10 safeway
Springs, shocks, struts, and stabilizer bars are all involved in helping to keep your vehicle from bouncing or leaning out of control and maintaining contact between the tires and the road. Shocks need to be checked for leaks and you should be aware of any increased bouncing, bottoming-out, or leaning of your vehicle.
If there is a problem with your electrical system, most likely you won't be going anywhere because your car won't even start. Here are some things you should know: The battery provides power to the starter motor which allows you to start the vehicle. The alternator produces electrical power while the engine is running to operate all electrical components and recharge the battery. Accessory circuits power the lights, safety systems, and accessories. Batteries last an average of 3 years in Texas, so at 2 years you should have your battery tested to prevent yourself from getting stranded on the side of the road. Check the battery cables regularly to ensure they are not loose and/or corroded. Just make sure that your engine is off and your vehicle is cool when doing so.
A stuck accelerator is not as common as you might think. Most reports of this have found to be simple driver error; the driver simply stepped on the wrong pedal. It does happen however, and it's important that you know what to do if it does. Find an escape route. Get some space around yourself if possible. Turn on your hazards and repeatedly honk your horn to warn other drivers. Using your foot, see if you can tap or wiggle the pedal free. Don't try to reach down with your hand and do this. If the pedal remains stuck, brake hard. Don't pump your brakes, just press firmly and steadily. Put the car into neutral. The engine will rev loudly, but don't turn off the engine until you come to a stop so you don't lose steering. Come to a safe stop and turn off the engine.
Steering failure is usually a result of a problem with the power steering system. It may announce itself with strange sounds, smells, or smoke, or you might suddenly just find yourself fighting the steering wheel to control your car. If this happens here's what you should do: Grip the wheel tightly with both hands. It will probably take more strength than you have ever needed before to steer. Look for an escape route and try to get some space around your car. Turn on your hazards and honk repeatedly to warn other drivers of potential danger. Do not brake or slow down too suddenly. Keep the wheels rolling as you gently brake and reduce your speed. Get off the road and stop your car as soon as you can safely do so.
If your engine isn't running, then you aren't going anywhere. Here are some things you need to know about engine failure. The most common types of engine failure are: Stalling Overheating Failure to start Many failures result from a malfunctioning fuel injection system, a dead battery, trouble in the ignition system, low coolant level, a defective thermostat, or broken belts. Most failures are preventable through proper maintenance.
While an overheating engine can be a huge inconvenience and can result in some costly repairs, it isn't usually a dangerous situation. If you notice your temperature gauge going into the red, the red temperature warning light on, or steam coming from under your hood you should: Turn on your hazards and start looking for a place to pull over. Pull over as quickly as you can safely do so. If you can't pull over quickly, make sure the air-conditioner is off and turn the heater on high to pull some of the hot air out of the engine compartment. Once you pull over and stop your engine, open your hood to allow engine compartment to cool. Do not try to open the radiator until it has had some time to cool. The liquid inside is at boiling temperatures and could burn you. Visually check cooling system components while the engine cools. Unlock the radiator cap ¼ turn, step back, and allow pressure to be released. Add water or coolant. Restart your car and get somewhere to have your cooling system checked and serviced.
Have you ever left your headlights on and then was not able to start your car? While this is a nuisance, more often than not you can get the car started with a simple jump-start from another vehicle. Follow these steps: You will need another car (one that runs) and a set of jumper cables. Attach the positive (red) clamp to the positive terminal of the dead battery first, and then the other positive (red) clamp to the booster battery. Attach the negative (black) clamp to the negative terminal of the booster battery, and then the other negative (black) clamp to a piece of unpainted metal in the dead car engine compartment. Start the engine of the functioning car. Rev the engine. Start the engine of the non-functioning car a couple of minutes later. Remove the cables in the reverse order that you connected them.
A common problem is headlight, brake light or turn-signal light failure. While you can use hand signals if your turn signals or brake lights stop working, if your headlights go, you won't be able to see and others won't be able to see you. Here's what you need to remember: High and low beams are on different circuits, so one or the other may still work. Try switching the high beams on and off. If this doesn't work and you still have no headlights, turn on the parking lights, emergency flashers or turn signals. Do anything you can to get yourself some light so you can see and others can see you. It is critical to get the vehicle safely off the road and parked.
elieve it or not, there is more to your fuel system than just putting gas in the tank. Be aware of the following: This is the system in charge of providing the correct amount of fuel and air to the engine under all operating conditions and different power demands. The driver asks for more power by stepping on the accelerator, the engine management computer takes over from there. A "Check Engine" light comes on when the engine is first started. If it stays on or comes on while driving, get your vehicle in for necessary servicing. Don't let your gas level get too low. Impurities in the fuel settle to the bottom of the tank and will be pulled into the engine if you are using the last of the fuel. Try to keep the tank at least ¼ tank.
Another system that you almost never think about until it isn't working properly is your cooling system. Take care of it or run the risk of being stranded at the side of the road. Here is what you should know: Your vehicle's cooling system consists of the radiator, various hoses and belts, and a fan. This system should be checked during your vehicle's regularly scheduled maintenance. Inside the radiator is a mix of water and antifreeze/coolant. You can check fluid levels by looking at the overflow tank of your radiator. If you notice a green puddle underneath your car, be sure to have your cooling system checked for leaks. Occasionally check the system's belts and hoses to make sure that they are in good condition.
You should have your brakes checked whenever you rotate your tires (usually about every 6,000 miles), but check your owner's manual to see what the manufacturer recommends. Pay attention to how your brakes sound and feel. If they feel mushy or soft, or if they start to squeal and screech, have them checked. Replace brake pads before they wear down to metal and begin to damage expensive components. ABS brakes require special attention. A warning light on your instrument panel will come on when you first start your vehicle to show that the system is being checked. If this light stays on or comes on while you are driving, be sure to get the system checked as soon as possible.
Clean and inspect your wiper blades regularly to extend their life. Ninety percent of all driving decisions are based on a clear unobstructed view of the road. Good visibility requires wipers that are in good condition
Mechanical failures or problems can occur while you are driving. Some mechanical failures may just inconvenience you. A stalled engine might leave you stranded by the side of the road, in a parking lot, or even in your own garage. In these instances you just want to ensure that you and your vehicle are safe while you try to solve the problem. More serious failures, those affecting steering or braking for example, can be quite frightening and dangerous. In these instances you want to remember that your main objective should be to get safely off the roadway and onto the shoulder as quickly as possible. We will begin by discussing what to do if your car breaks down or won't start and then talk about more serious malfunctions that you need to be prepared to deal with.
If your car breaks down and you have to pull over to the side of the road - Be Visible! Use flares, reflective triangles, or walk back 200-300 feet and signal drivers. Raise the hood and tie a white rag on your antenna, door handle or side-view mirror, or place it in the window.
As good as tires are these days, they are all at risk of going flat or blowing out. Most of us don't have the run-flats found on more expensive cars and it's important that we can safely handle this possibly dangerous situation. Follow these steps: Look down your intended path of travel and maintain a straight course. Keep a firm, steady grip on the steering wheel. Stay off the brakes. Ease up on the accelerator, allowing the engine drag to slow the vehicle; accelerating slightly may help improve the vehicle's directional stability. Lightly apply the brakes with an easy, steady pressure. Once you have the car under control, pull off the road.
Imagine yourself driving down the road at 35 mph when all of a sudden you realize that you don't have any brakes. It's a potentially terrifying and dangerous situation that you had better have at least some idea of how to handle. Here's what you should do to slow your vehicle during brake failure: Try downshifting. This can be done in a standard or manual transmission vehicle. Find an escape route. Look for any safe exit from the roadway. Sound your horn and flash your lights to signal an emergency. In extreme cases run along an embankment or curb to try to slow your vehicle. Look for something relatively forgiving to run into like a bush or other obstruction.
Your tires are where your vehicle meets the road and there are several things to consider to give yourself as much traction and control as possible. These are tire pressure, tread depth, and tread rotation.
The specific tire pressure for your car is listed inside the driver's side doorjamb and inside the owner's manual. Don't go by what is printed on the side of the tire. Tire pressure should be checked cold, not after you've driven your car for a while. Proper tire pressure can affect your vehicle's fuel economy, its traction control, and its safety under various road conditions.
The lighting system includes all of your lights: headlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake lights, and parking lights. Make sure you check monthly to ensure no bulbs are burned out. You'll need to replace them immediately if there are. They may be difficult to check on your own, so get someone to help you if possible.
The steering wheel may tilt or telescope to allow for optimal positioning. The steering column connects the wheel to the gearbox and collapses on impact to protect the driver in a collision. Most cars have power steering which must be maintained to work properly. Steering should also be aligned at least once a year and after any significant impact. This allows for more accurate steering (the car won't "pull" to one side or the other) and, more importantly, it helps your tires to wear more evenly and last longer.
New tread depth is 9/32 to 11/32 of an inch. As tread decreases, the tire's ability to perform in rainy and icy conditions decreases. At 3/32 of an inch, a tire is completely worn out and can become unsafe. Use a quarter to test your tread depth. Hold the quarter, head down, and place it in the tire tread groove. Ideally part of Washington's head will be covered. If his entire head is showing, it is time to start thinking about a new set of tires.
Tires wear differently depending on their position on the vehicle, your driving style and the condition of your suspension. Rotating your tires every 6,000 - 12,000 miles can evenly distribute their wear, helping you get the most miles out of your tires while maintaining good traction.
While proper and regular maintenance on all of your car's systems will all add years to its life, nothing is more important than regularly and properly changing your oil in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Here's what you should know: Oil changes are typically required every 3,000 - 12,000 miles. Make sure you check your owner's manual. There are many benefits associated with routine oil changes including: Increased gas mileage by as much as 2 miles/gallon Increased performance Improved engine stability and life
What can you use to check the tread depth of your tires? A. A quarter
Which of the following is not part of the electrical system? A. The radiator
What is the most important thing you can do to extend the life of your vehicle? B. Get regular oil changes
Finally, let's discuss what you should do if a fire breaks out. This is usually caused by an engine backfire or an electrical short under the hood. Here's what you should do: Steer the vehicle off the road. Turn off the ignition, get everyone out and well away from the vehicle. One hundred feet or more. Call 911 and notify the fire department. If the fire is under the hood, do not raise the hood. This would just allow more oxygen to get to and feed the fire.
transmission not talkesd about should not leave car on road flat-C. Let off the gas, let the car slow, brake easy and pull over as soon as you safely can overheating-C. Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so
