UNIT 3 THE VEHICLE AND ITS COMPONENTS USE OF BASIC VEHICLE COMPONENTS

Components for motion Some vehicle components control speed and direction :  Brakes  Steering wheel  Gas pedal  Transmission Speed is also affected by:  Gradient  Road surface  Vehicle performance Slide 3.1

Components for vision Windows: keep windows clear for good vision  Do not carry items where they can obstruct a window  Do not tint or coat windows  Keep windows clean Mirrors  Mirrors should be kept clean and repaired if cracked  Adjust mirrors to find and reduce the ‘blind spot‘ Headlights  Use headlights at night and in bad weather  Switch off high beams when you are 150 m from an approaching vehicle, or 60 m behind another vehicle. Slide 3.2

Information and warning systems Your vehicle may have several different warning lights, and some may also make a sound. Some common ones:  Low fuel  High engine temperature  Parking brake not released  Seatbelts not fastened Some warning signals require immediate action, others do not. Know what you will do to respond to each of the warning systems in your vehicle. Slide 3.3

Safety features What risks and hazards do safety features protect us, our passengers, and other road users from? All vehicles must be fitted with:  Headrests  Seatbelts Most vehicles are fitted with:  Airbags  Anti-theft devices  Anti-lock braking Slide 3.4

Controls for communication How do we communicate with other road users?  Turn signals  Brake lights  Headlights  Eye contact  Hand signals (inside and outside the vehicle) Slide 3.5

Comfort features Why is comfort important for safe driving?  Seat adjustment  Headrests  Temperature Slide 3.6