Chapter 3 Basic Vehicle Control Driver’s Education Chapter 3 Basic Vehicle Control

Instrument Panel Speedometer – This tells you that speed that you are traveling in both miles per hour and kilometers per hour Tachometer – This indicates the engine revolutions per minute. Engine damage can occur if needle enters the red Odometer – indicates the total number of miles that a vehicle has been driven. Trip Odometer – will indicate the number of miles for a certain period of time and can be set back to zero

Instrument Panel Fuel Gauge – Shows the amount of fuel in the tank, if tank gets below ¼ full you run the risk of running out Temperature Gauge/Light – warns you when the coolant in the engine is too hot Oil Pressure Gauge/Light – warns you when the oil is not circulating at the proper pressure Alternator Warning Light/Gauge – warns that the battery is not being charged and is using stored electricity

Instrument Panel Brake System Warning Light – reminds you to release the parking brake and warns is the braking system is not working properly Antilock Braking System Light – tells you the ABS is working properly Safety Belt Light – This reminds you to fasten your safety belt before moving Air Bag Warning Light – tells you if the airbags are working properly

Instrument Panel Turn-Signal Indicators – These tell you the direction that you have signaled to turn High-Beam Indicator – this is a light that glows when the high-beam headlights are on

Vehicle Controls Steering Wheel – this controls the direction of the front wheels. The steering wheel adjustment lever can mover the steering wheel for better driving comfort Selector Lever – in a automatic transmission vehicle, this is moved to choose forward or reverse gears This is located on the steering column or on the center console

Vehicle Controls Ignition and Starter Switch – the engine is started by putting the key in the ignition and turning the key to the start position Cruise Control – is a device that lets you maintain your desired speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator

Vehicle Controls Parking Brake – This keeps the vehicle in place when it is parked. It is located either on the far left of the pedals or on the center console Clutch Pedal – in a stickshift, pushing this down allows to shift gears. Located to the left of the brake pedal Foot-Brake-Pedal – pushing this slows or stops the vehicle Accelerator Pedal – this is located to the right of the brake pedal. Pushing this will increase the speed of the vehicle.

Devices for Safety Safety Belts – always wear belt when the vehicle is in motion Head Restraints – padded device on the back of from seats to prevent whiplash injuries Horn – normally located on the steering wheel.

Devices for Safety Mirrors Inside mirror – shows directly behind the vehicle Outside mirrors – show to the right and left behind the vehicle Even with properly adjusted mirrors there will still be blind spots

Getting Ready to Drive Outside Checks – walk around vehicle and look for Oil marks Tires are inflated Wheels are pointed straight Windshield, headlights, and taillights are clear

Getting Ready to Drive Inside Checks Adjust seat for best comfort and foot control 10 inches away from steering wheel Hand and legs slightly bend when on steering wheels and pedals Adjust head restraints and mirrors Fasten safety belt

Automatic Transmission Shift Indicator – shows gear position on steering column or on the instrument panel Park (P) – This position locks the transmission. You should shift into park every time you stop the vehicle Reverse (R) – This position is for doing backwards. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into reverse. Reverse lights should come on when in reverse. Neutral (N) – This Position allows the wheels to roll without engine power. If you stall when driving, use neutral to restart car.

Automatic Transmission Drive (D) – This position is for moving forward. Keep foot on brake when shifting into drive. Low (L1, L2) – These positions allow the engine to send more power to the wheels at lower speeds

Steering the Vehicle Have a comfortable and balances driving position Hands at 9 and 3 Pick aiming point and drive to it Make constant corrections Look for hazards ahead

Putting the Vehicle in Motion Press firmly on the brake Shift the vehicle into drive Turn on left turn signal Check for traffic in the rearview mirrors Look over left shoulder for traffic When the roadway is clear, release the brake and gently press on the accelerator moving away from the side of the road Cancel your signal Reach your desired speed and let up on the accelerator

Stopping the Vehicle Check traffic in mirrors Let off the accelerator Gently press on the brake pedal Gradually press on brake until vehicle is stopped. Ease up just before stopping Keep foot on brake if vehicle is still in drive

Driving a Manual Transmission Always make sure you set the parking brake with a manual transmission vehicle. You must learn how to to coordinate using the clutch with the accelerator and gear shift lever Friction Point – this is where you feel the engine take hold and start to move the vehicle Most manual transmission vehicles have 4 or 5 gears. The lower gears are for slower driving. The higher gears are for expressway driving and are fuel saver gears. Downshifting – is shifting from a higher gear to a lower gear.

Driving a Manual Transmission Neutral (N) – used when standing still and starting First gear – used for starting the vehicle in motion Second – Fourth – shift through as speed increases Fifth/Sixth gear – are overdrive expressway gears Reverse – used for backing. Never shift to reverse when vehicle is moving

Using a Clutch Always press pedal to the floor before starting the engine, before shifting, and before coming to a stop. Riding the Clutch - this means resting for foot on the clutch while driving. This cause clutch wear and can lead to expensive repairs.