AUTOMOBILE FRAME AND BODY

Air bag injury prevention

-Driver and front seat passengers should be moved as far back as practical, particularly people of short stature. It is recommended that you sit at least 10 inches away from the air bag. -Everyone should wear both lap AND shoulder belts and remove any excess slack in the belt. -Children 12 and under should ride buckled up in the rear seat.

To protect children, follow this four-step guideline:

1. Install rear-facing seats for infants aged 0 to 1 year old or up to 20 pounds in weight. 2. Install forwarding facing seats for toddlers aged 1 year to 5 years old or up to 50 pounds. 3. Install booster chairs for children up to 8 years old or up to 80 pounds in weight. 4. Provide seat belts (both lap and shoulder) for all other passengers.

ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM)

An Antilock Braking System simply keeps your base brakes?whether drum or disc?from locking up. In vehicles not equipped with ABS, the driver can manually pump the brakes to prevent wheel lockup. In vehicles equipped with ABS, the driver's foot remains firmly on the brake pedal, allowing the system to automatically pump the brakes.

safety seats

Babies up to 20 lbs. should ride in a safety seat secured to the back seat facing the rear of the car.

Brake Fluid:

Brake fluid is a special liquid used in the brake hydraulic system.

DISC BRAKES

There are two types of regular brakes used to slow your car while driving: disc brakes and drum brakes. Both types use friction to slow the wheels. On disc brakes, when you hit the brakes a piston causes the brake shoes (pads) to grip a spinning disc and slow the wheel via friction.

When Battery Low Warning Light comes on

When this light goes on or the battery gauge reads LOW, this means that the battery power is running out.

Cruise Control Indicator

When this light is on, cruise control is engaged. Remember to use cruise control only on long, uninterrupted stretches of roadway.

collision btw 2 vehicles

When two vehicles moving at the same rate of speed are involved in a collision, the vehicle that weighs less will take the greater impact; the larger and heavier the vehicle, the greater the energy and momentum. The smaller and lighter vehicle will have greater deceleration and may even be pushed in the reverse direction of travel.

Turn Signal Arrow

When you activate a turn signal, the corresponding turn signal arrow will begin to blink. Both lights will blink when your emergency flashers are on.

Brakes lock when

the vehicle is stopped and the brakes are engaged. The friction force between the tires and the road keeps the vehicle from moving. Your parking brake uses a cable rather than a hydraulic system to engage the brakes. It clamps down on the drive shaft. Therefore, your parking brake will function even when the regular brakes have failed.

air bag warning

there could be a problem with the airbags or occupant restraint system, if this light stays in or starts flashing while you're driving. See a mechanic as soon as possible

Rear lights

two white or amber colored lights in the rear of your vehicle which indicate when your car is backing up. These lights are called Backup lights.

air bag

usually a front crash that occurs at over 10 mph. To do its important job, an air bag comes out of the dashboard at up to 200 mph, faster than the blink of an eye. It takes about 10 inches of space to inflate. The force of an air bag can hurt those who are too close to it.

Tachometer

which indicates rotations in the engine in revolutions per minute (RPMs)

Speedometer

which indicates speed in both miles and kilometers per hour

Odometer

which indicates the total number of miles your car has been driven since it was manufactured

Oil gauge

which shows oil level

Fuel gauge

which shows the fuel level in your car's fuel tank

The fuel injector is supplied

with pressurized fuel by the fuel pump. When the injector is energized, an electromagnet moves a plunger that opens the valve, allowing the pressurized fuel to squirt out through a tiny nozzle.

the windshield wiper lever

found on the right of the steering wheel

DOT3 and DOT4 are

glycol-based fluids that absorb water. DOT5 is silicon-based and does not absorb water.

how far should your horn be heard

heard at a distance of 100-200 ft.

An intake manifold

is a system of passages which move the fuel mixture from the carburetor to the intake valves of the engine. Manifold design helps the engine operate efficiently.

Low-beams must be turned on when

it gets dark or in any moment of low visibility due to bad weather.

Brake lights

light up when you hit brakes to signal the drivers behind you to stop.

Trip odometer

like the odometer but can be set to 0 manually so you can calculate trip mileage and fuel consumption

Hood release

located on the left side of the driver's compartment under the instrument panel, though it is sometimes found under or just to the right of the steering column

Vehicles must be equipped with

low-beam as well as high-beam headlights., taillights, parking lights and two white or amber colored lights in the rear of your vehicle

Rear wheel ABS

prevents wheel lockup so that your car stays in a straight line. If your car has ABS control on all four wheels, you also keep steering control. If you have steering control, it is possible to avoid a collision by steering around hazards if a complete stop cannot be accomplished in time.

Myth: Seat belts

seat belts can trap you inside a car.

Oil Pressure Warning light

the engine may not be getting enough lubrication. Replace the motor oil or see a mechanic as soon as you can

The theory behind antilock brakes is simple.

A skidding wheel has less traction than a non-skidding wheel. If your brakes lock up on wet and slippery roads or during a panic stop, you lose steering control and your vehicle can spin. By keeping the wheels from skidding while you slow down, antilock brakes benefit you in two ways: You'll stop faster, and you'll be able to steer while you stop.

STEERING SYSTEM

A vehicle's steering system is made up of a steering wheel, gears, linkages, and other components. Together these parts control the direction of the vehicle's movement.

Headlights

Activate your headlights by turning the knob on the multifunction lever, and switch between low- and high-beams by pushing the lever towards you or away from you. You can also frequently find controls for the parking lights and fog lights on this lever, while the interior lights and dashboard lights are usually operated by a switch on the dashboard panel

air bags are stored

Air bags are stored in the steering wheel or dashboard and inflate during a serious crash,

Most states require

Alaska, Michigan, Nevada, Texas, Utah - lights must be turned on from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise. Other states, (e.g., Arizona, Virginia) require that lights are turned on from sunset to sunrise. Consult your state's Drivers Handbook for details.

Fact: children deaths

Car collisions are the number one preventable cause of death for children. Buckle them up in an approved safety seat. It's worth it, and the law requires that you do.

Fuel Filter:

Clean fuel is important. There are many small jets and passages in a carburetor and openings in a fuel injector that need to stay clean so your engine can function properly. To ensure this cleanliness, fuel filters are installed in the fuel line.

There are also two important things about brake fluid:

DOT3 and DOT4 remove paint. So don't spill it on your car! Also, different types of brake fluid should not be mixed. Different brake fluids can react badly with each other and corrode your brake system.

Windshield:

Damaged windshield glass can break easily in a minor collision or if something hits it. Have your windshield replaced if it's cracked. Keep the windshield and wipers clean.

Some states

Delaware, Connecticut, California- by law that if you turn on your wipers you must also turn on your lights.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electricity is distributed throughout your vehicle by various electrical circuits. It is used for lighting and operation of electrical motors and computers. It also powers your radio and your car's interior cooling, heating, and ventilating system. The automobile lighting system includes a wiring harness, lights, and control switches.

Fact: buckle up

Half of all traffic deaths happen within 25 miles of home. Don't take chances with your life or the lives of your passengers. Your chance to escape will be better if you are conscious. Buckle up every time you drive.

COOLING SYSTEM

Heat is caused by the friction of moving engine parts and the explosion of gasoline in the cylinders. This heat is then removed through the vehicle's cooling system.

Myth: children deaths

I'm only going to the store. My little brother or sister doesn't need a child's car seat—it's too much of a hassle.

Fuel Injector:

Most modern cars have fuel injectors instead of carburetors.

Taillights

Most of the states require that the taillights be visible from 500 ft. Taillights are red and are located on the back of your vehicle.

Suspension system:

If the vehicle bounces a lot after a bump or a stop or is hard to control, you may need new shocks or other suspension parts. See a mechanic.

Tires:

If the vehicle bounces, it pulls to one side, or you hear any thumping noise, have a mechanic check it. Your tire pressure should be checked often when tires are cold. Look in your car owner's manual for the right tire pressures or ask for advice at a service station.

High-Beam Indicator

If this lights is on, the high-beam headlights are engaged. Be sure to switch to low-beams if you're approaching another car on the road.

SUSPENSION SYSTEM

In automobiles, the frame, body, engine, and power train are suspended above the wheels by a system of springs. This spring system (called the suspension) lessens the jarring caused by road irregularities. The suspension must also keep the wheels in close contact with the road surface at all times.

Trunk release

In some vehicles, you must use a lever found on the floor to the left of the driver's seat to open the trunk; in others, the release mechanism is a button located in the glove box or in a central compartment to the right of the driver's seat. There is also a trunk release button on the key fobs of most modern cars.

What keeps you from stopping in a blink of an eye and avoiding a crash?

Inertia—one of the laws of physics.

Fact: seat belts

It actually takes less than a second to take off a seat belt. This type of scare tactic often describes a car that caught fire or drove into water. A seat belt may keep you from being knocked out.

Turn Signal Left

Lever down

Turn Signal Right

Lever up

DRUM BRAKES

Like the disc brake, the drum brake has two brake shoes and a piston. When you hit the brake pedal, the piston pushes the brake shoes against the drum.

Braking system:

Only your brakes can stop your vehicle. It is very dangerous if they are not working. If you feel your car pull to one side when you stop, hear an unusual noise, or the brake pedal goes to the floor, have a mechanic check the brakes.

Parking lights

Parking lights are located at the front and back of your vehicles; they are white or amber in the front and red on the back. All of them must be visible for 500 ft. It is never legal to drive with your parking lights on; they are only to be used during parking

Temperature Warning Light/Gauge comes on while driving

STOP as soon as you can at a safe place and shut the engine off. NEVER REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP TO CHECK THE COOLANT LEVEL WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT. The coolant is at boiling temperature and under pressure. If the cap is released, the hot coolant will release with pressure and can cause severe burns if you are standing too close.

Myth: buckle up

Seat belts are good on long trips, but I don't need them if I'm driving around town.

Myth: car collision

Some people are thrown clear in a collision and walk away with hardly a scratch.

booster seats

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends keeping children in booster seats until age eight, or unless the child is at least 4'9" tall.

Alternator:

The alternator generates power for the vehicle systems and charges the battery while your vehicle's engine is running.

Battery:

The battery is your vehicle's primary source of electrical power. When the ignition switch is turned, the power from the battery turns the starter motor. This fires the engine and brings your vehicle to life.

BODY

The body shell of your car is made of large steel sections which protect the occupants from collisions and elements outside the car. It also provides solid mounts for all other systems and is able to cut through the air with minimal resistance.

Carburetor:

The carburetor meters the mixture of fuel vapor and air in an internal-combustion engine and sends this mixture to your engine's cylinders.

ENGINE

The engine produces the drive power that propels a vehicle forward or backwards.

FRAME

The frame is the most important part of any vehicle. It provides a firm structure for the body and a solid anchor point for the suspension system. Frames are made to be rigid and this keeps all the other parts of the car in alignment.

Fuel Pump:

The fuel pump has three functions. Most importantly, it delivers fuel to the engine. It also keeps the fuel from boiling by maintaining the pressure in the fuel line and it prevents vapor lock.

How the cooling system works:

The heat is absorbed by a coolant (a mixture of water and chemicals) flowing through passages inside the engine. This coolant protects the cooling system from corrosion, lubricates the water pump, and prevents freezing. A water pump circulates the coolant through the hoses within the cooling system while the engine is running.

force of impact

The laws of physics determine that the force of impact increases with the square of the increase in speed. So, if you double the speed of a car, you increase its force of impact four times. If you triple the speed, the impact is nine times as great.

Wiper Fluid Warning

The light comes on when your windshield wiper fluid is low. Replenish the fluid as soon as possible to make sure you can keep your windshield clean.

ABS Warning

The light indicates that there's a problem with the antilock braking system. While you should still have standard braking capabilities, have the system checked as soon as possible.

Radiator:

The radiator, which stores the coolant, is responsible for reducing heat in the coolant. The radiator is cooled by air that flows through when the vehicle is in motion and by the radiator fan(s). Most radiators have a recovery tank that captures coolant as it expands (because of heat) and returns it to the radiator when cooled.

The U.S. Department of Transportation issues specifications for brake fluid.

The three main types of brake fluid now available are: DOT3, DOT4, and DOT5.

Engine Configurations

There are many engine configurations available in today's market. The most common are 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder, and 8-cylinder engines.

Inertia causes

This force can be your own action of applying a brake, the conditions of the road, an object on the road like fallen tree or, if the driver isn't paying enough attention, even another vehicle

Stability and Traction Control

This light come on when there's a problem with the vehicle's stability/traction control systems. While you should be able to drive, your car will be less safe until it's checked.

Fasten Seat Belt Light

This light functions as a reminder to fasten your seat belt. In some cars, this light will activate if either the driver's or the front passenger's belt is unbuckled.

Temperature Warning Light/Gauge:

This light goes on when the engine temperature or the radiator's coolant is too hot. In some vehicles, a gauge is used that would show the needle in the warning zone of HOT.

Door Open Light

This light indicates that a door or the hood or trunk of the car is open. If it comes on while you're driving, pull over and make sure all doors are securely closed.

Check Engine Light

This light indicates there is a problem with the engine. If it comes on, pull over to a safe spot and turn off the engine. Have a mechanic inspect your car as soon as possible

Parking Brake Light

This light will come on when the parking brake (emergency brake) is engaged. This light should be off when you start driving and it should be on before you shut down your car.

High beams

located at the front of your vehicle and have a higher luminosity that covers greater distance. High-beams are to be used in times of very low visibility. However, you are not to use high-beams in fog, for they will only reflect the dampened air and blind other drivers.

Fact: car collision

Your chances of surviving a collision are five times as good if you stay inside the car. A seat belt can keep you from being thrown out into the path of another car.

BRAKE SYSTEM

Your vehicle comes with two independent braking systems: the regular brakes and the parking brake (also known as the emergency brake). Regular brakes slow your vehicle while you are driving. The parking brake can also be used to slow your vehicle in an emergency, but it is mainly used to hold your vehicle in one place while stopped or parked.

Many cars have

drum brakes on the rear wheels and disc brakes on the front. You must refer to your owner's manual if you are not sure what type(s) of brakes are on your vehicle.

Head rest position

ear level

when the Oil Pressure Warning Light turns on

engine oil is not circulating at the required pressure. Some vehicles have an oil pressure gauge that reads LOW when the engine's oil pressure is too low. If you see an oil pressure warning while driving, STOP immediately at a safe place and turn off the engine.

Brake fluid transmits

force to various parts of the braking system when you step on the brake pedal.

FUEL SYSTEM

Your vehicle's fuel system delivers fuel and air to the engine.

Gas is stored in

a fuel tank, usually located near the rear wheels of the vehicle. The fuel pump sends gas from the fuel tank through the fuel line and fuel filter to the carburetor or fuel injector. The air is brought through the air filter and the intake manifold.

The flow of coolant is controlled by

a heat-sensing valve called a thermostat which allows your engine to quickly heat up to proper running temperature.

The ABS engages when

a wheel speed sensor detects impending wheel lock-up and prevents skidding during emergency braking. When the ABS engages, your car will feel a slight "shuddering"?resist the impulse to take your foot off of the brake when this happens. The ABS is working, and your job is to steer.

High-beams are to be turned off when

another vehicle is in front of you or approaching on the opposite side of the road.

Warning lights

are provided on your car's instrument panel. They light up to indicate a problem.

Seat adjustments

found at the lower front or right side of the driver's seat