Preparing to Drive

1. Preparing to Drive Chapter 4

2. 4.1 Vehicle Instrumentation • Gauge • A scale with an indicator needle or numeric marker that keeps track of changing conditions such as fuel level or speed • Warning lights • Usually red or yellow and they attract your attention to indicate a more serious problem with your vehicle

4. Gauges • Speedometer • Indicates how fast you are going • Tachometer • Measures your engine in revolutions per minute (rpm) • Odometer • Meter that displays the total number of miles a vehicle has driven since being manufactured • Fuel Gauge • E, ¼ , ½ , ¾ , F • Rule of thumb-Don’t let it get below ¼ full • In cold weather, keep at least ½ a tank

5. Temperature Gauge Fuel Gauge Tachometer Speedometer

6. Warning Lights • Alternator warning light • Red light on the panel, looks like a battery • Alternator is a generator that produces electricity to power the car’s electrical system • Braking System warning light • Reminds you that the parking brake is on • Indicates that part of the braking system is not working properly

7. Warning Lights • Temperature Warning Light • Will come on if the engine temp is too high or if the coolant in the radiator is too hot. • Loss of coolant, clogged radiator, broken belt, thermostat, oil change • Oil Pressure Light • Will come on if the engine oil is not circulating at the right pressure. • If gauge reads “low”, Stop Immediately • Slow leak, puncture in oil pan, natural burning

8. 4.2 Operating Devices • What are you going to need when driving?

9. Lights • Headlights • High Beams must be capable of illuminating objects up to 350 feet • Low Beams must be capable of illuminating objects up to 100 feet • Must be on from sunset to sunrise/May be ticketed • Taillights • Red lights that can be seen from a distance of 500 feet • Back-up Lights • White or amber lights on the back of the vehicle that are activated when the car is put into reverse • Daytime Running Lights? • Parking Lights • White or amber colored lights on the front of the vehicle

11. Signals • Turn Signals • Located on all four corners of the vehicle • Must be visible from 100 feet • Lever is always located on the left side of the steering column • Hazard Lights • Emergency flashers • Used to let other drivers know you need help, either an emergency or the car is not functioning properly • Can be used for slow moving vehicles also

12. Other Operating Devices • Windshield Wipers • Must have them on to remove rain, snow, and other moisture from the windshield to see clearly • Horn • Must be heard from a distance of 200 feet • Required by law and used to warn others of your presence or impending collision

13. Mirrors • Interior Rearview Mirrors • Rectangular mirror suspended from the roof or attached to the windshield • Allows you to see directly behind you • Can be adjusted for day and night driving • Exterior Sideview Mirrors • Allows you to see down the sides of your vehicle and neighboring lanes of traffic *Adjust mirrors every time you get into the car*

14. Blind Spots • Areas not reflected in your mirrors • Sizes of the blind spot depend on the size of the vehicle • Drivers who are short and drive big cars have a bigger blind spot • Drivers who are tall in a smaller car will have a smaller blind spot • Never trust your mirrors! Always turn your head and look before you change your position

16. Other Operating Devices • Seat adjustment • Door locks • Windows • Sun visors • Heating and cooling and defrost

17. Pre-Start Procedure • Check around the car • Get in Lock the door • Put key in Ignition • Adjust your seat • Adjust your mirrors • Put on seat belt • Start the Car

18. Pre-Start Procedure • Outside Checks • Walk around vehicle • Check tires • Wheels Pointed? • Windshield, Headlights, Taillights • Loose objects in windows • Unwanted passengers • Getting into Vehicle • Keys in hand • Walk front to back • Get in quickly • Close and lock door • Key in ignition

19. Inside Checks • Lock Doors • Less likely to fly open in a collision • Adjust Seat • Be comfortable • Back firmly against seat • Sit high enough to see over steering wheel • Hand Position • Hands at 9 & 3 • In a comfortable position with elbows slightly bent • Foot Position • Reach for accelerator and brake to find a comfortable position • Knees slightly bent • Adjust Head Restraint • Should rest at the middle of the back of your head • Adjust Rear View Mirror • It should show the area behind you through the rear window • Adjust Side View Mirrors • They should show a slight amount of the sides of the vehicle • Fasten Safety Belts • You and your passengers

20. 4.3 Vehicle Controls • Five basic Controls • Steering wheel • Ignition • Accelerator • Brakes • Gear shift • Also: • Clutch • Cruise control

21. Vehicle Controls • Steering Wheel • Controls the wheels of the vehicle • Power steering assists the driver so that turning requires minimal effort • Ignition • Where you insert the key located on the right side of the steering column. • Four positions • Off, on, start, acc. • Accelerator • Gas pedal-press down to give it gas, let off to slow it down • Different vehicles accelerate at different rates • Brakes • Too much pressure makes the car stop abruptly, ease on to the brake unless needed

22. Vehicle Controls • GearShift • On the steering column or center console • Clutch • Manual transmission vehicles only • Cruise control • Allows you to regulate your vehicles speed for highway or freeway driving without using the accelerator