drivers ed module 9.2

Hoses, belts, and lights should be checked frequently

Hoses should be inspected for cracks or leaks. If necessary, they should be replaced immediately. Belts should be snug and in good condition. A loose or worn out belt can cause problems to many vehicle systems.

Another thing you can do is anticipate when you need to stop

Quick braking excessively wears your brakes and tires. Look ahead while you are driving so you can anticipate stops. Practice stopping smoothly and gently.

Tire Rotation:

Rotating your tires can prolong their life. Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended rotation interval and pattern (a rotation interval of 6,000 miles is generally recommended). The rotation pattern varies with different makes and models. Some vehicles have different size tires on the front and back or directional tires. This limits where the tire can be placed on a vehicle. Tire rotation also gives you a good opportunity to have the tires and wheels balanced. This is just one more step you can take to maximize your tire investment.

Changing drum brake shoes

The most common service required for drum brakes is changing the brake shoes. Some drum brakes provide an inspection hole on the back side where you can see how much material is left on the shoe.

Check your tire's pressure at least once a month with a tire gauge

This will measure pressure in pounds-per-square inch (psi). Tire gauges are available at most auto parts stores and come in three types: pen, digital, and dial. Dial gauges are considered easier to read than pen or stick designs.

During a tune-up,

you should have your spark plugs, spark distributor, distributor cap, and air filter changed.

If you buy a new car,

your costs for financing, depreciation, registration, and insurance will be higher. However, your maintenance costs will probably be lower, the dependability of the vehicle will probably be better, and the collision worthiness and fuel efficiency may be better.

Periodic or preventative maintenance of your vehicle

Periodic tune-ups reduce fuel consumption by making your vehicle run more efficiently. The money you spend on periodic maintenance can also save you large expenses due to major engine failure and breakdown.

Evaporative emissions system

is designed to trap fuel vapors from the fuel tank and fuel lines and store them in the charcoal canister. The purge valve is controlled by the engine management computer and provides engine vacuum to the canister during startup. This draws any stored fuel vapors into the engine where they are burned.

Wheel balance

is the proper distribution of weight around a revolving tire and wheel assembly.

Depreciation

the amount of value your car loses as it ages, is a significant cost in owning a vehicle. Depreciation is particularly high during the period immediately after buying a new car and for the next few years. After that, the rate of depreciation will plateau and your car's resale value becomes more dependent on its condition, mileage and specifications.

How To Check Tire Pressure

1. Remove the tire's valve cap. 2. Place the gauge over the tire's valve stem and press firmly so that no escaping air can be heard. The tire gauge will indicate how much pressure is in the tire. It is in your best interest to purchase your own high-quality pressure gauge. Gas station and convenience store gauges are sometimes damaged and inaccurate. 3. Adjust the tire's air pressure if needed. When adding air, push the air hose into the valve firmly until the air stops escaping. Check the pressure every few seconds to help judge the amount of air going into the tire until you reach the recommended air pressure. If the tire pressure is greater than it should be, use the valve on the tire gauge to press the center of the tire stem and release air. 4. Replace the valve cap. 5. Repeat the process for the other tires. Don't forget to check the spare tire.

Fuel Leaks

An incorrect fuel cap replacement could leak fuel vapors. Squeezing the fuel nozzle to get extra fuel, but it can actually harm the evaporative fuel emissions system by forcing liquid fuel into the charcoal canister. Carefully inspect under the hood for any evidence of a fuel leak. Check the fuel lines and fuel rail, the fuel pressure regulator, and around the throttle body unit. Fuel leaks are serious fire hazards and can also present other dangers. Vapor from a leak under the hood can be drawn through the fresh air intake vents at the base of the windshield and carried into the cabin through the heating/air conditioning system.

Lights

Begin by walking around the car with the headlights turned on and checking each light to make sure it is lit. Don't overlook the license, parking, and side marker lights. Next, turn off the headlights and turn on your four-way hazard lights. Then, check all four corners again. Most cars use the same bulbs for turn signals and hazard lights, so you can now also consider your turn signal bulbs checked. To be sure the turn signal light is working properly; turn the ignition to the "on" position without starting the engine. Check each turn signal (in the front and the rear) once more. Now shift the transmission to reverse. Have a helper look at the reverse lights and brake lights as you press the brake pedal.

30,000 miles or 2 years

Change spark plugs and fuel filter, check engine timing.

Monthly Check

Check fluid levels-transmission, brake, power steering; inspect windshield wiper blades, belts, hoses, and battery cables. Change oil at 3,000 miles.

Once a week

Check oil, water, windshield wiper fluid, engine coolant/antifreeze level, tire pressure and condition.

6 months or 6,000 miles

Check the brake system, clutch system. Inspect tires and may rotate tires at this point.

Changing disk brake pads

Disc brake pads usually have a piece of metal on them called a wear indicator. When the friction material has been worn away, the wear indicator will contact the disc and make a squealing sound. This squeal means you need new brake pads. There is also an inspection opening in the caliper (the device brake pads are mounted on) where you can see how much friction material is left on your brake pads.

Battery

Do it yourself maintenance but have your battery and charging system checked at least once a year. If the battery has removable vent caps, remove the caps on a monthly basis and check the level of electrolyte (a solution of sulfuric acid and water found) inside your battery. This level should rise above the top plates of the battery. If fluid is needed, add distilled water. Be sure to avoid overfilling the cells. Use distilled water, not tap water. Tap water may contain mineral deposits that reduce battery life.

The second thing you can do to save money is drive slower

Fast driving requires more fuel to get you the same distance. Obey speed limits and you will save fuel and reduce the risk to others.

The antifreeze/coolant level should be checked periodically to ensure proper levels recommended by your vehicle owner's manual

Improperly maintained levels can result in overheating in warm weather or engine freezing during winter.

15,000 miles

Inspect automatic transmission-change fluid and filter.

Fuel system

Leaks in your fuel system can cause fires or expose you to toxic gases. These leaks can occur in the fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, carburetor, and fuel injector lines, or by not having the car's gas cap securely attached. If you can smell gasoline in the cabin after filling up, the evaporative emissions system should be checked for leaks. This system includes the fuel filler cap, the opening and vent, the fuel filler tube (to the fuel tank), the fuel lines (running to and from the engine compartment), the purge valve and vacuum system, and the charcoal canister.

Have your car's alignment checked once a year

Normal wear and road conditions can take their toll on a car's steering and suspension system, possibly throwing off the alignment settings. Seek a reliable alignment shop and qualified technician who can perform a four-wheel alignment on your car.

Once a year

Service engine cooling system-this should include inspecting the radiator, water pump, fan belt, thermostat(s), radiator cap, and anti-freeze. Check accelerator control system, and lubricate doors, locks, hinges, and parking brake.

You should be aware of the condition of your steering system.

There should be no play in your steering wheel if you have power steering, and no more than two inches of play in your steering wheel if you do not have power steering. If this is not the case, you should have your vehicle checked-out by a qualified technician.

Vibrations, unusual noises from your wheels, and the vehicle pulling or swerving when stopping or turning all indicate possible problems in your suspension system, steering system, brake system, and/or wheels and tires

These problems are largely avoided by inspection and repair at regular intervals. You should also check for fluid leaks from your shocks and/or struts. If fluid is leaking, you should have them replaced.

By keeping your cooling system in good working order

This involves maintaining the level of the coolant and changing it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. You should also check for coolant leaks, cracks and deterioration in hoses and belts, and noises and leaks from your water pump. You should replace hoses and belts periodically (once every three years).

You should avoid making fast starts and stops and cornering too fast

This is not only unsafe, but this behavior also increases the cost of operating and maintaining your vehicle by wasting fuel and wearing out tires and brakes.

There are several easy ways to check tire tread depth

You can measure tread depth with a tread depth gauge. You can also use a penny to check tire wear. Tire wear bars are also used on new tires as a hands-off visual indication that a tire needs replacement.

Your vehicle's brakes are an important safety feature

Your brakes should always be inspected and maintained by a trained professional according to the manufacturer's specifications. The brake fluid level should be checked periodically. If the level is low, brake fluid should be added to maintain a full level. By not using your brakes excessively, you can extend their life and minimize the costs of brake maintenance.

The best source of maintenance information

about your car can be found in your vehicle owner's manual.

Periodic lubrication and oil changes matching manufacturer's recommendations

extend the life of your vehicle, allow you to avoid costly repairs, and prevent dangerous breakdowns. Components that require oil/fluid inspection and changes are: engine, transmission, power steering and brakes. Check your owner's manual for the schedule of lubrications and oil changes and make sure that the appropriate oil/fluid is used for each component.

Under-inflated tires

flex too much and build up heat, which can lead to blowouts or the tread separating and peeling off. Properly inflated tires are critical to vehicle control and good gas mileage.

Maintenance

helps a car keep its safety, dependability, performance, fuel economy, and emission control capabilities. Makes sense economically and prolong the life of vehicle parts.

A poorly running engine

may lose power needed for normal driving and emergencies. It may not start, get poor fuel economy, pollute the air, and could stall when you are on the road causing a traffic problem. Check the engine cooling system frequently.

Preventative maintenance

means that money is saved and breakdowns are avoided by having comprehensive inspections regularly completed. Your vehicle should be inspected by a trained professional at least twice a year.

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 if cracked.

Alternator drive belt

should be inspected often and replaced if cracked, oil soaked, glazed, badly worn, or otherwise damaged. The belt should be adjusted for proper tension following the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines. Too much tension can overload the alternator's bearings and shorten the unit's life. Too little tension may cause the belt to slip.

Proper wheel balance ensures that

the wheels do not have a heavy spot that causes vibration and premature wear of tires, struts, shocks, and other steering and suspension components. The most common signs of unbalanced tires are vibration and noise problems. When driving with an out-of-balance wheel, the wheel bounces rather than spinning smoothly. This can affect the speed, handling, and fuel consumption of your vehicle. It's a good idea to have your car's wheels balanced when rotating the tires. It's not uncommon for wheels to lose weight from time to time; so periodic balancing minimizes the impact of unbalanced wheels on your car.