Chapter 3 Basic Vehicle Control

1
Chapter 3Basic Vehicle Control
2
Chapter 3 Overview

• Chapter 3 explains the purpose and operation of
  the instruments, devices, and controls in a
  vehicle. Students will learn the procedures to
  follow when getting ready to drive. You will
  also learn the procedures for starting, moving,
  and stopping both an automatic and manual
  transmission vehicle.

3
3.1 Instruments, Controls, and Devices

• This section will discuss what you, the
  driver, should know before beginning to drive.
• Section 1 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. Identify each gauge and warning light on an
  instrument panel and explain its function.
• 2. Explain the purpose of each control used to
  operate a vehicle.
• 3. Describe the use of the safety,
  communication, and comfort devices.

4
3.1 Vocabulary

• Following this section, I will be able to define
• 1. alternator warning light
• 2. antilock braking system (ABS)
• 3. blind-spot area
• 4. clutch pedal
• 5. console
• 6. cruise control
• 7. hazard flasher
• 8. head restraints
• 9. ignition switch
• 10.odometer

5
Introduction

• Give some examples of what a driver should know
  before beginning to drive.
• Study your owners manual. You must know what
  the warning lights and gauges on the instrument
  panel tell you.

6
Instrument Panel

• Refer to the diagram on page 41 as we discuss the
  location of gauges and warning lights in a
  vehicle. Not all vehicles have the same
  indicators.
• Describe the function of each of the following
  gauges and/or lights. The number in parenthesis
  corresponds to the numbers in the diagram on page
  41.

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• Speedometer (1)-
• Tachometer (2)-
• Odometer (3)-
• Fuel Gauge (4)-
• Temperature Light or Gauge (5)-
• Oil pressure Warning Light or Gauge (6)-
• Alternator Warning Light or Gauge (7)-
• Brake System Warning Light (8)-
• Antilock Braking System Light (9)-
• Safety Belt Light (10)-

8

• Air Bag Warning Light (11)-
• Turn Signal Indicators (12)-
• High-Beam Indicator (13)-
• Knowing the location of gauges, warning lights,
  controls, and devices enables you to look at or
  operate them with out interfering with driving
  the vehicle. Trying to learn where they are
  while driving the vehicle is dangerous.

9
Vehicle Controls

• Refer to the diagrams on pages 42 - 45 as we
  discuss the characteristics and locations of
  vehicle controls. Location of vehicle controls
  vary from one model to another.
• Describe the function that each control performs.
  The number in parenthesis corresponds to the
  numbers in the diagrams on pages 42 - 45.

10

• Steering Wheel (14)-
• Steering Wheel Adjustment Lever (15)-
• Selector Lever (16)- Automatic
• Gear-Shift Lever (17)- Manual
• Ignition and Starter Switch (18)-
• Cruise Control (19)-
• Parking Brake (20)-
• Clutch Pedal (21)-
• Foot-Brake Pedal (22)-
• Accelerator Pedal (23)-

11
Safe Driving Tip

• Cruise control should never be used when road
  surfaces are wet or slippery or when in heavy
  traffic. You have much less control if a
  conflict occurs. Using cruise control in areas
  of steep grades wastes fuel and puts added stress
  on the engine.
• QUESTION Why is it a good habit to always
  apply the parking brake? (What else should you
  do for an automatic transmission vehicle and what
  should you do for a manual transmission vehicle?)

12
Devices for Safety, Communication, and Comfort

• Use the diagrams on pages 43 and 45 to locate the
  following devices on any vehicle you drive.
• Describe the function that each device performs.
  The number in parenthesis corresponds to the
  numbers in the diagrams on pages 43 and 45.

13

• Safety Belts (24)-
• Head Restraints (25)-
• Inside Outside Rear-View Mirrors (26 27)-
• Horn (28)-
• Hazard Flasher Control (29)-
• Turn-Signal Lever (30)-
• Windshield Wipers and Washers (31)-
• Light Switch (32)-
• Hood Release Lever (33)-
• Heater, Air Conditioner, and Defroster-
• Sun Visor-
• Seat Adjustment Lever-

14

• When adjusting the sun visor, you need to make
  certain that the edge of the visor is not
  directed at your head. Why?
• Do you think that a federal law should be passed
  requiring all drivers in the country to have
  their headlights on whenever they are driving?
  Why or why not?
• In Missouri, when are you required to to have
  your lights on during the day?
• Answer (Whenever you need to run your
  windshield wipers you are to have your lights on.)

15
Review It

• 1. What warnings do the temperature gauge, oil
  pressure gauge, and brake system lights give you?
• 2. What is the purpose of the ignition and
  starter switch?
• 3. Why must you not rely completely on what your
  rearview mirrors show you?

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3.2 Getting Ready to Drive

• This section emphasizes the things you need
  to do before you drive. It focuses on outside
  checks, getting into the vehicle, and inside
  checks.
• Section 2 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. List in order the checks you make when
  preparing to drive.
• 2. Describe how to enter a vehicle from the
  street side.
• 3. Describe the correct positioning of the seat
  and outside rearview mirrors.

17
3.2 Vocabulary

• No words

18
Outside Checks

• 1. Walk around your vehicle with keys in hand
  and look for objects in the path you intend to
  take. Look for water or oil marks under the
  vehicle.
• 2. Glance at the tires
• 3. Notice direction of the wheels
• 4. Windshield, windows, headlights, and
  taillights must be clear. No peepholes.
• 5. Check back window for loose objects.
• 6. Look inside for unwanted passenger.

19
Getting into the Vehicle

• 1. If entering from street side, have keys in
  hand or unlock in advance if you have a
  remote-control device.
• 2. Walk around in front of vehicle toward back
  to see oncoming traffic.
• 3. Get in quickly, close and lock the door, and
  put key in ignition.

20
Inside Checks

• 1. Lock all doors to help reduce risk of door
  flying open in collision.
• 2. Adjust seat for comfort and good foot pedal
  control, sit high enough to see over steering
  wheel, and adjust seat to be at least 10 inches
  from hub of wheel.
• 3. Hands balanced on wheel, elbows slightly
  bent, knees slightly bent for comfort in reaching
  brake and gas pedal.

21

• 4. Adjust head restraint.
• 5. Adjust inside rearview mirror.
• 6. Adjust left and right outside rearview
  mirrors.
• 7. Fasten safety belt and make sure all
  passengers have safety belts on.

22
Review It

• 1. What outside checks should you make before
  entering the vehicle?
• 2. Describe the procedures you should follow to
  enter a vehicle from the street side.
• 3. What is the correct way to position the
  drivers seat and mirrors of your vehicle?

23
3.3 Driving a Vehicle with Automatic Transmission

• This section introduces basic concepts related to
  a vehicle with an automatic transmission. The
  selector-lever positions are described and
  illustrated. Information about starting the
  engine, hand positions, and steering is included.
  Instructions for putting the vehicle in motion,
  along with stopping, securing, and leaving the
  vehicle, are provided.
• Section 3 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. Explain the use of each gear.
• 2. Describe the procedure for starting an
  automatic transmission vehicle.
• 3. List the steps for putting an automatic
  transmission vehicle in motion.
• 4. Tell the correct procedure to follow when
  leaving an automatic transmission vehicle from
  the street side.

24
3.1 Vocabulary

• Following this section, I will be able to define
• 11. backup lights
• 12. shift indicator
• 13. target

25
Selector-Lever Positions

• P
• R
• N
• D
• 3
• L2
• L1

26
Starting the Engine

• 1. Parking brake is set.
• 2. Gear selector is in PARK.
• 3. Keep foot off of accelerator if vehicle is
  fuel injection system.
• 4. Turn ignition switch to On and start the
  engine.
• 5. Check gauges, warning lights, and fuel supply.

27
Hand Positions

• Hands between 9 oclock and 3 oclock or 8
  oclock and 4 oclock to avoid injury from airbag
• Knuckles should also be outside the rim of the
  steering wheel.

28
Steering the Vehicle

• 1. Pick a target far out in front of you.
• 2. Avoid looking directly in front of your
  vehicle.
• 3. Do not use the road lines as guides when
  steering.
• 4. Keeping your vehicle in a straight line
  requires slight but critical steering corrections.

29
Putting the Vehicle in Motion

• 1. Press down firmly on brake pedal.
• 2. Move gear selector to DRIVE.
• 3. Release the parking brake while still
  pressing the foot-brake pedal.
• 4. Check for traffic ahead, in rearview mirrors,
  and over your left shoulder.
• 5. Signal to move away from curb and check
  mirrors again.

30

• 6. When roadway is clear, release foot-brake
  pedal and gently accelerate.
• 7. Quickly check again over your left shoulder
  for traffic.
• 8. Cancel signal, if necessary.
• 9. Adjust your speed to the flow of traffic.

31
Stopping the Vehicle

• 1. Check traffic in both mirrors before slowing
  down.
• 2. Let up on the accelerator.
• 3. Tap the brake lightly.
• 4. Gradually depress brake pedal. Ease up on
  brake just before stopping.
• 5. Shift to DRIVE if continuing or PARK if
  stopping.

32
Securing the Vehicle

• 1. Once stopped, continue pressing the brake
  pedal.
• 2. Shift to PARK in automatic or REVERSE in
  manual shift vehicle.
• 3. Set the parking brake, turn off all
  accessories, and close all windows.
• 4. Turn off vehicle, remove the key, and release
  the foot-brake.
• 5. Release your seat belt.
• 6. Lock all doors.

33
Leaving the Vehicle

• 1. Check inside and outside mirrors.
• 2. Have your keys in hand.
• 3. Glance over left shoulder before opening your
  door.
• 4. Open door and get out quickly when it is safe
  to do so.
• 5. All doors should be locked. Walk toward rear
  of the vehicle to reduce risk of being hit.

34
Noteworthy

• 1. When putting a vehicle parked on the left
  side of a one-way street in motion, the driver
  should look over the right shoulder to see if any
  vehicle is approaching from the rear before
  entering the traffic flow.
• 2. It is extremely important that you remove the
  key from the ignition before leaving the vehicle.
  Insurance coverage may be canceled if the key is
  in the ignition when a vehicle is stolen.

35
Review It

• 1. What is the purpose of each gear in an
  automatic transmission?
• 2. How do you start and automatic transmission
  vehicle?
• 3. How do you put an automatic transmission
  vehicle in motion?
• 4. What procedure do you follow when leaving the
  vehicle?

36
3.4 Driving a Vehicle with Manual Transmission

• This section introduces basic concepts related to
  a vehicle with a manual transmission. The
  selector-lever positions are described and
  illustrated. Information about starting the
  engine and using stickshift gears is included.
  Instructions for putting the vehicle in motion,
  along with shifting and stopping, are provided.
• Section 4 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. List the procedures for starting a stickshift
  vehicle.
• 2. Tell the correct procedure for moving a
  stickshift vehicle into FIRST gear.
• 3. Explain the procedure for stopping from
  higher gears.
• 4. Define downshifting and explain its purpose.

37
3.4 Vocabulary

• Following this section, I will be able to define
• 14. downshifting
• 15. friction point
• 16. riding the clutch 

38
Selector-Lever Positions

• Most stickshift vehicles have either a four-speed
  or a five-speed shift pattern.
• Refer to diagrams on page 53 for a four and/or
  five speed shifting pattern.

39
Using Stickshift Gears

• N
• 1st
• 2nd
• 3rd
• 4th
• 5th
• R

40
Using the Clutch

• Always press the clutch pedal to the floor before
  starting the engine, before shifting, or before
  coming to a stop.
• Shift smoothly from one gear position to the next
• Do not ride the clutch.

41
Starting the Engine

• 1. Make sure parking brake is set.
• 2. Depress clutch pedal to the floor with the
  left foot.
• 3. Gear-shift lever to NEUTRAL.
• 4. Turn on ignition switch and check warning
  lights.
• 5. Start the engine.

42
Putting the Vehicle in Motion

• 1. Clutch pedal depressed to the floor.
• 2. Move gear-shift lever to FIRST.
• 3. Depress the foot brake and release the
  parking brake.
• 4. Check traffic ahead and in rearview mirrors.
  If moving away from the curb, look over your left
  shoulder to check for approaching traffic.
• 5. Signal to indicate your intentions.
• 6. Release the clutch slowly to the friction
  point until the vehicle starts to move and
  accelerate gently.
• 7. Continue gradual acceleration and completely
  release the clutch.

43
Shifting from First to Second

• Follow these steps at about 10 to 15 mph
• 1. Depress clutch and release the accelerator at
  the same time.
• 2. Shift to second gear. Pause slightly as you
  go across NEUTRAL into SECOND. This will help
  you shift more smoothly.
• 3. Accelerate gently as you slowly release the
  clutch. Hesitate briefly at the friction point,
  then release the clutch all the way.

44
Stopping from FIRST, SECOND, or REVERSE

• 1. Check traffic in mirrors.
• 2. Depress clutch pedal while releasing
  accelerator.
• 3. Tap brake pedal lightly.
• 4. Press foot brake gently to a stop.
• 5. Shift to NEUTRAL when stopped.

45
Shifting to THIRD, FOURTH, and FIFTH

• 1. Depress the clutch.
• 2. Release the accelerator.
• 3. Shift to desired gear.
• 4. Accelerate gradually while releasing the
  clutch smoothly.

46
Stopping from Higher Gears

• When stopping from higher gears, slow down before
  depressing the clutch. Let the engine help slow
  the vehicle down. Follow these steps
• 1. Check mirrors for traffic.
• 2. Let up on accelerator.
• 3. Tap the brake.
• 4. Brake to about 15 to 20 mph.
• 5. Depress clutch.
• 6. Brake to a smooth stop.
• 7. Shift to NEUTRAL when stopped.

47
Downshifting

• When shifting from a higher gear to a lower gear,
  follow these steps
• 1. Depress clutch and shift to THIRD.
  Accelerate gradually while releasing the clutch.
• 2. Accelerate to over 30 mph. Depress the
  clutch pedal and shift back to FOURTH gear. If
  going uphill, you may have to stay in THIRD gear
  longer.

48
Downshifting Note

• You can downshift for added control when slowing
  before a sharp turn (downshift before starting
  the turn as you will need both hands ready to
  steer) for extra power when climbing long or
  steep hills, and to prevent wear on the brakes
  when going down long or steep hills.

49
Review It

• 1. What is the procedure for starting a
  stickshift vehicle?
• 2. What are the steps for moving a stickshift
  vehicle in FIRST gear?
• 3. What steps should you follow when stopping
  from higher gears?
• 4. What is meant by downshifting and for what
  reasons might you downshift?

50
Review Questions
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