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Chapter 3

Basic Vehicle Control

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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.

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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.

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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

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Speedometer Odometer Fuel Gauge Temperature Light or Gauge Oil pressure Warning Light or Gauge Alternator Warning Light or Gauge Brake System Warning Light Antilock Braking System Light

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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.

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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.

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3.2 Vocabulary

No words

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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3.1 Vocabulary

Following this section, I will be able to define:

11. backup lights 12. shift indicator 13. target

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Selector-Lever Positions

P R N D 3 L2 L1

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Hand Positions

Hands between 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock or 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock to avoid injury from airbag==10 and 2 for beginning drivers!

Knuckles should also be outside the rim of the steering wheel.

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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.

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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.