Module 9

Types of Air bags:

1. Frontal air bags inflate to prevent vehicle occupants from hitting the interior of the vehicle in moderate to severe head-on collisions. 2. Side air bags inflate to protect your head and/or chest when your vehicle is hit from the side. There are of three main types of side air bags: chest, head, and head/chest combination. Side air bags are designed to protect your head and/or chest in a severe side-impact collision. Unlike frontal air bags, some of the side curtain air bags may stay inflated for several seconds during a collision to provide additional protection in case your car rolls over.

Your hazard lights warn other drivers of an emergency situation you may be encountering.

All four turn signal lights turn on when you activate the hazard lights

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles lists the following requirements for lighting on vehicles:

All vehicles must have at least one white light in front that is visible from at least 1,000 ft away. All vehicles must have two red lights at the rear that are visible from at least 1,000 ft away, or one red light at the rear visible from 1,000 ft and two red reflectors visible from 600 to 1,000 ft.

Engine Coolant Reserve Tank

Check the coolant reservoir to make sure there is enough coolant to keep your car from overheating. The coolant level should be between the lines marked Full and Low when the engine is cold.

According to the Florida Driver Handbook, the only exceptions to the seat belt law are:

Any person certified by a physician as having a medical condition that makes seat belt use inappropriate or dangerous Drivers delivering newspapers School buses Buses used for transportation of persons for compensation Farm equipment Trucks with a net weight of more than 26,000 pounds Motorcycle, moped, or bicycle operations

Checking your vehicle's lights is a simple process.

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. Now shift the transmission to reverse. Have a helper look at the reverse lights and brake lights as you press the brake pedal.

Brake Fluid Reservoir

Brake fluid ensures you can stop your car when necessary. When you need to replace the brake fluid, be sure to use only the kind specified by the car's manufacturer.

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.

Myth: Airbags cause more harm than good.

Fact: Although some deaths have been attributed to airbags, collision statistics show that the death rate in vehicles equipped with airbags is 23 to 24% lower than in comparable vehicles equipped with only seat belts.

Myth: Airbags are always safe.

Fact: The force of an airbag deploying at 200 mph can cause serious injuries and even death if the occupant is sitting less than 10 inches from the steering wheel or dashboard.

The brake fluid level should be checked periodically.

If the level is low, brake fluid should be added to maintain a full level. Your brakes are your lifeline and should always be inspected and maintained by a trained professional. Of course, the best possible brake maintenance is preventive maintenance. By not using your brakes excessively,

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.

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.

It's important to keep your wheels balanced and aligned.

Poor wheel balance can have a marked impact on both your car and your safety. 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.

Engine Oil Filler Cap

Remove this cap when you need to change your car's motor oil. You should change your motor oil every three months or 3,000 miles, or whenever the oil level falls below the recommended level.

Battery

The battery powers important electrical systems in your car and is essential for reliable starting, especially in cold weather. Typically, a car battery lasts for about five years.

To avoid breakdowns, collisions, and costly repairs, 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

Warning lights are provided on your car's instrument panel.

They light up in case of a serious problem. There are three kinds of warning lights: Oil Pressure Warning Light Temperature Warning Light Battery Low Warning Light

Most new vehicles have air bags to provide vehicle occupants extra protection in a collision.

They provide a protective cushion between the person and the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield. Note that seat belts and air bags are designed to work together, and injuries may occur if seat belts are not used in air-bag-equipped vehicles. Air bags are passive restraints. They are stored in the steering wheel or dashboard and inflate during a serious crash, usually a front collision that occurs at over 10 mph. To do its important job, an air bag comes out of the dashboard at up to 200 mph. This is faster than the blink of an eye. They take about 10 inches of space to inflate. T

Temperature Warning Light/Gauge:

This light activates when the engine temperature or the radiator's coolant is too hot. In some vehicles, a needle gauge indicates the temperature rising in the warning zone of HOT. If this warning light goes on while you are driving, STOP as soon as possible at a safe place and shut the engine off.

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.

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.

Cruise Control Indicator

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

Ignitions usually have three positions or "notches," which serve different purposes.

You turn your key clockwise to go to a higher position, and counter-clockwise to deactivate it. The first position, which is closest to you, is the off position. The second position causes the dashboard instruments to activate. The final position starts your engine.

Seat belts are defined as

active restraints because they work ONLY if you are wearing them. The driver and front seat passengers must wear seat belts. Laws regarding seat belts apply to cars manufactured from 1968 on and trucks manufactured from 1972 to the present. Drivers are responsible for all passengers under 18 years of age. It is against the law to operate a vehicle unless every passenger is restrained with a seat belt or child restraint seat

Components that require oil/fluid inspection and changes are:

engine, transmission, power steering and brakes.

The gearshift is either a lever protruding from the right side of the steering column or a lever on the floor to the right of the driver. The gearshift changes gears to

maintain proper speed. It immobilizes the power train when parked.

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.

Battery Today's vehicles have more electrical demands than ever, and batteries play an important role.

Do-it-yourself maintenance can maximize the life of your battery. It is also important to have your battery and charging system checked at least once a year.

Air bag related injuries can be prevented by following these safety tips:

Driver and front seat passengers should sit 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. If your steering wheel is adjustable, tilt it downward. This points the air bag toward your chest instead of your head and neck. Never place a rear-facing infant in the front seat if the air bag is turned on.

Engine Oil Level Dipstick .

Engine Oil Level Dipstick Determine the amount of motor oil in your car by checking the oil level at the bottom of the dipstick. In older engines, the oil level may need to be checked every few hundred miles

Myth: Airbags take the place of seat belts.

Fact: Airbags are designed to supplement the effectiveness of seat belts. They are not designed to be used alone. Wearing a lap belt keeps you anchored to the car seat. Your shoulder belt keeps your upper body from pitching forward and hitting the airbag as it deploys.

Myth: I'm only going to the store. My little brother or sister doesn't need a child's car seat, anyway. It's too much of a hassle.

Fact: 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.

Myth: My child is safest in my arms.

Fact: Children are never safe riding in the arms or lap of an adult. The force of a collision pulls the child away from the adult. The adult's body can also crush the child against the dashboard.

Myth: I should put my infant in the front seat, so I can keep an eye on him or her at all times. .

Fact: For many parents this is a concern, but the fact is that the back seat is the safest place for a child of any age to ride. If your child has a health condition, then two adults should be in the car when the infant is traveling, so that one can devote their full attention to the road

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

Fact: Half of all traffic deaths happen within 25 miles of home. Don't take chances with your life or the lives of your passengers. Buckle up every time you drive.

Myth: Seat belts can trap you inside a car.

Fact: It actually takes less than a second to take off a seat belt. This myth is due to the common fear of being trapped in a car that catches on fire or sinks in deep water. However, a seat belt may keep you from being knocked out in a collision, and your chances of escape will definitely improve if you are conscious.

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

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

There are several things you can do to operate your motor vehicle efficiently and economically.

First, 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. 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. 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.

Your vehicle must be equipped with:

High-beam headlights (bright lights). Objects 450 ft ahead should be visible with use. Low-beam headlights, which must show objects 150 ft ahead. (turned on at night) Two red taillights mounted on the rear, which must be visible from 1000 ft. A white light that illuminates the license plate and makes it visible from 50 ft. Two red stop/brake lights, which should activate when the brake is pressed and be seen from 300 ft in the day.

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.

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.

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.

Radiator Cap

In many cars, you can access the radiator directly to check the level of coolant in the radiator and flush it when necessary. Never try to remove the radiator cap while the car is still hot.

Regular maintenance is health insurance for your car.

Maintenance helps a car keep its safety, dependability, performance, fuel economy, and emission control capabilities. Regular maintenance also makes sense economically; low-cost maintenance can prevent high-cost repairs. Maintenance also helps prolong the life of tires, brakes, and other vehicle parts.

Windshield Washer Fluid Tank

Make sure you have enough wiper fluid so that you can clean dust and grime from your windshield. The more often you use your wipers, the more often you must replace your wiper fluid.

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). 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.

The clutch pedal is found only in cars with manual transmission.

The clutch pedal is located on the floor to the left of the brake pedal. When pressed, it disengages the clutch which eliminates the transmission of power from the engine to the transmission. When released, it smoothly applies power through to the transmission

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.

Door Locks

The doors of cars with manual locks must each be locked or unlocked individually. In cars with electric locks, an additional master control is typically located on the driver-side arm rest; these cars also usually include a locking mechanism found on the key fob. In addition, many cars include child-safety locks that will prevent a child from unlocking a door accidentally

Children can be at risk if left unattended or unsupervised in a car, especially if the car is running.

The interior of a car can heat up to dangerously high temperatures. Conditions like this can cause injury or even death.

Servicing Your Brakes

The most common type of service required for disk brakes is changing the 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.

both rear view and side mirrors. Make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted before driving.

The rear view mirror is located at the top center of your windshield. It is rectangle-shaped and allows you to see what is happening behind you. The side mirrors are located on the car door exterior of your vehicle on either side and allow you to view periphery traffic.

Oil Pressure Warning Light:

This light goes on when the 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 drops. If you see an oil pressure warning while driving, STOP immediately at a safe place and turn off the engine. may not be getting enough lubrication. Replace the motor oil or see a mechanic as soon as you can

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.

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.

The steering wheel is located directly in front of the driver's seat.

Turning the steering wheel transmits force, which turns the wheels to determine the direction of travel. Whichever way you turn the steering wheel, left or right, is the direction your car will travel. If you have power steering and find it necessary to exert a lot of physical force to turn your wheel, you should probably take your car to a mechanic.

Battery Low Warning Light:

When this light goes on or the battery gauge reads LOW, the power needed for your car starter is limited. If this light stays on after you've started your car or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the battery or the charging system. Bring your car to a mechanic.

stick shift (a handle with a knob at the top).

When using a stick shift, you must learn to synchronize gear shifting with pushing the clutch pedal, which prevents gear clashing when shifting, building up speed, or slowing down.

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.

The parking brake can be a pedal operated by your left foot, a lever under the dashboard, or

a lever to the right on the floor. The parking (or hand) brake

Lights are important because they

allow you to see your surroundings, give others a way to see you, and indicate to other road users your next move. Cars are required to have certain lighting fixtures, and these generally have luminosity regulations

Periodic tune-ups and transmission service according to manufacturer's specifications extend the life of your vehicle, allow you to

avoid 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 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.

A child restraint is a

child seat with a safety harness which is fastened by vehicle seat belts per the manufacturer's instructions. Infant carriers or child car seats must be used for children three years of age and younger. A separate carrier, an integrated child seat, or a seat belt may be used for children ages four through five. For safety purposes, children should sit in an appropriate child restraint system in the back seat. This eliminates the possibility of airbag-related deaths or injuries. Studies show that children are up to 29% safer in the back seat.

The alternator drive belt should be inspected often and replaced if

cracked, oil soaked, glazed, badly worn, or otherwise damaged.

If you drive your car very little, gas mileage and maintenance may not be a significant consideration. However,

depreciation, insurance, and registration will always be important. If you drive your car a lot, gas mileage and day-to-day repairs will be significant cost considerations

The accelerator is the

far-right pedal located on the floor under the steering wheel. This pedal controls the amount of gas being fed to the engine, which determines the speed of the vehicle. With your heel resting on the ground, use your right foot to push the accelerator. Do not rev the engine. Push the accelerator gradually while your car speeds up.

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.

Your car is equipped with turn signal lights on its

four corners. On your dashboard, these turn signals usually appear as green arrows pointing in the direction of the intended turn. On most cars, the turn signal lever is located to the left of the steering wheel. Shifting the lever up indicates a right turn and shifting it down indicates a left turn

The horn is usually located

in a pad at the center of your steering wheel, but in some cars you'll find it as a button on the steering wheel, on the dash, or on the signal lever. Make sure your horn is fully functioning and can be heard at a distance of 200 ft.

The ignition is

located either on the side of the steering column or on the dashboard. It is a multifunction switch, into which you insert your key and turn to energize the electrical circuits and activate your starter motor.

Periodic or preventative maintenance of your vehicle will also

lower your long-term operation costs. 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.

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.

Be sure your vehicle always has at least a half tank

of gas before starting any trip of significant length. Running out of gas on the roadway can be dangerous and could cause traffic jams or collisions.

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

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.

Windshield wipers are very important because they allow you to

see in rain or snowfall. Functioning windshield wipers are critical in bad driving conditions. Almost always, you can use the windshield wiper lever to dispense windshield wiper fluid, which removes dirt obstructing your view. Using the windshield wiper fluid lever allows you to clean the windshield while driving to immediately improve visibility.

Oil gauge

shows oil level

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.

The cost of owning and operating a vehicle is the sum of

the costs related to actual driving (gasoline, replacing tires and other components that wear out with use, and oil changes) and costs that are largely the same regardless of how much you drive (insurance, registration, depreciation, and maintenance that must be performed regardless of miles driven

High-beams are also located at

the front of your vehicle and have a higher luminosity for greater distance. High-beams are to be used when visibility is low. However, you must not use high-beams in fog, as they only reflect the dampened air and blind other drivers.

The brake pedal is located on the floor

to the left of the accelerator. When pressed, it applies the brakes, causing the vehicle to slow down and/or stop. You must use your right foot (heel on ground) to press the pedal and cause the brakes to engage. If your vehicle has standard brakes, the pedal will move a little bit before it resists. If you have power brakes, you do not need to apply as much pressure on the pedal to bring the car to a stop.

Under-inflated tires flex

too much and build up heat, which can lead to blowouts or the tread separating and peeling off. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure in the owner's manual or inside the driver's side car door or glove compartment.

The 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.

The best source of maintenance information about your car can be found in your

vehicle owner's manual. A list of maintenance services (including the mileage intervals or time when they should be performed) is included as a part of every owner's manual.

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.

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.

a Speedometer,

which indicates speed in both miles and kilometers per hour. in miles and kilometers per hour (MPH/KPH). Check your speedometer frequently to make sure that you are traveling within the legal speed limit.

a Tachometer,

which indicates the engine rotation in revolutions per minute (RPMs). The tachometer indicates how fast the engine is moving in revolutions per minute (RPM). When the indicator is the red zone, the engine is moving too fast and may become damaged.

an Odometer,

which indicates the total number of miles your car has been driven since it was manufactured. The trip odometer can be reset to zero manually so you can calculate trip mileage and fuel consumption.

a Fuel gauge,

which shows the fuel level in your car's fuel tank. Your fuel tank should always be at least 25% full. When the tank is almost empty, the low fuel light will come on and a ringer may chime.

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.

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. It is wise to have a used vehicle inspected for mechanical condition prior to purchase

Vehicles are equipped with head rest cushions (head restraints) at the top of the seats which protect

your neck and head in case of a collision. These provide support to the neck and keep your head from going back forcibly.