Chapter 4

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 4.1 Vehicle Instrumentation

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 Gauges

Fuel Gauge Temperature Gauge TachometerSpeedometer

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 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 Warning Lights

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

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 Lights

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 Signals

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 Other Operating Devices

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* Mirrors

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 Blind Spots

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

1.Check around the car 2.Get in Lock the door 3.Put key in Ignition 4.Adjust your seat 5.Adjust your mirrors 6.Put on seat belt 7.Start the Car Pre-Start Procedure

Getting into Vehicle 1.Keys in hand 2.Walk front to back 3.Get in quickly 4.Close and lock door 5.Key in ignition Outside Checks 1.Walk around vehicle 2.Check tires 3.Wheels Pointed? 4.Windshield, Headlights, Taillights 5.Loose objects in windows 6.Unwanted passengers Pre-Start Procedure

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 Inside Checks

Five basic Controls 1.Steering wheel 2.Ignition 3.Accelerator 4.Brakes 5.Gear shift Also: Clutch Cruise control 4.3 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 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 Vehicle Controls