Chapter 17: Taking Care of Your Vehicle and the Earth

Keyless entry

A keyless entry is a wireless remote control it can't open the door, start or disable the engine, Pop the trunk open, activate the alarm, and may have a panic button a key fob in your pocket can I have a chip that recognizes you and lets you enter start the vehicle by touching a power button

fuel-efficient vehicles

Automobile manufacturers continue to design vehicles that save gas without compromising performance *hybrids*: combine the benefits of gas engines with electric motors that operate in unison or independently the energy from the wheels turns the motor which functions as a generator that converts energy normally wasted when coasting and braking, into electricity this energy is stored in the battery until it's needed the electric motor provides power for accelerating, passing, or climbing a hill which allows a smaller, more efficient engine to be used the engine is controlled by an automatic system that shuts the engine off when the vehicle comes to stop and restart the engine when the accelerator is pressed

theft prevention

a bar that locks the steering wheel in place is a simple system however, more sophisticated systems are available

recycling

according to the federal government, the oil from just one oil changes enough to contaminate a million gallons of fresh water commercial motor oil in transmission fluid are toxic substances that can cause injury or death when ingested, and inhaled, or touched motor oil can be recycled, providing a valuable form of energy that helps our economy by reducing the need to refine new oil to recycle used motor oil and transmission fluid, take them to a service station, recycling drop-off location, or household hazardous waste collection site cars are also recycle through dismantling, crushing, sweating, and resource recovery cars have usable parts and components that include batteries, wheels and tires, steering columns, fenders, radios, engines, starters, transmission, alternators, select plastic parts, glass, phones, catalytic converters, and other components

fuel efficiency, Recycling, and security systems

advancements in design and Technology have changed the way our vehicles look and perform today's vehicles are designed and built for greater fuel efficiency and the way you drive can also improve fuel efficiency

Side-impact airbags

curtain and tubular airbags deploy downward from the vehicles roof rail, protecting the heads of vehicle occupants combination airbags deploy from the side of the seat, protecting the head and chest

variable ride height suspension (VRHS)

depending on conditions that does vehicle speed and terrain the variable ride height suspension raises or lowers the ride height of the vehicle while it's in motion during off-road driving at lower speeds, the vehicle adjust to ride higher to allow increased ground clearance turn on road driving at higher speeds, the vehicle will adjust to buy lower to the ground the vehicle riding lower by several inches has a lower center of gravity and is LESS likely to roll over in a crash

reduce idling

excess idling wastes gas, so turn off the engine if you won't be moving for a few moments

control speed

for most cars, the maximum fuel efficiency is between 40 and 60 miles per hour if you drive at 70 miles per hour you will get two to four fewer miles per gallon over the duration of your trip planning on it brakes will increase the need for fuel and cause excessive wear on your brakes

reduce drag

having your windows down creates aerodynamic drag and can increase fuel economy by up to 10% roof top carriers and rear racks increase drag the Clean Car can reduce drag by up to 12%

new or used vehicle

is a smart consumer you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of buying a new and a used vehicle

tires

it's important to understand tires and ensure your vehicle is equipped with the proper tires for safety and control *federal laws require tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires* this information identifies and describes the characteristics of the tire and the identification number for safety standards certification in the event of a recall the federal government requires all passenger car tires sold in the United States to follow the *Uniform Tire Quality and Grading (UTQG) Standards* to help consumers compare different tires for treadwear, traction performance, and temperature resistance

warm the engine

most modern fuel injected Vehicles need only 30 seconds to warm up and go

evaluate your driving needs

once you've determined your budget you should evaluate your needs for buying a car vehicles can range in size and weight from small compact cars to large SUV's etc. Ask yourself: what kind of driving will I do: local, long distance, towing a trailer? How many miles will I drive each year? Windows or how much cargo will I need to carry? What state do features do I want? How long will I expect to keep the vehicle? Will it fit in my parking area? Generally happier SUVs and full-size sedan will provide better protection in a crash than other vehicles however because of their higher centers of gravity, SUVs roll more frequently than full size sedan Compact and sports type vehicles with a short wheelbase will skid more easily and more violently than full-size vehicles

security systems

over a million vehicles are reported stolen every year vehicles that can be deterred with a variety of security systems new vehicles come with factory installed security system and others can be installed after they are purchased the automotive industry has developed a wide variety of ways to protect you and your vehicle, such as computer chips, Wireless technology, voice recognition commands, radio transmitters, and satellites *these systems make it easier to enter your vehicle, protected from theft, and get you help when you need it*

steering system

problems with power steering can occur gradually or overnight you may notice that turning the steering wheel is more difficult especially when you're parking there may be excessive "play" when the steering wheel moves more than normal to complete a maneuver check with an automotive technician immediately before driving any further If you experience any problems while steering

Traction

ratings are based on the tires ability to stop on wet concrete or asphalt the higher the grade (AA down to C) the better the traction is

Lighten load

reduce the load you carry in your vehicle

sensors for security

set an alarm systems use the sensors that activate if: a door, the trunk, or the hood is opened the car is moved a window is broken someone tries to load your vehicle onto a tow truck interior motion sensors will deter a "smash and grab" break-in by sounding the horn and an alarm, and by flashing lights

suspension system

suspension system provides during stability and maximizes the friction between tires and road surface suspension systems absorbs Road bumps of passengers can ride in Comfort the shock absorbers or strut assembly unit is located at each wheel to control hard bad thing and keep the tires on the road when a vehicle bounces more than usual, or you see uneven tire wear, have a suspension check your owner's manual for servicing

treadwear

the higher the grade (60-500) the longer the tread should last

Lincoln penny trick

to quickly check the condition of your tire tread put a penny in the tread with Lincoln's head upside down facing you you need new tires if you can see the top of Lincoln's head

Brake system

there are two types of brakes: *disk brakes* on the front wheels, and either disk or *drum brakes* on the rear wheels power brakes and anti-lock brakes have become standard on most vehicles if the brake or anti-lock brake warning light stays on after starting the engine or when you're driving, have your vehicle serviced immediately the parking brake is mechanical and a separate rear wheel brake system properly adjust parking brakes should hold a vehicle on a hill when the parking brake is rarely used, the brake cable can get corroded and locked by using the parking brake regularly the cable stay clean and functional regular we maintain your brakes by checking the brake fluid level and having your brakes checked on an annual basis or whenever you noticed there's a problem *good brake maintenance could save your life*

tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

under-inflation is a leading cause of Tire failure starting September 2007, Federal Regulations required all new vehicles to have a TPMS uses sensors with a dashboard warning light that alerts drivers when one or more tires are significantly under-inflated

Lane departure warning

when the sensors detect a vehicle drifting from the lane, the lane departure warning will sound these systems use radar, infrared sensors, or a camera to read the lines on the road, and vehicle speed sensors to determine drifting Over The Line

electronic stability control (ESC)

with an ESC, drivers have more control during extreme steering Maneuvers or on slippery roads the sensors recognize when a vehicle starts to oversteer or understeer, then automatically apply the brake to one or more Wheels to get the vehicle back on target

satellite systems

a satellite can find a vehicle within hours, after hand free voice commands, get you emergency assistant and traffic reports, unlock your door, and give directions to a destination you can also get weather and natural disaster crisis information and be warned of natural emergencies security and anti-theft systems May reduce your insurance premium, so check with your agent before you buy anything

backup camera

a weird video camera that gives the driver a wide-angle view of much of the rear area that is usually hidden

maintaining Power Systems

all modern vehicles have an *electronic control module (ECM)*: computer located in the engine compartment that controls your engines efficiency a large number of electronic devices and sensors work with the ECM dissenters tell the TCM when to make adjustment to keep your vehicle running and it constantly test how the centers and components are operating because they must be in sync to function properly in addition to ECM, new vehicles have an onboard diagnostic system that use a standardized series of digital trouble codes to give owners and Automotive technicians quick access to identify and fix malfunctions

know the safety features

as technology improves, vehicles are becoming safer each year, with microprocessors and sensors that provide more control and protection Vehicles made before 2000 might not have improved safety features

advantages

buying a new vehicle gives you a sense of security with a written warranty for repairs or parts replacement over a given period of time financing can be up to 7 years a new vehicle has more safety features, requires less maintenance, and has more easily obtainable replacement parts when the loan is paid off, the remaining years of service can reward you with substantial savings a used or pre-owned vehicle on the other hand will have a lower purchase price and will probably be cheaper to operate used cars are typically cheaper to insure, and they won't be affected by the quick depreciation than new cars experience well maintenance used vehicle can have many years in miles of useful service

Buying a vehicle

buying a vehicle is one of the most expensive purchases a person will make in order to make the best decision about what kind of car to buy you should consider your driving needs, your budget, and the vehicle safety features and record with the ongoing awareness of the effects of driving on the environment you can buy vehicles that are environmentally friendly too

static electricity

can spark a fire or explosion so drivers need to be careful it can build up when you exit and re-enter a vehicle, especially in dry or cold conditions static electricity is also discharge when you open the fuel cover, then touch the nozzle or pump before refueling a new static charge can be picked up when you get back into the vehicle after starting to refuel you need to discharge the electricity by touching any metal surface before touching and nozzle because that's the attic charge can transfer to the nozzle and possibly cause a flash fire tips for safe refueling: if you are at self-service gas station, don't leave your vehicles fueling point do not go back into your vehicle when your refueling, regardless of whether you use the nozzles hold open latch or not if you must re-enter your vehicle while refueling, discharge the static electricity by touching a metal part on the outside of your car away from the selling point before touching and removing the gas nozzle

alternative fuels

come from resources other than petroleum and are reducing our dependence on imported oil *ethanol*: is produced domestically from corn and other crops and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuels *biodiesel*: is derived from vegetable oils and animal fats and is usually producing less air pollutant than petroleum-based diesel *natural gas*: is a fossil fuel that generates less air pollutants and greenhouse gases *propane*: also called liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and is a domestically abundant fossil fuel that generates less harmful air pollutants and greenhouse gases *Hydrogen*: can be produced domestically from fossil fuels (such as coal) nuclear power, or renewable resources, such as hydropower fuel cell Vehicles powered by pure hydrogen emit no harmful air pollutants

Fuel and emission systems

electronic direct fuel injection systems have replaced Carburetors in newer cars fuel injection systems deliver just the right amount of fuel, resulting in higher performance with lower fuel consumption to remove the burnt exhaust gas, the exhaust about opens and high pressure expels burned gas with a violent Force Through the tailpipe *catalytic Converters*: used in the exhaust system to reduce the levels of nitrogen oxide switch the sun heats into smog the emission control system is an integral part of the engine and must not be tampered with or disconnected Especially true on vehicles with computerized engine controls *Muffler*: reduces the noise from combustion sound in the engine overtime rest causes holes in a muffler will sound louder

maximize fuel efficiency

even though modern vehicles or more fuel-efficient you can take additional actions to get the best fuel efficiency for a vehicle by keeping periodic track of your gas mileage in comparing your data you will know if you're getting the most miles per gallon or if your car needs Servicing to calculate miles per gallon (MPG): fill the gas tank record the odometer reading and reset the odometer or trip meter to zero drive until you have a 1/2 full fuel tank record the number of gallons it took to refill the tank again, record the odometer or trip meter reading subtract the first odometer reading from the second to obtain miles driven divide the number of miles driven by the number of gallons of fuels you to refill the tank *the total is miles per gallon*

electrical systems

every car today contains a rechargeable 12 volt battery car battery power is everything electrical, including the engine control computer, the ignition system, the radio, and the headlights there are two types of batteries: *sealed* and *non-sealed* many do not need maintenance keep the battery cables tight and free of corrosion, especially where the terminals connect to the battery use gloves and eye protection when working on a battery as a strong acid fluid can cause severe injury if you turn the ignition key while in park or neutral and the starter makes no sound, and usually indicates a dead battery before jump-starting your vehicle or using it to jump start another vehicle, check your owner's manual some new vehicles have Specific Instructions or prohibit jump-starting so read the owner's manual carefully before attempting to jumpstart a car when connecting jumper cables directly from Battery to battery be sure that the jumper cables are connected Hue Lights not only help you see but help other see you so check your headlights, taillights on the backup lights, and turn signals often check the instrument panel to be sure the turn signal light is flashing when you activate the signal check your owner's manual for the correct replacement bulb your check engine light scan turn on because of all this malfunctioning

the cost of ownership

everything about buying a car you will need to consider how much money you have to spend (your budget) when considering your budget you must understand that real cost of owning a vehicle; the purchase price is just the beginning of your cost in addition to the purchase price you'll have the immediate cost of auto insurance, registration fees, and state vehicle stickers depending on your driving means you will also have to consider the cost of gas, oil, tires, preventive maintenance, and repairs if you take out a loan to buy the car you will have a monthly loan payment as well

lubrication and cooling systems

oil, grease, or other substances are used to lubricate moving parts to reduce damage from heat caused by friction changing oil is the key to keeping your vehicle in good running condition your owner's manual people give you a schedule when to replace the oil and check other parts that need lubrication, either by miles or time period Low oil pressure can quickly Damage your engine if the oil pressure warning light comes on while you're driving you should pull safely off the road, turn the engine off, and wait for the engine to cool replace the oil immediately low coolant levels can also cause your engine to overheat check and replace low coolant levels when the vehicle is cold don't spill coolant on the ground; if you do clean it up there early because coolant is a very toxic to animals check your owner's manual for services excessive heat can destroy engine so proper lubrication and cooling keeps your vehicle systems operating at their Peak Performance

colors indicate the type of fluid leaking

power steering fluid: check steering system (purple) Water: usually normal condensation (clear / blue) Motor oil: check the engine (black) Coolant: check the water pump, radiator, or hose (green) transmission fluid: check the transmission seals (red)

temperature

ratings A-C (A Is the highest) are an indication of a tires resistance to heat under-inflation, excessive speed, or overloading can cause more heat build-up which lead to Tire failure tires become unsafe when the tread is down to 1/16 of an inch and the wear bars are seen you can quickly determine if your tires have enough tread by looking at the built-in tread wear indicators to prolong the life of your tires have them rotated, aligned, and balanced as recommended in your owner's manual

maintaining the control systems

several different systems and components make up your vehicle's control system steering, brakes, tires, and suspension system are what give you control as well as safety and comfort

disadvantages

the minute you drive your new car off the dealership slot its value to cleanse and will continue to decline during the first few years your insurance premium will probably be higher as well taxes and vehicle registration after the loan is paid off the vehicle will have aged over that period of time a pre-owned vehicle may not have a warranty or service records replacement parts may be difficult to find in records of previous damages may be unavailable you will need to pay for a thorough inspection by a Certified mechanic a used vehicle will not have the advanced safety features offered by a used vehicle may give you the best value prepare a checklist before you start searching for a new car before you make any decision however it's best to comparison-shop the internet offers sites of information about the most fuel efficient vehicles, safety features, and which vehicles have the worst repair rates many websites provide studies and reports, and articles that cover a variety of consumer information in addition some websites for Minecraft chest and rollover ratings with a five star system and information about defects, recalls, or how to file a complaint

preventative maintenance

the vehicle consists of systems that need routine care and preventative maintenance to keep it running smoothly and efficiently a car needs day-to-day attention, as well as periodic servicing as recommended by your owner's manual the two most important systems are the *Power Systems* that create power so that your vehicle can run in the *control system* that gives you control of the brakes, steering, suspension, and tires there a different engine types and drive types, such as a rear wheel, front wheel, and all wheel drive no matter what type of engine or drive system you have, when the check engine or service engine soon warning light comes on be sure to check your owner's manual immediately and call a Certified Automotive technician