Basic Vehicle Control

Where are things located

Instrument Panel

• Speedometer

• Odometer

• Tachometer

• Fuel Gage

Oil, Temperature & Alternator

• Oil Pressure Light or Gage

• Temperature Light or Gage

• Alternator Warning Light or Gage

Other Warning Lights

• Brakes

• ABS

• Safety Belt

• Air Bag

• Turn signals

• Bright Lights

Vehicle Controls

• Steering Wheel - If it is adjustable, tilt the wheel so you can see the speedometer and have the air bag make contact with the chest.

• Selector lever/gear shift lever

• Ignition

• Parking brake

• 24 seatbelt

• 25 head restraint

• 26 inside mirror

• 27 outside mirror

Foot Controls

• Gas Pedal is on the right

• Brake – middle

• Clutch -Left

Devices for Safety

• Head Restraints

• Inside Mirror

• Outside Mirrors

• Horn

• Wipers

• Light Switch

Blind Spots

• Even with the mirrors adjusted properly, there are areas the driver can not see with out turning his/her head.

Blind Spots• Blind spots when backing

Devices for Comfort

• Heater

• Air Conditioner

• Seat adjustment

Sitting position

Seat Adjustment

• Most cars have seats that can go forward & back, up & down, and tilt the back.

• Always adjust before starting.• Hands about 10 & 2 (9 & 3) with a slight

bend in the elbow. A least 10 inches from the steering wheel.

• Look out the top half of the window. (To look far ahead)

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

• Adjust headrest.

Getting ready to Drive

• What are some outside checks you should make?

• Walk around & look for leaks, check tires, windows & lights clear.

• From the street, have keys in hand, face traffic.

• Lock car, adjust seat, mirrors & steering wheel and ___________ __.

• Buckle up.

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.

Starting the Car

Make sure the Parking brake is on

Make sure you are in Park

Keep foot off gas pedal

Turn on the key

Check gages, lights & fuel

Putting the car in Motion

• Foot on the brake pedal.

• Lever in “DRIVE”

• Release the Parking Brake.

• Check Mirrors & blind spots.

• Pulling away from curb, use turn signal.

Stopping the Vehicle

• Check traffic in mirrors before slowing down.

• Let up on the gas.

• Tap brake & then gradually press down on the brake pedal. (Ease up just before stopping)

• Leave the selector lever in D if you plan on moving again.

Mr. Marzullo’s First Car