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Vehicle Operation and Safety Notes

Vehicle Preparation and Safety

  • Securing Loose Objects:
    • Secure loose items in the trunk to prevent them from becoming projectiles during sudden stops or accidents.
    • Use cargo nets, especially in SUVs, to keep items contained.
  • Locking Doors:
    • Close and lock doors upon entering the vehicle.
    • Locked doors prevent unwanted individuals from entering the vehicle.
    • Locked doors prevent passengers, especially children, from opening doors while the vehicle is in motion; use child locks for added safety.

Pre-Driving Adjustments

  • Adjust your seat for optimal comfort and visibility.
  • Adjust the steering column to a comfortable and safe position.
  • Adjust mirrors (side and rearview) to eliminate blind spots.
  • Adjust the headrest to protect against whiplash in the event of a collision.
  • Fasten your seat belt, ensuring it is snug and properly positioned.
  • Ensure all passengers are wearing their seat belts.
  • Adjust creature comforts like air conditioning, heating, windshield wipers, and headlights to ensure a comfortable and safe driving environment.

Basic Vehicle Components and Control Devices

  • Ignition Switch:
    • Two main types: key entry and push-button start.
    • Key entry: Traditional ignition switch where a key is inserted and turned.
    • Push-button start: Commonly found in electric vehicles; the key fob communicates with the car.
    • The key fob authenticates the driver's permission to start the vehicle.
    • Turning the key activates the starter, which sparks the spark plugs, igniting the gasoline and starting the engine pistons.
  • Ignition Switch Functionality
    • The ignition switch locks the steering wheel when the key is removed and the car is parked.
    • It enables accessories and safety devices even when the engine is off.
    • Turning the switch to the "accessories" position allows the use of the radio, heater, or air conditioner using battery power.
    • Extended use of accessories with the engine off can drain the battery.
    • Some vehicles use electric chips in the ignition switch as an anti-theft device.
  • Steering Column
    • Controls steering in drive and reverse.
  • Accelerator Pedal
    • A foot-operated pedal located to the far right of the driver's position.
    • Vehicle speed is controlled by the amount of pressure applied with the right foot.
  • Brake Pedal
    • Located to the left of the accelerator pedal.
    • Slows the vehicle when downward pressure is applied.
  • Clutch Pedal
    • Located to the left of the brake pedal in vehicles with manual transmissions.
    • Allows the driver to shift gears by disengaging the engine from the transmission.
  • Gear Shifter
    • Controls: park, reverse, neutral, drive, and low gears.
  • Pedal Extensions
    • Can be installed to help drivers reach the brake and gas pedals more easily.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

  • Helps drivers maintain steering control in emergency situations by preventing wheel lockup.
  • Does not necessarily decrease braking distance.
  • Identified by the letters "ABS" or a specific symbol on the dashboard.
  • The driver should maintain steady pressure on the brake pedal during ABS activation.
  • Pumping the brakes can interfere with the ABS system.
  • Mandatory on all vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2013.

Non-ABS Brakes

  • Vehicles without ABS will not have the ABS icon on the dashboard.
  • Braking is controlled manually by the driver.

Cruise Control

  • Allows drivers to select and maintain a constant speed without holding the accelerator pedal.
  • Controls are typically located on the steering wheel or a lever on the side of the steering column.
  • Can be cancelled by tapping the brake or turning it off.
  • Should not be used in rain, ice, snow, or other inclement weather.

Parking Brake (Emergency Brake)

  • Used to secure a parked car.
  • Can be used in emergency situations, such as brake system failure.
  • Three main types:
    • Foot-operated pedal on the floor to the far left of the driver's seat.
    • Hand-operated lever near the center console.
    • Electronic brake on the dash or console.

Secondary Controls

  • Horn: Used to alert other drivers or pedestrians.
  • Turn Signals: Indicate intended direction of turn or lane change.
  • Hazard Flashers: Used to warn other drivers of a hazard or emergency.
  • Windshield Wipers: Clear the windshield for better visibility.
  • Headlights: Provide light for nighttime driving and increase visibility.
  • Gauges: Provide information about vehicle systems, such as speed, fuel level, and engine temperature.

Headlight Controls

  • Control switch operates parking lights, taillights, side marker lights, and license plate lights.
  • Switch location varies by vehicle: on the left side of the instrument panel or on the turn signal lever.
  • High and low beams are controlled by a lever on the left side of the steering column.

Basic Vehicle Controls

  • Seating Position:
    • Sit up straight to maximize field of vision and reduce risk.
    • Adjust seat height so the head is high enough to see clearly.
  • Manual Seat Adjustment:
    • The adjustment lever to move the seat forward and backward is typically located on the lower front of the driver's seat.
  • Electric Power Seats:
    • Controls are usually located on the lower side of the driver's seat or on the armrest.
  • Seat Positioning:
    • The top of the steering wheel should be in line with the top of the shoulders.
    • Maintain approximately 10 inches between the body and the steering wheel to prevent knee or thigh interference.
    • Use a cushion if needed to achieve proper height and visibility.

Steering Wheel Adjustment

  • The angle of the steering wheel can be adjusted using a lever on the steering column.
  • Some steering wheels can also telescope in and out.
  • The top of the steering wheel should be no higher than the top of the driver's shoulders.
  • Hand position on the steering wheel should be at nine o'clock and three o'clock, with thumbs on the face of the steering wheel.
  • Alternative hand position is eight o'clock and four o'clock.

Climate Control

  • Controls for air conditioning, heater, defroster, and air vents are located in a cluster on the instrument panel.

Visibility and Vehicle Safety

  • Hazard Lights (Flashers):
    • Used to warn others of a hazard or that the vehicle is disabled on the side of the road.
    • Activates all turn signals simultaneously.
      Headlights Video
  • Headlight Lever: The video displayed the headlight lever for the car being used. The presenter discussed the function of each of the symbols on the headlights.
  • Each adjustment means something different such as OFF (all headlights and things associated are OFF) and AUTO, to have the headlights turn on by themselves based on the darkness.
  • The video also showed how to use fog lights.
  • High Beams: How to keep high beams on permanently or only flick them one time.