Session 10 - Virginia Driver Responsibilities: Vehicle Functions

Warning sounds

accompany some warning lights to alert the driver to take immediate action.

Temperature Light

warns you when the temperature of the coolant in the engine is too hot or too cold. If your gauge is reading high (or too hot), it means that your car is overheating.

Oil Pressure Warning Light

This red light warns you when the oil is not circulating at the proper pressure, or there is not enough oil.

Alternator/Generator Warning Light

Your vehicle's electrical system is in trouble if this light comes on or the gauge shows "discharge" while the engine is running.

Brake System Warning Light

This warning light serves two purposes:

1. To show that the parking brake is still set before moving the vehicle.

2. To alert you that part or all of the braking system is not working properly or, in some vehicles, the brake fluid is too low.

Release the parking brake.

If the Brake System Warning Light light stays on, the brake system is not working properly. Have your brakes checked.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Light

This light advises that the ABS is functioning properly (or not).

Air Bag Warning Light

This alert/warning light advises if the air bags are in proper working condition.

Service Engine Soon Light

A computer monitors operation of a vehicle's fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.

Door Ajar Light

This light comes on if a door(s) is not closed completely. The warning light will stay on until this is corrected.

Low Fuel Warning Light

The fuel gauge advises how much fuel is in the tank when the ignition is on: E is for Empty, you will need to get some fuel; F is for Full. The symbol of a gas pump with an arrow (on it or next to it) indicates what side of the car the fuel door is located.

If you have a "blowout", you should:

• Hold the steering wheel tightly and keep the vehicle going straight.

• Take your foot off the gas pedal and allow the vehicle to slow gradually.

• Brake gently ONLY when your speed is slow enough to keep control of the vehicle.

• Activate your emergency flashers. Use the turn signals and pull well off the road.

In a front tire blowout

the vehicle will swerve to the side of the blowout.

In a rear tire blowout

the vehicle will sway from side to side (fishtail).

Loss of a Wheel

This is very similar to a blowout. The warning signals are often the same. To regain control, use the same methods you would use for a blowout.

How to Change a Tire

1. Set the parking brake TIGHTLY.

2. Block the wheel (i.e. put a block or wedge under the wheel) that is diagonally opposite the flat tire.

3. Take out the jack, the lug wrench, and the spare tire.

4. If you have a wheel cover, you may have to pry it off with the chisel end of the lug wrench. Sometimes, wheel covers may also be held on by nuts that are secured over the lug nuts, and will need to be loosened with the lug wrench.

5. Loosen each lug nut (but do NOT remove yet). Sometimes (if the lug nuts are very tight), you may have to press your foot on the lug wrench handle to apply some extra force using your leg to loosen the lug nuts.

6. Place the jack on firm ground, making sure it is perfectly straight up and down.

7. Bear in mind - ALL cars have a certain location or area on the vehicle frame, under the car near the tires, where you are REQUIRED to place the jack when lifting. See your owner's manual (or the instruction sheet sometimes found on the underside of the trunk lid) for directions on using the jack and proper jack placement.

8. Pump the jack until the tire lifts off of the ground by 2 to 3 inches.

9. Remove the lug nuts and place them in the wheel cover for safe keeping - if you have one.

10. Lift off the flat tire and replace it with the spare tire (by lining up the lug holes with the lug bolts).

11. Screw on the lug nuts until they are snug.

12. Lower the vehicle until the tire touches the ground and then finish tightening the nuts firmly.

13. Finish jacking down (or lowering) the vehicle.

14. Replace the wheel cover (hubcap).

15. Secure the flat tire, the lug wrench, and the jack in the trunk (or other designated area).

16. Drive Safely! Don't forget to use your blinker when pulling away from the side of the road!

Accelerator failure

can occur when a spring breaks or when the pedal sticks.

If Accelerator failure occurs, you should

• Keep your eyes on the road.

• Firmly tap the accelerator with your foot. This may release the pedal.

• If not, place your foot under the pedal and see if you can free it with the toe of your shoe.

• If not, shift the vehicle into neutral. This will cause the engine to race. It will also allow you to use the power steering and power brakes. DO NOT place the vehicle in park or turn it off while driving on the roadway - because you will lose the power steering, or the steering wheel column may lock, and you may lose the ability to steer the vehicle.

• Search for a clear path to the side of the roadway.

• Gently apply the brakes. Steer smoothly, with no abrupt steering adjustments.

• Pull off the roadway to the right if possible and stop.

• Turn off the engine.

• Do not drive the vehicle until it is repaired.

There are several reasons why an engine may quit running:

• You could have simply run out of fuel,

• you might have water in the fuel,

• the engine has been poorly maintained,

• the engine has flooded, or

• the engine has overheated.

If the engine quits running while you are driving, you should:

• Grip the steering wheel firmly. It may require more effort to turn it (because you will lose your power steering).

• Shift the vehicle to neutral.

• Decrease speed and attempt to re-start the vehicle.

• If unable to, search for a clear path to the side of the roadway.

• DO NOT brake hard. Apply firm pressure to the brake but do not "slam" on the brakes. It may require more pressure than usual to apply the brakes.

• Pull off the roadway to the right if possible and stop.

• Attempt to re-start the vehicle again.

• If unable to, activate your emergency flashers and raise the hood.

• Call and wait for help.

If your engine is flooded.

• There may be a strong odor of gasoline.

• Do not pump the accelerator pedal. Instead, hold the accelerator to the floor.

• Run the starter (turn the key) for short intervals for 10-15 seconds.

• If it doesn't start, wait several minutes, and try again.

• When the engine starts, release the accelerator pedal.

A short circuit in the electrical system is the general cause of a fire.

If you have a fire, pull off the road quickly, shut off the ignition to cut electrical power and get all passengers away from the vehicle.

If the vehicle is overheating, you should:

• Turn the air conditioner off if it is on.

• Turn the heat ON. This draws the heat off the engine.

• Pull off the roadway.

• Turn the engine off immediately.

• Raise the hood but DO NOT open the radiator cap.

• Call and wait for help.

• Driving an overheated vehicle can damage the engine.

If your vehicle suddenly will not respond when you steer-

slowly take your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn on your emergency lights and keep your foot off the brake pedal while it is safe to do so.

If the power steering fails for some reason (or because the engine has stopped), you should:

• Grip the steering wheel firmly as steering will be difficult.

• Stop the vehicle. You may have to push the brakes hard if the vehicle has power brakes.

• Restart the engine.

• If the engine is restarted and the power steering still does not work, turn off the engine and restart again.

If the brakes suddenly give out, you should:

• "Pump" the brake pedal. This will often build up enough pressure to stop the vehicle.

• If this does not work, use the parking brake. Pull on the parking brake handle slowly so you will not lock the rear wheels and cause a skid. Be ready to release the brake if the vehicle does start to skid.

• Shift to a low gear. Do not down-shift too early, as it may cause the transmission to malfunction and not decrease the speed of the car. This uses the braking power of the engine to slow the vehicle.

• If you are on a steep hill and all else fails, look for something to sideswipe such as bushes, snowbank, guardrail, etc. Look for an uphill slope.

• Use your horn and lights to warn other drivers and pedestrians that you are out of control.

• As an extreme method, if you turn off the engine and leave the vehicle in gear, the engine will slow you down. BE VERY CAREFUL: If the vehicle ignition switch locks the steering wheel when you turn off the key, you will not be able to steer, and if you have power steering, the steering will become very hard.

• Look for a place to coast to a stop.

• Once you have safely stopped the vehicle, make sure that it is well off the road. Then call for help.

• Do not try to drive the vehicle to a garage.

Dry the brakes by:

• Driving a short distance; and

• Applying light pressure to the brake pedal. The heat generated by the friction of the brakes will evaporate the water from the brake linings.

• Continuing until braking action returns to normal.

Power brakes

a system of hydraulics used to slow down or stop most motor vehicles.

Power Brake Failure

If the engine stops running, so does the braking power. Once the engine has stopped, the power brake will function properly with one more use of the brake pedal. When you use the power brake one last time when the engine stops, depress the pedal without releasing any pressure. Once you release the pedal, you will no longer have use of the power brake and will need to depress the brake pedal harder to get the vehicle stopped.

Steering System

to allow the driver to guide the vehicle.

Steering wheel:

the part of the steering system that is manipulated by the driver; the rest of the steering system responds to such driver inputs

Steering column:

a device intended primarily for connecting the steering wheel to the steering mechanism or transferring the driver's input torque from the steering wheel.

Steering gearbox:

changes the engine's rotational power of the wheel into linear movement of the steering linkage needed by the front wheels to turn correctly.

Power steering:

helps drivers steer by augmenting steering effort of the steering wheel.

Keep hands in the steering position between the-

9 and 3 o'clock and the 7 and 5 o'clock positions (or approximately at 8 and 4 o'clock) to avoid injury from an air bag.

Common indications of steering problems include the following:

• Play or excess movement in the steering wheel.

• Steering difficulty, even though the tires are properly inflated.

• Shimmying, wobbling, shaking, or pulling to one side under normal driving conditions.

• Squealing sounds when making turns.

The suspension

the system of tires, tire air, springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels and allows relative motion between the two.

Suspension systems dual purpose

contributing to the vehicle's road handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure. Keeping vehicle occupants comfortable and a ride quality reasonably well isolated from road noise, bumps, vibrations.

Springs

an elastic object used to store mechanical energy.

Shock Absorber

a mechanical or hydraulic device designed to absorb and damp shock impulses.

Torsion Bar

a general term for any vehicle suspension that uses a torsion bar as its main weight bearing spring.

MacPherson Strut

a type of automotive suspension system that uses the top of a telescopic damper as the upper steering pivot.

Coil Spring

also known as a helical spring, is a mechanical device which is typically used to store energy and subsequently release it, to absorb shock, or to maintain a force between contacting surfaces.

Types of coil spring are:

• Tension/extension coil springs, designed to resist stretching. They usually have a hook or eye form at each end for attachment.

• Compression coil springs, designed to resist being compressed. A typical use for compression coil springs is in car suspension systems.

• Volute springs are used as heavy load compression springs. A strip of plate is rolled into the shape of both a helix and a spiral. When compressed, the strip is stiffer edge-on than a wire coil, but the spiral arrangement allows the turns to overlap rather than bottoming out on each other.

Tires

a ring-shaped vehicle component that covers the wheel's rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance.

If your car is overheating you should-

Turn on the heat to help cool the engine

There are two basic tire types:

Bias ply - the plies are crisscrossed. The design allows the entire tire body to flex easily, providing the main advantage of this construction, a smooth ride on rough surfaces.

Radial ply - The advantages of this construction include longer tread life, better steering control, fewer blowouts, improved fuel economy, and lower rolling resistance.

All tires sold in the United States are rated on the Uniform Tire Quality Grading System. This can be read on the sidewall of the tire. Tires are rated by:

Traction, Temperature, Tread wear

Checking Tire Pressure

It is important to check your vehicle's tire pressure at least once a month

The fuel system

intended to deliver the precise amount of fuel and air to the engine under all operating conditions and power demands.

Basic Components of the Fuel System

Fuel tank, Fuel lines, Fuel Injector, Carburetor, Fuel filter, Fuel pump, Air filter, Choke Valve, Turbo

Tips to keep your vehicle's fuel system in good condition:

• Do not let your vehicle run out of gas.

• Try to keep your fuel level above a quarter of a tank. Condensation can accumulate on the inside of the tank. The more air inside the tank, the more likely condensation could develop.

• Keep condensation out of the fuel lines. Make sure your cap is on tightly.

• Try to avoid using contaminated fuel or poor quality fuel. It may clog the carburetor or fuel injection system.

• Follow regular maintenance schedules and instructions in the owner's manual - for changing fuel and air filters.

Spark Plug

a device for delivering electric current from an ignition system to the combustion chamber of a spark-ignition engine to ignite the compressed fuel/air mixture by an electric spark, while containing combustion pressure within the engine.

Distributor

an enclosed rotating shaft used in spark-ignition internal combustion engines that have mechanically-timed ignition.

The Charging System

generates electrical power to recharge the battery and to provide power to the many electrical elements within the vehicle.

Drive Belt

a single, continuous belt used to drive multiple peripheral devices in an automotive engine, such as an alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioning compressor, air pump, etc.

Alternator

an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current.

The Fuse Box

contains automotive fuses whose primary job is to protect the wiring and electrical equipment in vehicles.

The Accessory Circuits

The parts of this system provide an electric current to power the lights, safety systems, and accessories.

Dual hydraulic brake system

an arrangement of braking mechanisms which use brake fluid to transfer pressure from the controlling mechanism to the braking mechanism.

Mechanical brake system

The parking brake, also called hand brake, emergency brake, or e-brake, is a latching brake usually used to keep the vehicle stationary. It is sometimes also used to prevent a vehicle from rolling when the operator needs both feet to operate the clutch and accelerator pedals.

The Basic Components of a Brake System Include:

Disc Brakes, Drum Brakes, Dual Master Cylinder, Brake Lines, Power Brake Parking Brake, Indicator Light

Five keys to brake maintenance that will help you stay safe on the roads:

1. Check Brake Pads and Rotors

2. Flush Your Brake Fluid

3. Bleed the Brake Lines

4. Replace or Upgrade Brake Parts

5. Braking System Care

Antilock Braking System (ABS)

an automobile safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to maintain "tractive" contact with the road surface according to driver inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up (ceasing rotation) for the purpose of avoiding uncontrolled skidding.

The starting system consists of the:

Battery, starter. solenoid, and ignition switch

ABS is an acronym for

anti-lock braking system

Steerability

is the ease and ability the driver has to guide the vehicle in the direction they want it to go.

ABS Facts

• The ABS system can be deactivated by the driver by pumping the brakes or decreasing the pressure you have on the brake pedal.

• ABS will not allow you to drive faster, follow more closely, or drive less carefully.

• ABS will not prevent power or turning skids. ABS should prevent brake-induced skids or jackknifes, but not those caused by spinning the drive wheels or going too fast in a turn.

• ABS will help maintain vehicle control, but not always shorten stopping distance.

• ABS will not increase or decrease ultimate stopping power. ABS is an "add-on" to your normal brakes, not a replacement for them.

• ABS will not change the way you normally brake. Under normal brake conditions, your vehicle will stop as it always stopped. ABS only comes into play when a wheel would normally have locked up because of over braking.

• ABS will not compensate for bad brakes or poor brake maintenance.

If your vehicle has ABS, you should NOT:

• Pump the brakes.

• Make large steering adjustments - steer enough to get the vehicle out of the hazardous area.

• Drive aggressively.

• Release the brake pedal if you hear noise or feel vibrations.

If your vehicle has ABS, you should:

• Increase your following time in inclement weather.

• Apply firm and constant pressure on the brake pedal even if you feel pulsing or vibrations.

• Practice using the ABS in a safe area.

• Read the owner's manual for any concerns.

Traction loss

can occur when the driver brakes, steers or accelerates improperly.

Be aware of the following to assess for increased or decreased risk of traction loss:

• surface of the roadway

• weather conditions

• properly maintained tire inflation and tire tread

• braking techniques

• speed, especially on hills and curves

• steering inputs

No-Zone

the area around large commercial trucks or buses where cars "disappear" into blind spots.

Pass Trucks Carefully and Safely

Don't take needless chances to pass a truck. Always make sure you have enough room to complete your pass without having to resort to excessive speed.

Check traffic in both the front and the rear. Signal and change lanes when it is safe and legal to do so. Pass only where it is safe - never pass where you will have to complete your pass in a no-passing zone.

When you do pass, complete the pass as promptly as traffic conditions permit. If you linger alongside the cab of the truck, you may be in a position where the truck driver cannot see you in the mirrors. If the truck driver has to change lanes for any reason, your vehicle could be involved in a crash because you were in a position where the truck driver could not see you.

Signal and return to the right lane when you can see the front of the truck (both headlights) in your inside rearview mirror. After passing, keep your speed up. Passing a vehicle and then slowing down is both dangerous and irritating.

Avoid pulling in front of a truck when traffic may stop or slow down. By doing so, you take away the truck driver's margin of safety and risk causing a crash. The trucking industry stresses the importance of safe following distance.

If a truck passes you, help the truck driver to pass safely by slowing down slightly to shorten the time required to pass. Never speed up. That is dangerous and illegal.

When you meet a truck going in the opposite direction, keep as far to the right as you safely can for a greater margin of safety and to minimize wind turbulence.

Following a Truck

If you follow a truck closely, you are driving blind. You can't see around the truck and the truck driver can't see you in the mirrors. Never follow a truck at a time interval of less than four seconds. To check your following distance, pick a landmark on the side of the road. When the rear of the truck passes that point, count "one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand, four-one-thousand" at a normal rate. If you pass the same point before you have finished counting "four-one-thousand," you are following the truck too closely.

Right Turns

Watch for turn signals. Trucks make wide right turns and often must leave an open space on the right side. Do not move into that space or try to pass a truck if it might be making a right turn. If you are between the truck and the curb, the driver may not be able to see you, and your car can be crushed or sideswiped.

Safety Rules for Highway-Railway Crossings

• Slow down, keep alert, and watch for the crossing sign or signal.

• Look both ways and listen, because you may have to stop.

• Expect a train on any track at any time.

• Don't get trapped on the tracks. Never move onto a railroad track unless you are certain you can drive across safely. Once you have started across the tracks, keep going.

• Never drive around the gates. If the gates are down, stop behind the gate. It's against the law to drive through lowered gates. Don't cross the tracks until the gates are raised and the lights have stopped flashing.

• If you are crossing the tracks and the warning lights begin flashing or the gates start coming down, don't stop. KEEP MOVING! The warning signals will allow enough time for you to finish driving through the crossing before the train arrives. The gate on the far side of the tracks will not block you in. If you stop and try to back up, your vehicle may stall.

• Watch out for the second train. When you are at a multiple track crossing and the last car of the train passes by, don't go until you're sure that no other train is coming on another track, from either direction.

• Get out of your vehicle if it stalls on the tracks. Get yourself and everyone else out and get off the tracks immediately. If a train is coming, get away from the tracks and run toward the direction of the train at a 45-degree angle (away from the point of impact) - click here to see an example of where to run. If no train is in sight, post lookouts and try to start the vehicle or push it off the tracks. Your car is replaceable. You aren't! No vehicle is worth a human life.

• Never race a train. You will never have a second chance if you lose the race.

• Watch for vehicles that must stop at highway-railway crossings.

• Trucks carrying hazardous materials

• School bus

• Church bus

• Passenger bus

Never pass at a highway rail crossing.

Don't pass cars or bicyclists. The bicycle tires can get caught on the tracks, and the rider can be thrown across your path.

What percentage of all commercial vehicle accidents are from backing up?

66%

As a Driver:

Yield and give the right away to bicyclist

Cyclists should;

• Obey the law

• Wear a helmet

• Wear brightly colored clothing

• Keep bikes in good repair

Cyclists should NOT;

• Ride on the wrong side of the road

• Wear a headset (headphones, cellular phone earpiece, etc.) when riding

• Ride at night without required lights and reflectors

Work zones

Any type of roadwork that may delay traffic conditions. Watch for materials such as cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles, or workers in bright colored vests that warn you and direct you where to go. All temporary signs in work zones have an orange background and black letters or symbols. These signs will be found on the right side of the road, or on both left and right sides when the roadway is a divided highway.

Emergency Vehicles

You must yield the right-of-way to police vehicles, fire engines, ambulances or other emergency vehicles using sirens, air horns or red or blue flashing lights.

When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction

you must pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible, and stop your vehicle.

Funeral Procession

You should never cross the path of a funeral procession at an intersection that is being used by a procession. The funeral procession has the privilege to use the intersection. Do not cut through, join, or interfere with a funeral procession.

Slow-Moving Vehicle Symbol

A vehicle which is being towed, or caravans of vehicles, which are operating at a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour are required by law to display a special reflective emblem sign at the rear of the vehicle or vehicles, or on the rear vehicle in the caravan. The sign is only allowed to be placed where it is visible from the sides, front or the rear of the vehicle.

When approaching a vehicle towing a trailer:

• Watch for any sway or possible hazards, such as crosswinds or slippery curves;

• Be aware that sudden braking might cause the trailer to jackknife; and

• Use extreme caution while passing a trailer and the towing vehicle - it may take you a half mile of clear roadway to safely pass.

What must you do if you hear or see an emergency vehicle?

Pull to the side of the road and remain stopped

Towing Safely

Be Aware of Your Surroundings, Use Your Mirrors, Signal Your Intentions, Communicate Your Presence

Effect of Vehicle Weight on Stopping Distance

The heavier the vehicle, the more work the brakes must do to stop it and the more heat they absorb.

Backing with a Trailer

Backing with a trailer is different than backing a single vehicle. When backing a single vehicle, you turn the top of the steering wheel toward the direction you want to go.

Tips for backing up with a trailer

Look at your path, back slowly, use the mirrors. correct drift immediately, use driver-side backing, pull forward, use a helper.

Safety Suggestions

• Do not abruptly enter the roadway in front of a large vehicle. If turning from the roadway, avoid changing lanes in front of a large vehicle.

• When traveling up or down steep grades, larger vehicles often drive slower and use the right lane. Avoid driving in the right lane when traveling up or down hills, as well as near truck weigh stations, where slow moving trucks will be attempting to re-enter faster-moving traffic. By avoiding the right lane in these areas, you will reduce the possibility of rear-ending or being rear-ended by a large vehicle.

• Unlike the hydraulic brakes on automobiles, trucks have air brakes. Air brakes do not operate instantly as do hydraulic brakes. Do not make sudden stops in front of large vehicles.

• Because of a vehicle's size, truck and bus drivers sometimes need to swing wide to manage their turns. When they do, they can't see cars directly behind or beside them. Give them plenty of room and never try to squeeze around them.

• If a large truck turns onto the roadway in front of you, decrease your speed. It will take a greater amount of time for the truck to reach the posted speed limit due to its weight.

• Increase your following distance if you are behind a log truck. Many of these logs may be as long as 27 feet and may overhang from the end of the truck.

• When turning the overhanging logs may block an adjacent lane. Do not pass a log truck that is turning.