CHAPTER 3

You Are The Driver

Instruments, Controls, and Devices-3.1 Instrument Panel

Tachometer-Indicates engine revolutions per minute-Pg 40

Odometer-Indicates the total number of miles the vehicle has been driven-Pg 40

Fuel Gauge-Shows the amount of fuel in the tank-Pg 40

Temperature Light or Gauge-Warns you when the coolant in the engine is to hot-Pg 40

Oil Pressure Warning Light or Gauge-Warns you when the oil is not circulating at the proper pressure-Pg 40

Instruments, Controls, and Devices 3.1 Alternator Warning Light-Warns that the battery is being

drained-Pg 41 Brake System Warning Light-Warns you that part or all of

the braking system is not working properly. If this happens, brake gradually to a stop, have the vehicle towed, and have the problem corrected. Pd 41

Antilock Braking System Light (ABS)-Tells you the ABS is working properly. ABS keeps the wheels from locking if the driver brakes hard. If this light comes on and stays on, it indicates a problem with the system. Pg 41

Safety Belt Light-Reminds you to fasten your safety belt before moving your vehicle. What else might happen? Pg 41

Air Bag Warning Light-Tells you the air bags are in proper working condition. Pg 41

Turn Signal Indicators-Tell you the direction you have signaled to turn. How do you know if an indicator is out? Pg 41

Instruments, Controls, and Devices 3.1 High Beam Indicator-Light glows when the

high-beam headlights are on. What color? Pg 41

Steering Wheel-Use the same steering procedure when backing the vehicle. Pg 42

Selector Lever-Located on the steering column or the console. (Between the front seats) Allows you to select the gear you want. Pg 42

Ignition and Starter Switch-Start the engine by putting the key into the ignition switch. Pg 42

Cruise Control-Device that lets you maintain your desired speed w/o keeping your foot on the accelerator. Pg 42

Instrument, Controls, and Devices 3.1 Clutch Pedal-Located to the left of the

brake pedal. Lets you shift gears in a manual transmission vehicle. Pg 43

Foot-Brake Pedal-Slows or stops the vehicle. Also by depressing the pedal turns on the brake lights in the back of the vehicle. Pg 43

Safety Belts-Fasten your safety belt to a snug fit before starting your engine. Pg-44

Inside and Outside Rearview Mirrors-Even when these mirrors are adjusted properly, there are areas they cannot show the driver. These areas are called blindspots.

Instruments, Controls, and Devices 3.1

Hazard Flasher- Both front and rear turn-signal lights flash at the same time. When to use? Pg-44

Turn Signal Lever-You might have to cancel a signal manually if the turn is slight. (Lane changes) Pg-44

Windshield Wipers and Washers-Use a antifreeze solution in the winter. Why and where is container located? Pg-44

Seat Adjustment Lever-Usually located under the front of the seat or on the left side of the driver’s seat. Pg-45

Getting Ready To Drive 3.2 Outside Checks-Look for water or oil

marks under the vehicle. Pg-46 Getting Into the Vehicle-Walk around the

front of the vehicle toward the back. This allows you to see oncoming traffic. Pg-46

Put k in ignition. Pg-46 Inside Checks-Adjust the seat so that you

are 10 inches from the steering wheel. Pg-46

Adjust the head restraint. Pg-46 Adjust your mirrors. Pg-46 Fasten your safety belt. Pg-46

Driving Vehicle w/ Auto Transmission 3.3 You choose the gear you want by moving

the gear selector lever. Pg-48 Shift Indicator-Tells you what gear you are

in. Pg-48 Reverse Gear-What comes on in the rear of

the vehicle when you shift to reverse? Color? Pg-48

Drive Gear-At speeds of 40-45 mph the vehicle automatically shifts into overdrive. This saves fuel and can be used in all forward gears. Pg-49

Starting the Engine-Make sure the selector lever is in park. If the engine has stalled try to start the car in neutral. Pg-49

Driving Vehicle w/ Auto Transmission 3.3 If the vehicle has fuel injection and the

engine is cold, keep your foot off the accelerator. Pg-49

Never try to start the engine when it is already running. Why? Pg-49

Hand Positioning-Your hands should be between the 9 and 3 o’clock position and the 8 and 4 o’clock position on the steering wheel. Why? Pg-50

Putting Vehicle in Motion-Press firmly on the foot brake. Pg-51

Move the selector to the gear you want. Pg-51

Driving Vehicle w/ Auto Transmission 3.3 Quickly check over you left shoulder before you

enter traffic. (Blind spot) Pg-51 For best control of the brake and accelerator

pedal, rest the heel of your foot on the floor. Pg-51

Stopping the Vehicle-Let up on the accelerator. Pg-52

Tap the foot brake lightly. Pg-52 Gradually press down on the foot-brake pedal.

Ease up on the brake just before stopping. Pg-52 Leave the selector lever in drive if you plan to

start moving again immediately. Pg-52 Leaving the Vehicle-Walk around the rear of

vehicle and make sure all doors are locked. Pg-52

Driving Vehicle w/ Manual Transmission Friction Point-Where you feel the engine take

hold and the vehicle starts to move. Pg-53 Using the clutch-Always press the clutch pedal

to the floor before starting the engine, before shifting, or before coming to a stop. Pg-53

Riding the Clutch-Resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This will wear out the clutch and can lead to expensive repairs. Pg-54

Stopping from First, Second, or reverse-Press the clutch pedal down, tap the brake lightly to signal for a stop, then press the foot brake gently to a stop. Pg-55

There is no correct speed for shifting from one gear to another. Pg-55

Driving Vehicle w/ Manual Transmission

Stopping from higher gear-Allow the car to slow on its own before depressing the clutch pedal. Pg-56

Downshifting-Shifting from a higher gear to a lower gear. Pg-56

Questions? Test Is ?????