Basic Vehicle Control

Basic Vehicle Control

Control Panel and Warning Lights

Open Ended

What do you know about the control instruments on a vehicle?

Why is it important to have a general understanding of your vehicle?

Getting Ready to Drive

• Outside Checks:

• Walk around the car

• Check the tires (inflated properly, direction facing)

• Check windshield, windows, headlights, taillights are clear (snow)

• Check inside vehicle  for unwanted  passengers.

Open Ended

Why is it important to do an outside check of your vehicle before driving?

Getting Ready to Drive

• Getting in the Vehicle:

• Enter from curbside

• Have keys ready if entering from the street side

• Get in quick

• Lock your doors.

Open Ended

Why is it recommended to lock your doors after entering the vehicle?

Getting Ready to Drive

• Inside Checks:

• Get comfortable

• Adjust seat so you can reach everything

• Adjust head rests

• Adjust rear view mirror

• Adjust outside mirrors

• Put on seatbelt

Multiple Choice

Walking around the car, checking tire pressure, and looking in the vehicle are all

• outside checks

• inside checks

• I'm too cool to check

• why would i need to check my vehicle

Multiple Choice

Adjusting headrests, getting comfortable and putting on your seatbelt are all

• outside checks

• inside checks

• I'm too cool to check

• why would i need to check my vehicle

Getting Ready to Drive

• Inside Checks Cont.:

• Always adjust seats before starting to drive.

• Hands At least 10 inches from the steering wheel.

• Slight bend in the knees with right heel on floor. (rotate foot from gas to brake)

Getting Ready to Drive

• Inside Checks Cont.:

• Always adjust seats before starting to drive.

• Hands At least 10 inches from the steering wheel.

• Slight bend in the knees with right heel on floor. (rotate foot from gas to brake)

Multiple Choice

You should drive with both feet, one for the gas pedal with the other using the brakes.

• True

• False

• I have no idea

Starting the Vehicle

• Make sure you are in Park

• Keep foot off gas pedal

• Turn on the key

• Instrument panel tells you how your car is operating.

• Check gages, lights & fuel

• Warns you of any problems

Automatic Transmission

• “P” Park – locks the Transmission. Never shift into Park when the car is moving.

• “R” Reverse - for backing (Backup lights)

• “N” Neutral Allows the car to roll without engine power.

• “D” Drive for moving forward

• “1” & ”2” Use First & Second for going slow, hard pulling,  steep hill, deep snow.

Multiple Choice

A manual transmission is one that doesn't require shifting while driving.

• True

• False

Poll

I understand what the different labels stand for on an automatic transmission.

• Yes

• No

• What's an automatic transmission?

Putting the Car in Motion

• Foot on the brake pedal.

• Lever in “DRIVE”

• Check Mirrors & blind spots.

• Pulling away from curb, use turn signal (Especially on driver's test)

Instrument Panel

• Tachometer

• Speedometer

• Odometer

• Fuel Gauge

Open Ended

What is the purpose of a tachometer?

What is the purpose of a speedometer?

Open Ended

What is the purpose of an odometer?

What is the purpose of a fuel gauge?

Oil Pressure Gauge

• Tells you if oil is not circulating.

• If not circulating must stop car immediately call for a tow truck.

Temperature and Alternator Light

• Tells the engine temp.

• If car starts to overheat, you must stop immediately shut  the engine off.

• Smoke will generally appear from under the hood.

Open Ended

Describe the importance of knowing the basic warning signals on the dashboard.

Vehicle Controls

• Steering Wheel - May be adjustable adjustable. Tilt the wheel so you can see the speedometer and have the airbag make contact with the chest.

• Ignition/starter switch- Start the engine by placing key into the ignition switch

• Foot Controls- Gas Pedal is on the right

• Brake – middle

• Clutch -Left

• Gas Pedal is on the right

Multiple Choice

What side is the gas pedal on a manual transmission?

• Left

• Middle

• Right

Multiple Choice

What side is the clutch pedal on a manual transmission?

• Left

• Middle

• Right

Multiple Choice

What side is the brake pedal on a manual transmission?

• Left

• Middle

• Right

Safety Devices

• Seat belts

• Head rests

• Horn

• Wipers

• Airbags

• Hazard lights

• Mirrors

Open Ended

Why are blind spots important to remember while driving?

What are some strategies to limit blind spots and the possibility of accidents while driving in heavy traffic?