 to 6 seconds 35-foot motor home 3 to 4 seconds2 seconds5 to 6 seconds ©Virginia Department of Education

26. Back slowly and look directly over your shoulder through the rear window. Keep your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. To move the trailer left, move your hand to the left. To back to the right, move your hand to the right. Backing a Trailer by Turning Steering Wheel in Direction Driver Wants to Turn ©Virginia Department of Education

27. To back to the left, turn the steering wheel to the right. Straighten the wheel. Turn the wheel in the opposite direction. Straighten the wheel. Turn the steering wheel to the right. Straighten the wheel and back the towing vehicle and trailer. Backing a Trailer by Turning Steering Wheel in the Opposite Direction ©Virginia Department of Education

28. Turning the steering wheel too far. Holding the steering wheel in a turned position too long. If trailer starts to jackknife, stop and pull ahead to straighten, then begin again. Errors to Avoid When Backing Errors to Avoid When Backing ©Virginia Department of Education

29. Practice Backing! Backing with a trailer is very difficult! The driver needs to turn the car in the opposite direction you want the trailer to go. For example: Turn the steering wheel to the right if you want the trailer to go to the left. ©Virginia Department of Education

30. Safe Trailering  Basic equipment needed to tow a trailer safely?  How to attach a vehicle to a trailer?  How to load a trailer properly? ©Virginia Department of Education

31. 1.How do you determine the ratings and sizes of the hitch components? 2.Why is it important to make sure the coupler is tight over the hitch ball when connecting a trailer? 3.Where do the safety chains connect to? 4.When loading a trailer where should you place the heaviest objects? Safe Trailering ©Virginia Department of Education

32. Additional equipment ◦ Heavy-duty suspension ◦ Increased-capacity cooling system ◦ High-ratio axle ◦ Oversize mirrors Emergency equipment Trailer hitch Hitch ball Essential Equipment for Towing ©Virginia Department of Education

33. Basic Equipment for Towing ©Virginia Department of Education

34. Connecting a Trailer Connecting a Trailer Ball and coupler combinations – sized correctly for tight fit. Safety chains – crossed beneath the coupler and connected to the hitch. Breakaway chains – hooked to hitch or frame member. Electrical connections – set up so lights function properly. ©Virginia Department of Education

35. Pre Trip Check Attach tongue of trailer to hitch. Snap locking mechanism. Put lock pin in place. Connect electrical wires. Check Brakes and Lights. ©Virginia Department of Education

36. The rear of the vehicle should support 10 – 15% of the trailer load. Arrange 60% of weight in front half of trailer and 40% in rear. Make sure trailer is level. Loading a Trailer Properly ©Virginia Department of Education

37. Pulling Heavy Loads Pulling Heavy Loads The larger the load the longer it will take to stop. Increase following distance and test your stopping power. Use caution. Slow down. ©Virginia Department of Education

38. Jackknifing a Trailer Jackknifing a Trailer Common when backing – will damage the hitch and the trailer. Occurs when angle between vehicle and trailer is less than 90 degrees. Back slowly and keep steering wheel movements to a minimum. If you get in trouble, pull forward. ©Virginia Department of Education

39. Please