CHAPTER 8 DRIVERS ED
Tips For Using Child Safety Seats
Babies up to 20 pounds and around age 1 must ride in a safety seat secured to the backseat facing the rear of the car. Children over 20 pounds and over age 1 must ride in the child safety seat placed on the back seat. The seat may face the front of the vehicle. Children between 40 and 60 pounds may be restrained in booster seats instead of the safety seat.
Brake Lights
Brake lights must be placed on the rear of the vehicle. Where more than one brake light is required, at least one brake light should be placed on each side of the rear. Brake lights must be constructed and located on a vehicle so as to signal the intent to stop to others. Every vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with two stop lamps, red or yellow in color, visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear both during normal sunlight and at night.
Reverse Lights
The purpose of backup lights is to help avoid collisions when backing up at night, both by improving your visibility and alerting others to the fact that you're backing up or about to back up. Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with one or more backup lamps. Backup lamps shall be so directed as to project a white light illuminating the highway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance not to exceed 75 feet.
Child Safety Seats
Always put children in the back seat when possible, even if there is no airbag. Children sitting in the front seat with an airbag could be severely injured by the airbag. Even when kids get older, riding in the back seat is safer. If a child must ride in the front seat, an airbag on/off switch is essential. Children 60 pounds or less or 6 years of age or younger must be restrained in a child passenger restraint system while traveling in a vehicle. Violations of the new law will bring fines of $100 for a first offense and $250 thereafter. Furthermore, the child restraint device should be secured in the rear seat of the vehicle. The law requires that a child who is required to be secured in a child safety seat (under 6 years or under 60 pounds) be secured in the rear seat of the vehicle.
Power Train
A vehicle's powertrain consists of the components that generate and transmit power to the wheels. In a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the powertrain has the following components: - The engine generates force. - The transmission gears adjust the engine's RPM to control the force being transmitted. - The clutch (automatic or manual) disengages the transmission from the engine and allows you to change gears. - The drive shaft transmits forces from the transmission to the components at the rear of the vehicle. - The differential allows the back wheels to turn at different speeds to maintain traction. - The axle transmits the force from the differential to the rear wheels. In a front-wheel drive vehicle, power is transmitted from the engine through a combination transmission-differential and then directly to the front wheels. In a four-wheel drive vehicle, the power is transmitted from the transmission to a transfer case, which can transmit power to only the rear wheels or to both the rear and front wheels
Steering
A vehicle's steering wheel is attached to a steering column or shaft that terminates in the steering box. Inside the steering box, the column's turning motion is translated into a lateral motion and passed to the wheels through a series of components that include the ball joints, steering arm, and steering knuckle. In power steering systems, turning the steering wheel triggers a hydraulic system that amplifies the forces necessary to rotate and move the linkages leading to the wheels. When you turn the steering wheel in a power steering system, hydraulic fluid is compressed inside a hydraulic cylinder and transmitted to a piston. This amplifies the force, making it easier to turn the wheels. For the hydraulic system to operate, the engine must be running.
Wheel Alignment
A wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they're perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. The purpose of these adjustments is to maximize tire life through a vehicle that tracks straight and true when driving along a straight, level road. Proper wheel alignment reduces tire wear, improves fuel economy and handling, and increases driving enjoyment and safety. Have your car's alignment checked once a year. Normal wear and road conditions can take their toll on the car's steering and suspension system, possibly throwing the alignment settings out of specifications. Some common symptoms indicating the need for an alignment include uneven tire tread wear, pulling to one side, wandering, and an off-center steering wheel.
Exhaust
After gas is exploded in the cylinders of the engine, it's released into one or more exhaust manifolds. The manifolds collect spent gases from all the cylinders into one stream. The gases are passed through a catalytic converter that chemically reduces the number of harmful pollutants. The exhaust pipes then pass the gases through a muffler and resonator, which reduce the noise from the explosion of gas in the engine. From here, the tailpipe vents the hot gases away from the vehicle so they don't collect underneath it.
Airbags
Airbags, combined with lap/shoulder seat belts, offer the best protection for passengers. Airbags provide protection beyond that provided by the seat belt. Airbags work best and afford maximum protection when used together with seat belts. Seat belts protect you in all crash situations. Airbags, on the other hand, are designed to provide extra protection only in frontal crash situations because people are far more likely to die in a frontal crash than in any other type. Crash sensors trigger airbag deployment when your vehicle experiences a significant frontal or near-frontal impact. This causes the solid chemicals within the module to convert to harmless nitrogen gas in a chemical reaction. The expanding gas fills the bag, which opens the cover on the steering wheel hub or the dashboard. When fully expanded, the bag absorbs the forces that the body would normally absorb in the crash. The airbag protects the head and upper body from striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. Most airbag deaths have involved people who weren't using belts, were using them incorrectly, or were positioned improperly. For the maximum airbag protection, sit back at least 10 inches from the steering wheel and dashboard. Wear your seat belt properly. If your steering wheel tilts, direct it toward your chest, not your head. If you are pregnant, place the lap belt low on your abdomen with the shoulder portion over the collarbone.
Exhaust System
Breakdowns and costly repairs can be avoided by keeping the exhaust system in good working order. Changing noise levels, smelling an abnormal amount of fumes, and rattling underneath your vehicle indicate problems with the exhaust system. The exhaust system should be inspected for leaks and secure attachment along with other regular maintenance. It is illegal to modify your exhaust system to increase the noise level of your vehicle or install a bypass device. Your exhaust system should not have leaks that increase the noise level. Leaks in the exhaust system are dangerous because they expose occupants to carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.
Turn Signals
California law requires the following standards for turn signals: - Turn signal lamps - Any turn signal system used to give a signal of intention to turn right or left shall project a flashing white or amber light visible to the front and a red flashing or amber light to the rear. - Turn signal system required - Whenever any motor vehicle is towing a trailer coach or a camp trailer, the combination of vehicles shall be equipped with a lamp-type turn signal system. - Turn signal system - Any vehicle may be equipped with a lamp-type turn signal system capable of clearly indicating any intention to turn either to the right or to the left. - Visibility requirement of signals - A lamp-type turn signal shall be plainly visible and understandable in normal sunlight and at nighttime from a distance of at least 300 feet to the front and rear of the vehicle, except that turn signal lamps on vehicles of size required to be equipped with clearance lamps shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet during such times.
Brakes
Failure or degraded performance of your brakes can lead to accidents. Your brakes should be inspected and maintained according to manufacturer's specifications. Maintain a full level of brake fluid. Regularly check the level. Periodically change the brake fluid according to the recommendations of your vehicle's manufacturer. Only use the recommended weight of brake fluid. The level of brake fluid in the master brake cylinder should be checked every time the engine is serviced. Brake linings should be checked twice a year and replaced as indicated by inspection. Also, an inspection must be done on rubber hoses, lines, fittings, and hydraulic cylinders for leaks. If the brakes squeak, fade, or pull unevenly, they should be checked right away.
Fuel System
Fuel and air are delivered to the engine through several components. The fuel pump sends fuel from the tank through a fuel line and filter to a carburetor or fuel injection system. The carburetor or fuel injection system delivers the proper mix of air and gas to the cylinders in the engine, and air is delivered by an intake manifold after it passes through an air filter
Electrical System
If the electrolyte in your battery can be refilled, it should be checked and refilled with distilled water as part of regular maintenance on your vehicle to keep the battery functioning. Electrolyte fluid is corrosive and can severely injure your eyes. Batteries generate hydrogen gas, which can explode when the battery caps are removed. If your alternator belt is slipping or breaks, the battery will discharge, lights and other accessories may not work, and the vehicle will eventually stall. The belt tension should be maintained according to manufacturer specifications for the alternator to perform correctly and to prolong the life of the belt. Cracked belts should be replaced. Exterior lights should be regularly checked for burned-out bulbs that may not be obvious from inside the vehicle. It's illegal to drive with headlights that aren't properly adjusted. Interior lights are necessary to see displays and must be maintained in proper working order. Be sure that your windshield wiper motor is working and that the linkages to the wipers are functioning. Don't wait until you're in a storm to discover that the wipers don't work. Change wipers blades annually.
Safety Aids, Emergency Tools, And Equipment
It's important to keep the following in your vehicle: - Flares - First-aid kit - Fire extinguisher - Basic tools - Flashlight - Tire chains When driving in desolate areas, be prepared to deal with being stranded by having water, food, and warm clothing available to you.
Cooling System
Keep your cooling system in good working order. This means maintaining the right level of coolant and changing it according to manufacturer's recommendations. Check for coolant leaks, cracks, deterioration in hoses and belts, and noises or leaks from your water pump bearing. Replace the hoses and belts once every three years. Be aware of abrupt changes or trends in your engine temperature as indicated by the temperature gauge. These signal developing problems. Check the condition of the fan belt before taking longer trips and keep a spare fan belt in your vehicle.
Fuel System pt 2
Leaks in the fuel system can cause fires and expose passengers to toxic gases. The leaks can occur in the fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, carburetor, fuel injector lines, and gas cap. Make sure the fuel tank is secure and the cap is always in place and in good condition. If you smell gas, immediately stop the car, turn off the engine, and determine the problem. The fuel system should be checked for leaks as part of regular maintenance.
Parking Lights
Lighted parking lamps: No vehicle shall be driven at any time with the parking lamps lighted, except when the lamps are being used as turn signal lamps or when the headlamps are also lighted. Lamps on parked vehicles: No lights need to be displayed on a vehicle which is: - Parked off the roadway and not in a hazardous position on the highway - Parked with a wheel within 18 inches of a curb - Parked within a business or residence district with a wheel within 18 inches of a curb or edge of the roadway
Windshields And Mirrors
Maintaining good visibility requires that you keep windshields and mirrors clean and free from obstructions. If your windshield is cracked and obstructs your view or that of your passenger, you won't be allowed to take your driving test. You must not carry objects, inside or outside, which obscure your view. You must have mirrors that provide a view for at least 200 feet to the rear of your vehicle. Two mirrors are required on all vehicles. A right side mirror is required as is either a rear-view or left side mirror. You should properly adjust your mirrors before starting to drive, to avoid being distracted while attempting to adjust them during driving. Over time, windshield wipers lose their ability to effectively clean your windshield. They crack, lose their flexibility, become dirty, and get out of adjustment. Replace them annually each fall. Temperature and humidity conditions may change rapidly, causing frost and condensation to form on the windshield. It is important to keep the defroster in good operating condition.
Lubrications And Oil Changes
Periodic lubrication and oil changes according to manufacturer's recommendations extend the life of your vehicle, allow you to avoid costly repairs, and prevent breakdowns. The weight of oil that you choose for your engine (e.g., 10w-30 or 20w-50) depends on the manufacturer's recommendations, the outside temperature, and the age of your vehicle. Make sure to choose the right weight of oil for your vehicle. Your vehicle requires more fluids than just in the engine. Your transmission, differential, and power steering (if equipped) also use fluids that need to be periodically checked and changed. Make sure to use the right type of fluid for each.
Engine And Transmission
Periodic tune-ups and transmission servicing according to manufacturer's specifications extend the life of your vehicle, prevent the need for costly repairs, and prevent dangerous breakdowns. During a tune-up, you should have your spark plugs, spark distributor, distributor cap, and air filter changed. The timing of your vehicle should be check and adjusted, and your points should be changed (if your vehicle has them).
Lighting, Heat, And Ventilation
Regularly inspect your lighting, heat, and ventilation controls. Malfunctions can lead to accidents by impairing your visibility and preventing you from being seen by others.
Safety Belts
Seat belts and shoulder straps keep your body from hitting the steering wheel, windshield, or other portions of the interior of your car in the event of a crash. Safety belts are also effective in preventing total ejection from a car in a crash. Unrestrained occupants of a car keep moving during the time the car takes to stop due to inertia. When hit from behind, inertia can cause a person's neck to bend backward, which can result in whiplash. Occupants continue moving forward at their original speed when they slam into the steering wheel, windshield, or other part of the car. This force is equivalent to hitting the ground after falling from a three-story building. About one person in three will be injured or killed in a traffic accident, and being ejected from a vehicle is one of the most injurious events that can happen to a person in a crash. In fatal crashes, 73% of passenger vehicle occupants who were totally ejected from the vehicle were killed. To be effective, seat belts must be worn properly. The shoulder belt should be snug against your body. You should never wear the shoulder belt under your arm or wear a twisted safety belt. Finally, you should never be reclined in your seat when moving. However, pregnant women should wear lap belts as low as possible under the abdomen and the shoulder strap should be worn between the breasts and the side of the abdomen's bulge. The use of safety belts is required by law if the vehicle is equipped with them. You and your passengers must wear a safety belt while the vehicle is moving. If not, you or your passenger (if age 16 or older) may be given a traffic citation for not wearing a safety belt. A seat belt is required for each person who is age 6 or older and weighs over 60 pounds. If a child is under 6 years of age, or over 6 years of age but under 60 pounds, the driver, parent, or legal guardian, if present, must put the child in an approved safety seat. Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death or injury to children under five years of age. An adult's arms are simply not strong enough to hold onto a child during a collision. The forces of a collision are too strong and the weight of the adult can crush the child. Because children are small, they may not benefit from built-in safety features inside the vehicle. The back seat is generally the safest place in a vehicle for all children 12 years of age or younger.
Safety Belts Are Required For Passengers In Pickup Beds
Seat belts are required for persons riding in the beds of pickup trucks. Otherwise, it is illegal to ride in the bed of an open pickup truck
Shock Absorbers/Struts
Shock absorbers and strut assemblies are important components of the vehicle's steering and suspension system. They help keep the tires in contact with the road for a smooth, safe ride. Shock absorbers limit the rebounding effect of the springs in the suspension. Struts are components that combine a spring and shock absorber into a single unit. Check for fluid leaks around the shock. Some shocks are filled with oil and a visible fluid leak can be detected. Excessive bumpy ride, leaning, or swaying in one direction more than normal on brake application or around turns can also indicate worn or damaged shocks.
Taillights
Taillights are red lights mounted on the rear of a vehicle. They must be visible for 500 feet to the rear and must be wired so as to be lighted whenever the headlights or auxiliary lights are engaged.
Use Of Brakes
The Vehicle Code specifies required braking distances for vehicles. These standards differ for different sizes and weights of vehicles, and these distances will be greater for larger, heavier vehicles. You should apply your brakes smoothly to avoid a locked-wheel skid. Anticipate when you'll need to stop so you can do so gradually. Gradual braking minimizes the likelihood of being rear-ended, saves gas, and avoids unnecessary wear on your brakes. A panel indicator showing "ABS" means that a vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system. If you have an anti-lock braking system, you should keep constant pressure on the brake pedal while making an emergency stop. If you don't have an anti-lock braking system, you should use threshold braking. Threshold braking means that you apply and release pressure on your brake pedal in small increments at the skidding threshold.
Electrical
The battery is the vehicle's primary source of electrical power. When you turn the ignition to start the car, electricity closes another switch called a solenoid. The solenoid transmits a large amount of current needed to turn the starter motor. Once the engine is running, power is generated by the alternator, keeping the battery charged. The voltage regulator controls the amount of electricity generated. The distributor and coil generate and deliver the electricity needed by the spark plugs. Electricity is distributed throughout the vehicle by various electrical circuits used for the lighting system; operating the electrical motors, computers, and the radio; and for interior cooling, heating, and ventilation systems. Fuses disable circuits that are drawing too much current, preventing fires, and protecting the components that the circuit serves.
Smog Control Devices
The law requires (in most cases) that you have an emission test every two years, at the time of registration, or at time of sale. It is a good idea to have your smog control components checked at the time of a tune-up. Make sure that smog control devices are intact and connected properly.
CHAPTER 8 REVIEW
The major components of a car include: - Frame and body - Engine - Steering systems - Suspension - Electrical systems - Fuel systems - Powertrain - Exhaust - Cooling - Braking - Instrument Panel An automobile is a complex machine which requires proper maintenance for safe use. The first step in learning how to drive is to learn where the instruments of your car are located and know how they operate. Driving intelligently and cautiously can help you protect others, the environment, and your wallet. When you get into any car you should familiarize yourself with the automobile by adjusting your mirrors, checking each blinker, knowing how to turn the lights on, knowing where the windshield wiper lever is located, etc. Check your tires for proper tire pressure, get routine oil changes, as well as make sure your automobile has enough coolant.
Tires
The minimum legal tread depth for tires is: - 1/32 of an inch for most passenger vehicles - 4/32 of an inch for buses and most trucks and trailers - 6/32 of an inch for snow tires To avoid skidding, blowouts, and unsafe handling, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your vehicle when selecting tires. Similarly, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for tire pressure. Either over- or under-inflating tires reduces traction, increases the likelihood of skidding, degrades the handling, and leads to rapid tire wear. Furthermore, failing to keep the wheels balanced and the suspension system properly aligned can lead to extremely rapid tire wear and may result in a blow-out. Worn components in the suspension and steering systems of your vehicle can cause you to lose control of your vehicle as well as cause rapid tire wear. Peeling out or spinning your tires on fast starts creates poor acceleration, causes excessive tire wear, leads to a citation for "exhibition of speed," and wastes fuel. Similarly, cornering at high speeds is dangerous, reduces safety margin for emergency maneuvers, and causes excessive tire wear. The purpose of rotating tires is to prolong the tire's life. Rotation should be done according to the intervals and procedures recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
Gauges And Instruments
The speedometer, high-beam indicator, turn signal indicator, gear shift position indicator, oil pressure gauge, ammeter, fuel gauge, and engine temperature indicator must all be in good working condition. If a gauge isn't working or doesn't appear to be providing correct information, it should be immediately repaired or replaced. The failure of instruments and panel indicators can lead to incorrect decisions on your part, which can cause an accident, a breakdown, being stranded, and avoidable damage to your engine and other components.
Cooling
The vehicle's cooling system removes the heat caused by the friction of moving engine parts and the explosion of gasoline in the cylinders. Your vehicle's cooling system is composed of a radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, an overflow tank, water, and coolant, as well as a series of belts, clamps, and hoses that connect it all together and make it run. The system directs fluid past the hottest parts of the engine, redirects the fluid to the radiator where the heat collected from the cylinder heads gets dissipated into the cooler atmosphere. Then the whole process begins again. Heat is absorbed by coolant flowing through passages inside the engine. The coolant is stored in the radiator, which transfers the heat from the coolant to the outside environment (air) while it is being circulated by the water pump. The radiator is cooled by air flowing through it as you drive as well as by the radiator fan. The fluid within your car's cooling system contains both water and coolant. The coolant consists of a green fluid containing ethylene glycol, also known as antifreeze. This chemical extends the freezing and boiling points of water, making it ideal for use in automotive radiators. It also inhibits rust. For most climates, a minimum 50-50 mix of coolant to water is recommended. If the cooling system holds two gallons of fluid, for example, it should include at least one gallon of coolant. For more severe climates, you can increase this percentage to about 70%, at which point the benefit stops. Most radiators have a recovery tank that captures coolant as it expands due to being heated and returns it to the radiator once it cools. This allows the engine to quickly heat up to proper running temperature. The flow of coolant is controlled by a heat-sensing valve called a thermostat.
A child is allowed to be secured in the front seat of the vehicle if:
There is no rear seat. The rear seats are side-facing jump seats. The rear seats are rear-facing seats. The restraint system can't be installed properly in the rear seat. All rear seats are occupied by children under the age of 12 years. Medical reasons necessitate that the child not ride in the rear.
Tires pt 2
Tires should be frequently inspected for proper inflation pressure, tread depth, uneven wear, and cracks. They should be replaced when tread depth is low or they are cracked. If your tires show uneven wear, you should check inflation pressure and/or wheel balance and alignment. Correct these problems early, or you may be forced to purchase new tires.
Steering System
To avoid breakdowns, accidents, and costly repairs, take care of your steering system. There should be no play in your steering wheel if you have power steering, and no more than 2 inches of play in your steering wheel if you don't have power steering. If this isn't the case, have your vehicle checked by a technician. Vibrations, unusual noises from the wheels, and pulling or swerving when you stop or turn all indicate possible problems in the suspension system, steering system, brake system, and/or wheels and tires. These problems can be avoided through regular inspections and repairs.
LIGHTING
Vehicle Codes specify the required brightness, number, color, positioning of lights on a vehicle, and the distance ahead and behind that may be illuminated. It is important that your tail, brake, head, and turn lights be in good working order. High beams are used in open country when there are few other cars on the road or dark city streets with no other traffic. High beams can blind other drivers, so it's important to be considerate. Low beams are used at all other times, including while driving in fog, rain, or heavy snow. Taillights warn you that vehicles are ahead of you, while brake lights warn you that the vehicle is slowing down or stopped. Reverse lights, turn signals, and emergency flashers similarly warn other drivers about the various maneuvers a vehicle might be taking.
Horn
Vehicles are required to have a functioning horn or similar audible warning device. While the noise level of your horn must not be excessive, it must be audible under normal driving conditions for at least 200 feet from your vehicle. It is appropriate to sound your horn to avoid accidents by alerting other drivers to your presence, to warn oncoming traffic on blind curves and on narrow mountain roads when you can't see 200 feet ahead while driving as far right as possible. It isn't appropriate to sound your horn for any reason other than to help avoid an accident.
Braking
Vehicles have two independent braking systems: the service brakes and the parking brake, which is also referred to as the emergency brake. The service brakes are used to slow the vehicle while you're driving. The parking brake can be used to slow a vehicle in an emergency, but it is mainly used to hold a vehicle in place when the vehicle is parked. When you press the brake pedal of your vehicle, a piston in the master cylinder forces the brake fluid through the hydraulic lines. The fluid is forced to pistons in the wheel cylinders at the wheels, where additional pistons provide the force to apply your brakes. Hydraulic fluid is stored in a brake fluid reservoir normally located in the engine compartment. There are two types of service brakes: - Drum brakes slow your car down by the friction created when the brake shoe pushes against the drum that is rotating with the wheel. - Disc brakes slow your car down by the friction of the caliper being pressed against a disc that is rotating with the wheel. Both drum and disk brakes convert friction force to heat. If the brakes get too hot, they stop working because they can't dissipate enough heat. For both types of brakes, stopping distance time is roughly proportional to the square of your speed. If you double your speed, the distance required to stop your car increases 4x. When you're stopped and apply your brakes, they lock. It is the friction force between the tires and the road that keeps you from moving. Your parking brake uses a cable rather than a hydraulic system to engage your brakes or clamp down on your drive shaft and will, therefore, function even if your service brakes have failed. Brakes only slow the car down while there is friction between the moving parts of the brakes. If the wheels are locked, as in a skid, the drums or discs don't move and there will be no friction. The purpose of anti-lock brake systems is to prevent the brakes from becoming locked by sensing if they are locked, then automatically releasing them and applying pressure. If you don't have anti-lock brakes, you can avoid your brakes locking up by manually and rapidly releasing and reapplying pressure to your brake pedal ("pumping the brakes").
Engine
When you start your vehicle, power from the battery triggers a small electric motor called the starter motor. The starter motor turns the flywheel and crankshaft of the engine so that the engine can attain sufficient momentum and speed to start and run on its own. The crankshaft is inside the engine and supplies power to the remainder of the powertrain. The crankshaft is connected by connecting rods to pistons inside cylinders. Exploding gas inside the cylinders drives the pistons up and down and turns the crankshaft through the connecting rods. Inside the cylinders, a mixture of gas and air is compressed. The spark plug ignites this mixture, causing it to explode. The mixture of air and gas is delivered to the cylinders by either a carburetor or a fuel injection system. The moving parts of your engine must be lubricated. The oil that accumulates in the engine's oil pan is pumped by the oil pump through an oil filter and tubes to reach the moving parts that need lubrication.
Emergency Flashers / Hazard Lights
You can use your hazard warning light flashers when your car breaks down on or near the roadway to warn traffic that an accident or dangerous condition exists ahead. If emergency flashers aren't available, you can tap your brake pedal so as to flash your brake lights to warn drivers behind you of a hazard ahead.
Hours Of Use
You must use your lights when it is dark. Turn your headlights on 30 minutes after the sunset and leave them on 30 minutes before sunrise.
Instrumental Panel
You should be familiar with all the controls in your vehicle. This will help you avoid searching for a control while driving and possibly being distracted. Certain gauges and lights are more important than others. An easy way to remember the most important gauges and lights is "boil, oil, coil." Boil happens when the warning light is on or the gauge moves into the red, it means the temperature of the engine coolant is too high and the engine will soon overheat. The proper response to this situation is to pull over and turn the engine off, allowing it to cool down. Oil refers to the oil gauge or warning light that signifies when the oil level in the crankcase is low. Oil is a lubricant that reduces friction between the metal parts inside the engine. Without it, the metal parts would create so much friction that eventually the parts would expand and be unable to move freely. This would cause permanent damage to the engine. Coil relates to the battery or alternator light or voltage gauge. If trouble is indicated, it means that the battery isn't charging. This is the least urgent of the three warnings. The problem will eventually bring things to a stop, but it doesn't require immediate or emergency attention.
Proper Loading
You should never drive a vehicle that's been loaded so your vision is obstructed and you can't see ahead or to the sides of the vehicle, or in such a way that your ability to stop or safely maneuver at highway speeds is impaired. You may not carry objects on a passenger vehicle that: - Extend beyond the fender line on the left side - Extend more than six inches beyond the fender line on the right side - Extend more than four feet from the rear of the vehicle, unless during the day you have attached a 12-inch red or fluorescent orange flag or during the night have attached two red lights - If you're towing a trailer or another vehicle, it must also have its own tail-, brake-, and turn lights that function simultaneously with those of your vehicle.
Signaling And Dimming Distances
You should signal during the last 100 feet before turning. However, on a freeway, you should signal for at least five seconds before changing lanes. You should dim your high beams when an oncoming vehicle gets within 500 feet. Change to low beams when you get closer than 300 feet of a vehicle ahead of you.
High/Low Beams
You should use your headlights under the following circumstances: - When it is cloudy, raining, snowing, or foggy - On frosty mornings when the windshield is iced over or fogged up - On country or mountain roads to make it easier for other drivers to see you - When you don't have enough light to see at least 1000 feet - When doing so would help you see and be seen better - During darkness You should use your high-beam headlights whenever you're having trouble seeing with normal headlights, except when it's raining, foggy, or snowing, or in situations where other drivers might be blinded.
Suspension
Your vehicle's suspension system connects the wheels to the frame and body. The suspension system keeps the movement of the wheels from being transmitted fully to the body, allowing the driver to maintain control of the car during turns, through potholes, and over rough roads. It also makes riding in the car more comfortable. The up and down movement of the wheels is absorbed by the springs in the suspension system. The shock absorbers keep the springs from continuing to bounce. Suspension systems come in different designs involving a variety of linkages, struts, joints, torsion bars, etc.
