Module 2 Preparing to Operate a Vehicle The following information is a review of the lesson you just completed. Take time to review and study this information. Remember, this important information will be needed to pass your upcoming assessment, so take the necessary time in order to feel secure about your knowledge of this segment. This is not a graded portion of the course, but should be completed as an additional exercise. Topic 1 Check Outside Lesson 1 Pre- and Post-Drive Procedures Check around the outside of vehicle for: Broken glass Body damage Condition of tires Fluid leaks Direction the front tires are turned Determine which way will the vehicle move when placed in gear Debris on the ground that could interfere with movement Check for Small Children or Pets Store valuables in trunk of vehicle Books and book bags have less chance of slipping off seats The vehicle is a classroom with no room for food, candy or sodas When parked at the curb you should: Approach from front of car Increase awareness of oncoming traffic Approach driver s door with key in hand When parked in a parking lot you should: Approach from rear of car Increase awareness of persons and objects in area Approach driver s door with key in hand
Unlock Doors Check Traffic Flow Enter the Vehicle Topic 2 Under the Hood Checks A general knowledge of engine components is necessary to operate a vehicle. Here are some of the basic engine parts and their location. The components are not in the same place on all vehicles. You should check your Vehicle Owners Manual to find the exact positions and the purpose of these components. Engine Coolant Reservoir The coolant reserve system provides a quick visual method for determining the coolant level. When the engine is cold, the level of the coolant in the reserve tank should be between the Full and Low marks. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir Check the washer fluid level by the float position. If the level is low, replenish the fluid reservoir with washer fluid. Engine Oil Filler Cap It is normal for an engine to consume oil. You may find it necessary to add oil between the recommended oil change intervals. Before starting the engine, check the engine oil level. Replenish if necessary. Automatic transmission fluid level dipstick The fluid level should be checked when the engine temperature gauge indicates a normal warmed up condition and the fluid in the transmission is heated to its normal operating temperature. Operation with an improper fluid level will greatly reduce the life of the transmission and of the fluid. Engine Oil Level Dipstick To check the oil level, remove the dipstick, wipe it off, and gently insert it fully into the crankcase. Slowly remove it again. The oil level must not exceed the line on the dipstick. Brake Fluid Reservoir Use only specified brake fluid when replacing. The reservoir cap should be fully tightened to avoid contamination from foreign matter or moisture and evaporation. Battery The condition of the battery is very important for quick starting and proper functioning of the vehicle s electrical system. Check the battery at regular intervals. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir The power steering system provides mechanical steering capability in the event power assist is lost. Check the fluid at regular intervals and fill with specified power steering fluid. Radiator Cap The radiator normally remains completely full so there is no need to remove the radiator cap except for checking the coolant freezes point or replacing the antifreeze coolant. Air Cleaner Filter The air cleaner filter will become dirty and loaded with dust during use, and the filtering effect will be substantially reduced. Replace it with a new filter in accordance with the schedule maintenance chart. 2
Preventive Maintenance Each driver should have an idea of his/her responsibility for vehicle maintenance. The owner s manual of any vehicle will provide information about periodic maintenance. Tire pressure options Tire tread wear or damage Safety and Communication Accessories o Headlights, tail lights, and turn signals o Emergency lights and markers o Emergency kit o Windshield wipers Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioner (HVAC) o Air flow o Temperature Regular (1-2 Months) self-checks Check function of all interior and exterior lights Check tires for wear and proper inflation Check engine oil level Check windshield washer solvent fluid level Check brake fluid level Check engine coolant level Security Check Passengers for safe entry Lock Doors Place key in appropriate location Topic 3 Driver Readiness Tasks Seating Position Adjust for driver foot pedal and dead pedal position Adjust for driver steering wheel reach and hand position Adjust for driver visual needs Restraints Safety belt adjustment and appropriate air bag position Head restraint position (rear and side protection) Mirrors Rear view mirror settings (200 feet to rear) Side view mirror settings (15 degrees out will gain side views) 3
o May be adjusted to view sides rather than rear view o Rear view needed when inside mirror view is blocked to rear Topic 4 Starting / Securing Tasks It is recommended that the following be performed prior to driving your vehicle. Check parking brake Foot on brake Key in ignition Gear in Park or Neutral Check for fuel injection or automatic choke Turn key to on position Check alert lights and gauges Turn key to start engine Adjust Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Set accessories (headlights or daylight running lights are recommended) Check for warning lights and gauges It is recommended that the following be performed when bringing your vehicle to a stop and exiting your vehicle. Stop within legal, secure parking space Set parking brake Place shift selector in (P)ark Turn off any accessories used Turn ignition switch to off Lock ignition and remove key Remove occupant restraints Check traffic prior to exiting vehicle Secure doors and windows 4
Lesson 2 Symbols and Devices Topic 1 Alert / Warning Symbols and Controls A T Symbols A. Air Bag On/Off Switch B. Air Bag Activation C. Antilock Brake System Activation D. Theft Deterrent System Activation E. 12 Volt Extension Outlet F. Battery Warning Light G. Brake Warning Light H. Safety Alert Symbol I. Vent and Air Flow Control J. Door Locks K. Low Oil Pressure Warning Light L. Temperature Indicator M. Seat Belt Reminder N. Fog Lamps O. Drive Wheel Selector P. Fuel Indicator Q. Fuse/Fuse Box R. Emergency Flashers S. Turn Signal/Wipers Stalk T. Daytime Running Lights 5
U NN Symbols U. Headlights/High Beam Indicator V. Hood Release W. Horn X. Fan Speed Indicator Y. Interior Light Adjustment Z. Lighter Indicator AA. Exterior Lights BB. Overdrive On/Off switch CC. Parking Lamp Indicator DD. Adjust Left/Right Side Mirror EE. Power Window Controls FF. Rear Defroster Indicator GG. Electronic Traction System Control HH. Steering Wheel Height Adjustment II. Trunk Release JJ. Left/Right Signal Indicator KK. Front Windshield Defroster LL. Windshield Washer MM. Windshield Wipers NN. Cruise Control Device 6
Lesson 3 Occupant Protection Topic 1 Force of Impact Force of Impact is the force with which a moving object hits another object. There are three factors that determine how hard a moving vehicle will hit another object speed, weight and distance between impact and stop. Speed is the most important factor in determining how hard a vehicle will hit another object. The force of impact is in proportion to the square of the increase in the vehicle s speed. (new graphic of cars falling off buildings depicted on page 92.) In other words, if a car is traveling at 40 mph, it hits a solid object 4 times as hard as if it were going 20 mph. When it triples the speed to 60 mph, its impact is 9 times as great. Weight: The heavier a vehicle, the harder it will hit another object. A vehicle weighing twice as much will hit a solid object twice as hard. A point to remember however, is that just because a car weighs less, doesn t necessarily mean it will be safer. Many larger vehicles can absorb impact much better than smaller cars. Distance Between Impact and Stop: The distance a vehicle covers between the instant it hits an object and the moment it comes to a complete stop can vary greatly. A softer object such as a hedge is less damaging than a solid tree. This is because the resistance of the object will slow your vehicle gradually. Given a choice in an emergency, always hit the softer object. Topic 2 Energy Absorbing Features Over the last few decades, vehicle manufacturers have incorporated energy absorbing designs into their vehicles. These features protect occupants in crashes. Front and Rear Crush Areas: Cars now have areas such as front ends and trunks that crush on impact. Crush areas protect occupants by absorbing the force of impact. Energy-Absorbing Bumpers: Many bumpers are designed to absorb low levels of impact under 5 mph without damage. Side Door Beams: Steel beams inside the doors protect occupants in side impacts. Reinforced Windshield: A plastic sheet between layers of windshield glass helps protect passengers from being cut by broken glass. Energy-Absorbing Steering Wheel and Column: These features absorb some of the force of impact and protect driver. Padded Dash: Metal areas are covered and cushioned and the controls are recessed. Head Restraints: Padded areas on the top of front seats help protect against whiplash injuries. 7
Topic 3 Safety Belts Steps to Wearing a Safety Belt When a car hits a solid object, there are two collisions that occur. The first is when the car hits the object and stops. The second is when the occupant hits their restraint device or the inside of the car. Remember, as the driver, you are responsible for all passengers wearing a safety belt. Step 1 Adjust your seat to a comfortable upright position. Make sure your safety belt is not twisted. Step 2 Snap the metal fitting on the end of the safety belt into the buckle. Then, adjust the lap part of your safety belt so that it is low and snug across your hips. The bottom edge of the safety belt should just touch your thighs. By making this adjustment, and crash forces will be applied to your pelvic bones. Step 3 Adjust the shoulder part of your safety belt across your chest. Your shoulder adjustment should be snug. Questions About Using Safety Belts There are many questions regarding safety belts. Read ahead for information. Question 1 Can t I get trapped in an accident with safety belts? You might be trapped with or without safety belts, but you are more likely to be conscious and able to get out of your vehicle after a collision is you have been belted in. Question 2 Isn t it better to be thrown free in a collision? No, being thrown free is much more dangerous than remaining in the vehicle. Question 3 Why not just wear safety belts on long trips? Most collisions occur within 25 miles of home at speeds less than 40 mph. Your chance of surviving a collision increases 50 percent when wearing safety belts. Question 4 Do safety belts ever need repair? Yes, especially after collisions in which safety belts become stretched. You should check periodically and replace if necessary. 8
Topic 4 Restraining Devices In addition to safety belts, other types of devices retrain people in vehicles. These devices include air bags, automatic safety belts, and child seats. Air Bags Air bags are designed to be used in combination with regular safety belts. Therefore, some car manufacturers refer to air bags as being a supplemental restraint system. It is important for you to know that most vehicles have front impact air bags only. Side impact air bags are designed in the newer vehicles only. Automatic Safety Belts These devices work automatically once your car door is closed. In some vehicles, you must actively fasten a lap belt along with the shoulder strap. Child Seat - Safety belts are not designed to protect infants and small children. You have a legal responsibility to make sure young passengers are secured in specially designed infant seats or small-child seats. Place the seats on the rear seat of the vehicle, if possible. Texas requires the use of a child seat. 9
Lesson 4 Operating Vehicle Control Devices Topic 1 Operating Devices Steering: The steering wheel is always turned in the direction the driver wants the vehicle to move, whether moving forward or in reverse. However, the amount of steering input and energy needed will vary according to the type of steering, power assist, and speed of travel. Steering Wheel Adjustment: The angle of the steering wheel is controlled by a lever located on the left or right side of the steering column in some vehicles. Other vehicles permit the driver to change the angle of the steering wheel by adjusting the steering column. An adjustment lever located on the bottom side of the steering column, near the firewall, permits the driver to raise or lower the steering column to achieve a better steering wheel angle. Gear Selector Lever: In a vehicle with an automatic transmission, the gear selector lever is located either on the steering column or on a console located between the front seats. In a vehicle with a manual transmission, the shifting lever is located on the center console, on the floor to the right of the driver, or, in older vehicles, on the right side of the steering column. Parking Brake: The parking brake is sometimes mistakenly referred to as an emergency brake. The purpose of the parking brake is to hold a vehicle in place when it is parked and for vehicle protection. The parking brake may be either a footoperated pedal located to the far left side of the driver s position or a hand-operated lever located to the right of the steering column or to the right of the driver on the floor or center console. To set a foot-operated parking brake, push down firmly on the pedal. Depending on the vehicle, one of two methods is used to release the brake. In some vehicles, the pedal is pushed down until a click is heard; then the pedal is released. In other vehicles, the brake release lever is located above the foot pedal on the underside of the dashboard. To set a floor or console mounted parking brake, simply pull back firmly on the lever. To release the brake, press down the button located on the top of the lever with the thumb and lower the lever. Accelerator Pedal: This foot-operated pedal is suspended from the firewall on the right side of the driver s position. Speed is controlled by adjusting even pressure on the pedal. Some vehicles have electronic adjustments for the foot pedals. Extensions are available for special needs of the driver in reaching the pedal with the foot in a proper position. Brake Pedal: This pedal is located to the left of the accelerator. The driver slows the vehicle by applying a squeezing pressure on the pedal with the heel of the foot on the floor. How much and how rapidly the vehicle slows is determined by how much pressure the driver applies to the brake pedal and the friction between the tires and road surface. 10
Cruise/Speed Control: This device allows a driver to select and travel at a set speed without having to keep a foot on the accelerator or the brake. The controls are located either on the steering wheel or a stem on the left side of the steering column. The control options include on/off, set/accelerate, and coast and resume. Speed control can be cancelled at any time by pressing the brake pedal or touching the off switch. Ignition Switch: This switch locks the steering wheel and shifting lever, and enables the driver to start and turn off the engine or use the accessories. The ignition is located on the right side of the steering column near the dashboard or in the dashboard. Topic 2 Safety Communication and Convenience Devices Mirrors: Adjust the mirrors, inside and outside. For vehicles equipped with remote controlled outside mirrors, these controls may be located on the left side of the dash, the driver s side arm rest, or center console. The inside rear view mirror becomes the primary mirror, and the left and right side view mirrors become directed to side view use only. The driver can move the head toward the window to get a right and left side view when pulling from the curb. Safety Belts: While safety belts protect occupants in a crash, they serve an equally important role of keeping the driver firmly in place behind the steering wheel, allowing better control of the vehicle. For maximum protection, the safety belt should be positioned under jackets, coats, sweaters etc., as low on the hips or thighs as possible. After fastening the belt, grasp the shoulder belt and pull upward to take up the slack in the belt across hips. Make sure that all passengers do the same. Head Restraint: All new vehicles are equipped with head restraints to help reduce whiplash injuries if the vehicle is struck from the rear. Some vehicles are equipped with head restraints that can be adjusted up or down to position the restraint behind the middle of the occupant s head. Drivers should be sure that the restraint is adjusted to a position above the ear level to avoid serious neck injury in a rear collision. Some vehicles are equipped with head restraints that are built into the top of the seat and cannot be adjusted. Horn: The horn is generally operated by pressing a button located on a steering wheel cross bar or on the pad on the lower half of the steering wheel above or below the air bag cover. It is usually marked with the horn symbol to indicate the location. Turn Signal Lever: The turn signal lever has two uses. Located on the left side of the steering column, the lever is moved up to signal a movement to the right and down for a movement to the left. While the signal will cancel after a turn, the driver may have to cancel the signal manually after a slight turn. The signal is used to 11
indicate a lane change by moving the lever halfway up or down with the thumb hooked on the steering wheel. The signal begins to work as the halfway point is reached and can be manually held in this position or locked prior to a lane change. Manually holding in position allows the driver to easily release the lever prior to the movement so that a signal to turn will not be confused with the lane change or merge. Door Locks: In vehicles equipped with manual locks, each door has its own locking device. An additional master control is usually located on the driver side arm rest in vehicles with electric door locks. Child safe rear door locks are an option. Hazard Flasher: The purpose of the hazard flashers is to warn other drivers of a problem and to increase their awareness of the presence of your vehicle. The switch for the lights is usually located on the top or right side of the steering column or on the dash. When operated, both front and rear turn signal lights flash. Windshield Wipers and Washers: This control is frequently located on the turn signal lever. Two switches are often involved, one that controls the speed of the wipers and a second that controls the washer fluid. Vehicle Lights: Some vehicles are equipped with daylight running lights, which may operate the headlights without having the taillights on. It is recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to use the headlights whenever the vehicle is moving, especially when not equipped with the daylight running lights. The light switch is often located on a steering stalk or on the dash panel to the left and is often a multi-purpose switch for parking lights, headlights, high beam, or low beam. A panel switch is often used to adjust the brightness of the dash panel lights and interior lights. Hood Release: This lever is usually located on the left side of the driver s compartment under the instrument panel. In some vehicles it is located under or just to the right of the steering column. To open the hood, a second latch located in the front of the vehicle must be released. Trunk Release: An option in some vehicles is to have a trunk release lever located on the floor just to the left of the driver s seat. In other vehicles, the release mechanism is a button located in the glove box. Fuel Door Release: This lever is usually located on the left side of the vehicle. Depending on the make of vehicle, it could be to the left of the seat, or in some cases, under the steering wheel to the left. This lever opens the door to the fuel compartment. Heater, Ventilation, and Air Conditioner: These control switches are located in a duster on the instrument panel. Some vehicles have a separate switch located on the instrument panel that operates a rear window defroster. 12
Seat Adjustment Controls: If manually controlled, the adjustment lever to move the seat forward or back is typically located at the lower front or right side of the driver s seat. A second lever or knob located on the left side of the seat in some vehicles allows the driver to change the angle of the seat back. In vehicles with electric power seats, the controls are usually located on the lower left side of the driver s seat or in a control cluster located on the side door panel. 13