lesson 17.2 PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE Every vehicle needs routine care and preventive maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. The two most important systems are the power systems and the control system. The copyright holder has not granted permission to display this photograph in a downloadable format. You may view the photograph in the Drive Right Presentation for this lesson on your Keys to Teaching Success disc.

Identify three parts of a battery’s electrical system. OBJECTIVE

Maintaining Power Systems No matter what type of engine or drive system you have, when the CHECK ENGINE or SERVICE ENGINE SOON warning light comes on, check your owner’s manual immediately and call a certified automotive technician. The copyright holder has not granted permission to display this photograph in a downloadable format. You may view the photograph in the Drive Right Presentation for this lesson on your Keys to Teaching Success disc.

All modern vehicles have an electronic control module (ECM), a computer located in the engine compartment that controls your engine’s efficiency. The ECM constantly tests how the sensors and components are operating because they must be synchronized to function properly.

Fuel and Emission Systems Fuel injection systems deliver the exact amount of fuel so that your car runs at a higher performance with lower fuel consumption.

Catalytic converters are used in the exhaust system to reduce the levels of nitrogen oxides, which the sun heats into smog. The emission control system must not be tampered with or disconnected. This is especially true on vehicles with computerized engine controls.

The muffler reduces the noise from combustion sounds in the engine. Once rust causes a hole in the muffler it will sound loud.

Explain how cooling and lubricating systems protect your vehicle. OBJECTIVE

Lubrication and Cooling Systems Oil, grease, or other substances are used to lubricate moving parts to reduce damage from heat caused by friction. Changing the oil is the key to keeping your vehicle in good running condition.

If the oil pressure warning light comes on while driving, pull safely off the road, turn off the engine, and wait for the engine to cool. Replace the oil immediately.

Low coolant levels can cause your engine to overheat. Check and replace low coolant levels when the vehicle is cold. If you spill coolant on the ground, clean it up thoroughly because coolant is very toxic to animals.

Colors indicate the type of fluid leaking.

Name four parts to a vehicle’s control system. OBJECTIVE

Maintaining the Control Systems Your vehicle’s control systems includes steering brakes tires suspension

Steering System If you notice that turning the steering wheel is more difficult, especially when parking, and there is excessive “play” when the steering wheel moves, you may have a problem with your steering system.

Brake System There are two types of brakes: disk brakes on the front wheels, and either disk or drum brakes on the rear wheels. Power brakes and anti-lock brakes have become standard on most vehicles. If the brake or anti-lock brake warning light stays on after starting the engine or when driving, have your vehicle serviced immediately.

The parking brake is mechanical and a separate rear-wheel brake system. Use the parking brake regularly to prevent the brake cable from getting corroded and locked.

What Would You Say? Parking Brake You notice that your friend never uses the parking brake. When you ask her why, she says, “It’s not needed.” What would you say to her?

Regularly maintain your brakes by checking the brake fluid level and having your brakes checked on an annual basis or whenever you notice a problem. Good brake maintenance could save your life.

Identify the three tire ratings that are part of the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System. OBJECTIVE

Tires Federal laws require tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires.

Treadwear The higher the grade (60-500), the longer the tread should last. Traction Ratings are based on the tire’s ability to stop on wet concrete or asphalt. The higher the grade (AA down to C), the better the traction. Temperature Ratings A-C (A is highest) are an indication of a tire’s resistance to heat.

Tires become unsafe when the tread is down to 1/16 of an inch and the wear bars are seen. Notice the wear bar. Narrow bands appear across the tread.

To prolong the life of your tires, have them rotated, aligned, and balanced as recommended in your owner’s manual.

safe driving tip Lincoln Penny To quickly check the condition of your tire tread, put a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down, facing you. You need new tires if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head.

Suspension System The suspension system provides steering stability and maximizes the friction between the tires and road surface. The shock absorbers or strut assembly unit is located at each wheel to control hard bouncing and keep the tires on the road. When a vehicle bounces more than usual, or you see uneven tire wear, have the suspension checked.

Electrical Systems Every car today contains a rechargeable 12-volt battery. The car battery powers everything electrical. Use gloves and eye protection when working on a battery; the strong acid fluid can cause severe injury.

Before jumpstarting your vehicle or using it to jump-start another vehicle, check your owner’s manual. Some new vehicles have specific instructions or prohibit jump- starting.

Check your headlights, taillights, backup lights, and turn signals often. Check the instrument panel to be sure the turn signal light is flashing when you activate the signal. Check your owner’s manual for the correct replacement bulb.

Static Electricity You need to discharge the electricity before touching the nozzle because that static charge can transfer to the nozzle and possibly cause a flash fire. The copyright holder has not granted permission to display this photograph in a downloadable format. You may view the photograph in the Drive Right Presentation for this lesson on your Keys to Teaching Success disc.

do not leave your vehicle’s fueling point To refuel safely: do not leave your vehicle’s fueling point do not go back into your vehicle when refueling discharge the static electricity by touching a metal part of the outside of your car away from the filling point before touching and removing the gas nozzle The copyright holder has not granted permission to display this photograph in a downloadable format. You may view the photograph in the Drive Right Presentation for this lesson on your Keys to Teaching Success disc.

lesson 17.2 review What two systems protect your vehicle from heat and wear? How does a suspension system that needs servicing affect your ability to be a safe driver?