Driver's Ed Level 06 Study Guide

What are three kinds of Traction Control Systems?

-Engine and Brake Traction Control Systems -Brake Traction Control System -Engine Only Traction Systems

Other than boredom, distractions, fatigue, and illegal drugs and alcohol, what else can affect a driver's reaction time?

-Operator error -Faulty pedestrian performance -Faulty automotive equipment -Hazardous driving conditions

How can you fight drowsiness when you're driving at night?

-Using food and drink to stay alert -Playing music -In-car activities -Medical help

List seven (7) components common to most brake systems.

-master cylinder -rear brakes -brake pedals -brake lines -front brakes -drum brake -disk brake

Define Powerskid

A power skid is the result of having too much power on the drive wheels for the traction of the road surface.

Explain the difference between a power skid and braking skid and explain what you should do with each of them.

A power skid is the result of having too much power on the drive wheels for the traction of the road surface. Generally, letting up off the accelerator will cause the car to straighten itself. A braking skid occurs when braking is too great for the road surface. Simply stated pick a target where you want to go (a point on your original path of travel) and steer toward that target.

Define Oversteer

A rear wheel skid is known as oversteer.

Define Sideswipe

A sideswipe collision refers to an impact that "swipes" along the "side" of your vehicle. This is typically the least damaging type of collision. To say that a sideswipe collision is not as severe as the other collisions is not to say that it is a pleasant experience.

Define ABS

ABS is a computer-controlled system that determines if your wheels are about to lock up and then adjusts the brake torque to prevent locking.

What is Active Yaw Control?

AYC systems use a computer to limit understeer and oversteer through a closed loop algorithm. These systems monitor steering input and adjust the brakes to correct yaw torques to the vehicle and do not have high-speed limitations.

Why do accidents happen?

Accidents happen because of interruptions in traffic flow.

Define Roll

Changes in balance from side to side, therefore, are referred to as changes in the vehicle's "roll."

Define Pitch

Changes in balance to the front and rear of the vehicle such as the examples above are referred to as changes in "pitch."

Explain the difference between a front-wheel skid and a rear-wheel skid and how to correct each or them.

Front-wheel skid is loss of traction while a rear wheel skid isknown as oversteer. To steer out of a front wheel skid, identify a visible target on your intended path of travel and turn your steering wheel toward it. To steer out of a rear wheel skid, steer toward your targeted path and use light acceleration as the rear tires regain their grip. Steering and counter steering toward your desired path will help prevent a 180 or 360 spin. Light acceleration will transfer weight to help the rear tires regain traction.

Why is it important to use headlights at dusk - even if you do not think you need them to see?

Headlights are not only necessary to help illuminate your own path, but are also imperative to help other drivers see your vehicle and react in a timely manner.

What should you do if you experience a tire blowout?

If a blowout occurs, grip the steering wheel firmly and STAY OFF THE BRAKE. Braking will put the car into a skid.

If an accident is imminent, what can still be done to avoid a head-on collision?

If an accident is imminent, whenever possible, strike the object from an angle rather than head-on. This is called a near-frontal collision.

Define Broadside

If another vehicle is about to run head-on into the side of your vehicle, this is called a broadside collision.

If you experience engine failure what steps can be taken to regain power?

If it starts, power steering and braking should return almost instantly. If it won't start, try to get off the road as quickly as possible.

When the accelerator is stuck and you must shut off your engine, what could happen if you turn the key too far?

If the engine must be shut down while the car is moving, be careful not to turn the key so far as to lock the steering wheel.

What should you do if your vehicle experiences brake failure?

Immediately, pump the brakes rapidly several times. This will usually build up enough pressure to slow or stop your vehicle. If this does not work, quickly shift to a lower gear and apply the parking brake.

Explain what "over-driving the headlights" is and provide an example.

In areas where street lighting is poor or non-existent, illumination will not extend beyond your headlights. For example, when driving at night, let's say that headlights will allow a driver to see clearly 250 feet ahead. At 50 mph, an object in the roadway would be illuminated with enough distance still remaining to avoid striking it. However, at 65 mph, 260 feet is needed to stop. This would be over 10 feet beyond visible range. At that speed, it would be nearly impossible to stop in time to avoid a collision.

Define Powersteer

In automobiles, power steering or steering assist system helps drivers steer by augmenting steering effort of the steering wheel.

In rain and fog, should you drive with high beams or low beams?

In rain and fog, drivers should use their low beams lights.

Define ESP

It selectively applies any one of the vehicle's brakes to reduce the discrepancy and help the driver retain control and stability.

What should you do when your tires drop off the pavement?

Let the vehicle move right until the wheels on the shoulder are 12 to 18 inches from the road edge. Look for a spot where the road surface appears to be no more than 2 inches above the shoulder. Signal your intent (signal left). Move the steering wheel 1/8 of a turn to the left. As soon as you feel the right front tire contact the road edge, steer back to the right ¼ to ½ of a turn. Turn the wheel straight without braking or accelerating.

What is the difference between RWAL and ABS?

RWAL is very similar to ABS except that RWAL does not allow braking and steering.

Define SCS

SCS adjust vehicle balance at struts or shock absorbers through adjustment of fluid or air pressure when too much weight is suddenly transferred to a given shock or strut.

What is the most common mistake made when the tires of a car drift off the side of the road?

STAY OFF THE BRAKE unless absolutely necessary.

When are high beams not appropriate?

Sometimes, however, high beams will not improve your visibility. In fact, it will do the opposite. This happens in fog, heavy rain, and snow. In these situations, the light from your high beams will reflect back from the fog/rain/snow and cause glare. The glare will make it more difficult to see ahead.

Define TCS

TCS are designed to activate brake sensors, which do not allow the wheels to spin.

In the event of a bee sting or similar unexpected occurrences, what are the safest, most appropriate steps to take?

The best time to deal with this emergency is while the car is stopped, not while it's moving.

What rules should you follow if you have to pull over because of extremely poor visibility?

The best way to compensate for this problem is to slow down.

If it is unavoidable to hit an object in the road, what should you do?

The first action to take is to slow down. Whenever possible, center the vehicle over the object, so as not to drive over it with the tires. If it cannot be centered, press on the brake until the object is about to be driven over. Release the brake pedal and slowly drive over the object.

As soon as you are experiencing a problem, what three steps should you follow to reduce the risk of an accident?

The first order of business is to warn other drivers that a problem is being experienced. The best way to do that is by using the emergency flashers. The next order of business is to get out of the main stream of traffic as quickly as is safely possible. Once off the road, leave the emergency flashers on and place flares or reflective triangles at least 100 feet behind the vehicle for city traffic, and as much as 200-300 feet for expressways.

In the event that your accelerator becomes stuck what should you try to do before turning off the engine?

The power must be immediately shut down, or you risk destroying the engine.

What should you do if a car in oncoming traffic does not turn off his high beams and they are within 200 feet of your vehicle?

This will result in two drivers who cannot see the roadway.

How are brakes the most effective?

Though steering out of the path of a collision is the preferred action, there may be times when it will not be possible to steer out of trouble. In these cases, there's only one option -- stop in time to avoid a collision.

Generally how is the vehicle's traction lost?

Traction loss generally occurs when there is an inappropriate steering, braking, or acceleration for the driving conditions.

What is the difference between warning lights and gauges?

Warning lights are sometimes called "idiot lights," because by the time the light illuminates on the dash, the problem is often too severe to quickly rectify. A gauge is usually a meter with a needle or digital readout of the current status of a system, such as the electric or cooling system.

How can you protect yourself against the blindness that accompanies looking at oncoming high beams?

When others do not switch to low beam, try looking at the right edge of the roadway. This will allow you to see the road markings or reflectors along the edge of the roadway. Using these markings as a guide will help keep the car safely on the right side of the roadway.

Define Yaw

Your rear wheels will begin to slide around to one side or the other. Changes of vehicle balance that result in such a spinning motion are referred to as changes in "yaw".