A. Vehicle systems and components

The purpose of a vehicle's frame is to support the body, engine, and other components. The frame along with the body is largely responsible for the structural integrity of the vehicle. The frame itself is supported by the wheels and tires through the vehicle's suspension system.

When you start your car: (a) power from your battery is used to operate a small electric motor called the starter motor, (b) the starter motor turns the flywheel and crank shaft of the engine so that the engine can attain sufficient momentum and speed to start and run on its own, (c) the crankshaft is inside your engine and supplies power to the remainder of the power train, (d) the crankshaft is also connected by connecting rods to pistons inside cylinders, (e) exploding gas inside the cylinders drives the pistons up and down and, through the connecting rods, turns the crankshaft, (f) inside the cylinders a mixture of gas and air is compressed, ignited by a spark plug , and explodes, and (g) the mixture of air and gas is delivered to the cylinders by a carburetor and intake manifold or a fuel injection system.

The moving parts of your engine must be lubricated. Oil which accumulates in your engine's oil pan is pumped by the oil pump through an oil filter and then through tubes that deliver the oil to the moving parts that need to be lubricated.

The (a) battery is your vehicle's primary source of electrical power, (b) when you turn your ignition switch to start your car electricity is used to close another switch called a solenoid that transmits the large amount of current needed to turn the starter motor, (c) once your engine is running, power is generated by the alternator which also keeps your battery charged, (d) your voltage regulator controls the amount of electricity that is generated, (e) your distributor and coil generate and deliver the very high voltage electricity needed by the individual spark plugs of your engine, (f) electricity is distributed throughout your vehicle by various electrical circuits for lighting, to operate electrical motors, to operate computers that control various functions, to operate your radio, interior cooling, heating, and ventilating system, and so on, and (g) the purpose of fuses is to disable a circuit that is drawing too much current so as to prevent a fire and protect the components that the circuit serves.

A vehicle's steering wheel is attached to a steering column or shaft which terminates in the steering box. Inside the steering box, the turning motion of the column is translated into a lateral motion which is passed on to the wheels through a series of components which include ball joints , the steering arm , and the steering knuckle.

In power steering systems, turning of the steering wheel actuates a hydraulic system which amplifies the forces necessary to rotate and move the linkages leading to the wheels.

The purpose of your vehicle's suspension system is to (a) connect the wheels to the frame and body and (b) keep the movement of your wheels from being transmitted fully to the body. This allows you to maintain control of the car in turns, when you hit pot holes, and on rough roads. It also makes riding in the car more comfortable.

The up and down movement of your wheels is absorbed by the springs in your suspension system, your shock absorbers keep the springs from continuing to bounce, and there are different designs for suspension systems involving various linkages, struts, joints, torsion bars, and so on.

When you are stopped and apply your brakes, they lock. It is the friction force between the tires and the road that keeps you from moving. Your parking brake uses a cable rather than a hydraulic system to engage your brakes or clamp down on your drive shaft and will therefore function even if your service brakes have failed.

Brakes will only slow your car while there is friction between the moving parts of your brakes. If the wheels are locked as is the case of a skid, the drums or discs are not moving and there will be no friction. The purpose of antilock brake systems is to prevent the brakes from becoming locked by first sensing if they are locked and then automatically, rapidly releasing and applying pressure. If you do not have antilock brakes, you can avoid having your brakes lock by manually, rapidly releasing and then reapplying pressure to your brake pedal.

It is important to be familiar with all the controls in the vehicle to avoid searching for a control while driving and possibly being distracted.

Certain gauges and lights are more important than others. An easy way to remember the most important gauges and lights is "boil, oil, coil." The first and most important is the temperature or "boil". When this warning light is on or the gauge moves into the red, it means the temperature of the engine coolant is too high and the engine will overheat soon. The proper response to this is to pull over and turn the engine off so it can cool down.

Next is the oil gauge or warning light. It signifies that the oil level in the crank case is low. Oil is a lubricant that reduces friction of the metal parts inside the engine. Without it they would create so much friction that eventually the parts will expand and be unable to move freely. This will cause permanent damage to the engine.

"Coil" relates to the battery or alternator light or voltage gauge. If trouble is indicated, it means that the battery is not being charged. This is the least urgent of the three warnings. The problem will eventually bring things to a stop, but it doesn't require immediate or emergency attention.

B.  Legal use of safety equipment

You must signal before turning, changing lanes, or otherwise entering traffic from a side road or driveway. You should signal during the last 100 feet before turning unless traffic conditions indicate you should start signaling earlier, such as on a freeway where you should signal for at least 5 seconds before changing lanes.

In addition to signaling the intention to make a turn, you must check your mirrors and blind spots to make sure it is safe to complete the maneuver. You should not assume that just because you have signaled a turn or lane change that others can or will leave you the space to complete it. You must signal even when you don't see any cars around.  You should use both arm signals and signal lights if it is difficult for others to see your signal lights.

If you plan to turn as soon as you leave an intersection, do not start signaling while you are approaching or in the intersection. Wait until you have crossed the intersection so as not to confuse traffic.

Make sure that your signal is turned off after you have completed your turn or lane change.

It is illegal to drive with only your parking lights turned on.

The Vehicle Code provides specifications for the safe use of sun screening devices and tinting of windows. When cars are manufactured, they are in conformance with these specifications. Any change in tinting or the modification or installation of sun screening devices must be done in accordance with the California Vehicle Code.

You must have mirrors which provide a view for at least 200 feet to the rear of your vehicle. Two mirrors are required on all vehicles. A right side mirror is required and either a rear view or left side mirror.

You should properly adjust your mirrors before starting to drive, to avoid being distracted while attempting to adjust them during driving.

Maintaining good visibility requires that you keep windshields and mirrors clean and free from obstructions. If your windshield is cracked and obstructs your view or that of your passenger, you will not be allowed to take your driving test. You must not carry objects, inside or outside, which obscure your view.

Over time windshield wipers lose their ability to effectively clean your windshield by cracking, loosing their flexibility, becoming dirty, and getting out of adjustment. Therefore, it is a safe practice is to change them annually.

Temperature and humidity conditions may change rapidly causing frost and condensation to quickly form on the windshield. For this reason, it is important to keep the defroster in good operating condition.

About one person in three will be injured or killed in a traffic accident.

Being ejected from a vehicle is one of the most injurious events that can happen to a person in a crash. In fatal crashes, 73% of passenger vehicle occupants who were totally ejected from the vehicle were killed.

Unrestrained occupants of a car keep moving during the time the car takes to stop due to inertia. They are still moving forward at their original speed when they slam into the steering wheel, windshield, or other part of the car. This force is equivalent to that of hitting the ground when falling from a three story building. When hit from behind, inertia causes a person's neck to bend backwards, which can result in whiplash.

If a vehicle is equipped with seat belts, they must be worn by the driver and all passengers while the vehicle is moving, regardless of whether the vehicle has air bags. If the seat belts have lap and shoulder straps, both must be worn.

The purpose of seat belts and shoulder straps is to keep your body from hitting the steering wheel, windshield, or other portions of the interior of your car in a crash. Safety belts are also effective in preventing total ejection from a car in a crash.

If you wear only a lap belt when driving, your chances of living through an accident are twice as good as those of someone who isn't. If you wear both a lap and shoulder belt, your chances are three to four time better.

While wearing seat belts without shoulder straps can increase chances of spinal and abdominal injury in an accident (especially in children), seat belts alone still reduce overall chances of injury or death. Shoulder harnesses may be available for your vehicle, if it is not already equipped with them.

If you are struck from the side in a collision, the impact could push you back and forth across the seat. Seatbelts help to keep you in a better position to control the vehicle.

Safety belts can reduce injuries and deaths. Many studies and actual crash tests have proven this fact. Over the past 10 years some 55,600 deaths and 1,300,000 injuries have been prevented by seatbelt use.

To be effective, seatbelts must be worn properly. In general, the shoulder belt should fit snuggly against your body, you should never wear the shoulder belt under your arm, you should never wear a seatbelt that is twisted, and you should never be reclined in your seat when moving.

Pregnant women should wear lap belts as low a possible under the abdomen and the shoulder strap should be worn between the breasts and the side of the abdomen's bulge.

Seat belts are required for persons riding in the beds of pick-up trucks. Otherwise, it is illegal to ride in the bed of an open pickup truck.

Safety belts must be in good working order to be effective. Safety belts can become ineffective by wear and damage, particularly after an accident, and should be inspected along with other periodic maintenance of the vehicle.

A lot of misinformation is still given regarding safety-belt usage. The following are examples of some of these safety-belt myths and explanations of why they are incorrect.

The belief that safety belts can trap you inside a vehicle is one of these myths. It actually takes less than a second to take off a safety belt. This type of scare tactic often describes a car that caught on fire or sank in deep water. A safety belt may keep you from being knocked out, which will increase your chances of escape in these situations because you are more likely to remain conscious.

Another bit of misinformation given regarding safety belts is that, although they are good on long trips, you don't need them if you are just driving around town, to the video store, and so forth. However, half of all traffic deaths occur within 25 miles of the person's home. Don't take chances with your life or the lives of your passengers. You should buckle up every time you drive, even if the trip is local.

You also may have heard someone argue that you don't need to wear a seatbelt because some people are thrown clear in a crash and walk away without a scratch. However, your chances of surviving an accident are five times as good if your body remains inside the vehicle during a collision. Safety belts can keep you from being thrown out into the path of another car.

The use of safety belts ins required by law if the vehicle you are riding or driving in is equipped with them. You and your passengers must wear a safety belt while the vehicle is moving. If not, you or your passenger (if age 16 or older) may be given a traffic citation for not wearing a safety belt. A seat belt is required for each person who is age 6 or older and weighs over 60 pounds. If a child is under 6 years of age, or over 6 years of age but under 60 pounds, the driver, parent, or legal guardian, if present, must put the child in an approved safety seat.

Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death or injury to children under five years of age. An adult's arms are not strong enough to hold on to a child during a collision. The forces of a collision are too strong and the weight of an adult can crush a child. Because children are small, they may not benefit from built in safety features inside the vehicle. The back seat is generally the safest place in a vehicle for all children 12 years of age or younger. It has be estimated that when correctly used and installed, child car seats can reduce deaths by about 90% and injuries by 70%. There are special requirements for the use of infant seats and child seats based on the age and weight of the child.  Babies up to 20 pounds and about age 1 should ride in a safety seat secured to the back seat facing the rear of the car. Babies should not be placed forward or backward in the front passenger seat if the vehicle is equipped with a passenger-side air bag. Children over 20 pounds and about age 1 or older should ride bucked up in the back seat. Make sure the vehicle's seat belt is put through the correct slots in the safety seat. Incorrectly-fastened safety seat defeat their purpose and can result in injury.

Because children can be injured by a seat belt that does not fit correctly, it might be a good idea to use a booster seat designed for use in an automobile for children between 40 and 60 lbs.

Don't think that just because you are making a local trip you child, brother, or sister doesn't need to use a car seat. Car accidents are the number one preventable cause of death for children. Take time to buckle them up in safety belts or car seats. It's worth the hassle, and the law requires that you do it.

Always seat children in the back seat when possible, even if there is no airbag in front of them. Avoid putting children in the front seat of a car equipped with airbags. Children sitting in the front seat with an air bag could be severely injured by the airbag. Even when kids get older, riding in the back seat is safer.

Never install a rear-facing infant safety seat in the front seat of a car equipped with passenger-side air bags, unless the vehicle is equipped with a disabling switch and the switch is in the "off" position.

If you must put a child in the front seat, then an airbag on/off switch is essential. If there are too many children to all sit in back, make sure the seat is all the way back and the child is securely buckled and sitting back in the seat.

Tires should be frequently inspected for proper inflation pressure, tread depth, uneven wear, and cracks. They should be replaced when tread depth is low or they are cracked.

If uneven wear is present you should check inflation pressure and/or wheel balance and alignment of your vehicle . Have any problems corrected immediately or you may be forced to purchase new tires.

If the electrolyte in your battery can be refilled, it should be checked and refilled with distilled water as part of regular maintenance on your vehicle in order to keep the battery functioning. Electrolyte fluid is corrosive and can severely injure your eyes. Batteries generate hydrogen gas which can explode when the battery caps are removed.

If your alternator belt is slipping or breaks, your battery will discharge, lights and other accessories may not work, and the vehicle will eventually stall. The belt tension should be maintained according to manufacturer specifications for the alternator to perform correctly and to prolong the life of the belt. Cracked belts should be replaced.

Exterior lights should be regularly checked for burned out bulbs that you may not be aware of from inside the vehicle. Interior lights are necessary to see displays both at night and during the day, are essential in case of an emergency at night, and must be maintained in proper working order. It is illegal to drive with headlights that are not properly adjusted.

It is important to be sure your windshield wiper motor is working and that the linkages to the wipers are functioning. The time to discover there is a problem is not when you need them.

Leaks in your fuel system can cause fires and expose you to toxic gases. The leaks can occur in the fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, carburetor, fuel injector lines and by not having your gas cap securely attached.

If you smell gas you should immediately stop the car, turn off the engine, and determine the problem. Your fuel system should be checked for leaks as part of regular maintenance.

If a gauge is not working or does not appear to be providing correct information, it should be immediately repaired or replaced.

The failure of instruments and panel indicators can lead to incorrect decisions on your part which can cause an accident, break-downs, being stranded, and damage to your engine and other components which could have been avoided.

The malfunctioning of the controls can lead to accidents by impairing your visibility and preventing you from being seen by others and maneuvering safely.

Periodic lubrication and oil changes according to manufacturer's recommendations extend the life of your vehicle, allow you to avoid costly repairs, and prevent dangerous break-downs.

The weight of oil that you choose for your engine (e.g., 10w-30 or 20w-50) depends on the manufacturer's recommendations, the outside temperature, and the age of your vehicle. Make sure to choose the right weight of oil for your vehicle.

Your vehicle uses oil in more than just the engine. Your transmission, differential, and power steering (if equipped) also use fluid that must be periodically checked and changed. Make sure to use the right type of fluid for each.

Failure or degraded performance of your brakes can lead to accidents. Your brakes should be inspected and maintained according to manufacturer's specifications.

You should periodically check the level of your brake fluid and maintain a full level. Periodically change your brake fluid according to the recommendations of your vehicle's manufacturer. Only use the weight of brake fluid they recommend.

Periodic tune-ups and transmission service according to manufacturer's specifications extends the life of your vehicle, allows you to avoid costly repairs, and prevents dangerous breakdowns.

During a tune up you should have your spark plugs, spark distributor, distributor cap, and air filter changed. The timing of your vehicle should be check and adjusted, and your points should be changed (if your vehicle has them).

To avoid breakdowns, accidents, and costly repairs, you should be aware of the condition of your steering system. There should be no play in your steering wheel if you have power steering, and no more than 2 inches of play in your steering wheel if you do not have power steering. If this is not the case, you should have your vehicle checked-out by a qualified technician.

Vibrations, unusual noises from your wheels, and your vehicle pulling or swerving when you stop or turn all indicate possible problems in your suspension system, steering system, brake system, and/or wheels and tires. These problems are largely avoided by inspection and repair at regular intervals.

You should also check for fluid leaks from your shocks and/or struts. If fluid is leaking, you should have them replaced.

Breakdowns, accidents and costly repairs are avoided by keeping your cooling system in good working order. This involves maintaining the level of the coolant and changing it according to manufacturer's recommendations.

You should also check for coolant leaks, cracks and deterioration in hoses and belts, and noises and leaks from your water pump. You should replace hoses and belts periodically (say, once every three years). Be aware of abrupt changes or trends in your engine temperature as indicated by the temperature gauge. These signal developing problems.

Breakdowns and costly repairs can be avoided by keeping your exhaust system in good working order. This includes realizing that changes in noise level, smelling an abnormal amount of fumes, and rattling underneath your vehicle signal problems with your exhaust system. The exhaust system should be inspected for leaks and secure attachment along with other regular maintenance.

It is illegal to modify your exhaust system so as to increase the noise level of your vehicle or install a by-pass devise that allows it to increase. Your exhaust system should not have leaks that increase the noise level. Leaks in your exhaust system are dangerous because they expose you to carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.

The law requires (in most cases) that you have an emission test every two years at the time of registration or at time of sale. It is a good idea to have your smog control components checked at the time of a tune-up.

The California Vehicle Code provides specifications for fenders and mudguards on your vehicle. Before modifying these features of your vehicle, you must check the requirements in the California Vehicle Code . Modifying these components could result in throwing rocks or debris at the car behind you.

There are several things you can do to maximize the economic operation of your motor vehicle.

First, you should avoid making fast starts and stops, and cornering too fast. They are not only unsafe, but increase the cost of operating and maintaining your vehicle by wasting fuel and wearing out tires and brakes.

The second thing you can do to save money is to drive slower. Faster driving requires more fuel to get you the same distance. Obey speed limits and you will save fuel and reduce the risk to others.

Another thing you can do is to anticipate when you will need to stop. Quick braking excessively wears your brakes and tires. Look ahead while you are driving so you can anticipate when you will need to stop and do so smoothly and gently.

Periodic or preventative maintenance of your vehicle will also lower your long-term operation costs. Periodic tune ups reduce fuel consumption by making your vehicle run more efficiently. The money you spend on periodic maintenance can also save you large expenses due to major engine failure and breakdown.

Purchase, owning and operating costs

The cost of owning and operating a vehicle is the sum of those costs directly related to the number of miles driven (gasoline, replacing tires and other components that wear out with use, and oil changes), and costs that are largely the same regardless of how little you actually drive your car (insurance, registration, depreciation, and maintenance that must be performed regardless of miles driven).

If you drive your car very little, gas mileage, and maintenance may not be a significant consideration, but depreciation, insurance, and registration will be. If you drive your car a lot, gas mileage and day-to-day repairs will be significant cost considerations. While it is difficult to estimate the costs of owning and operating a vehicle precisely, you should consider all of these types of costs when making a decision about what type of vehicle to purchase.

It is important to consider all the costs of owning and operating a vehicle, not just the price you are paying, when determining whether you can afford the car.

If you buy a new rather than used car, your costs for financing, depreciation, registration, and insurance will be higher, but your maintenance costs will probably be lower, the dependability of the vehicle will probably be better, and the crash worthiness and fuel efficiency may be better.

It is wise to have a used vehicle inspected for mechanical condition prior to purchase.

When purchasing a vehicle from a dealer, the dealer submits fees, use tax, and other documents to register the vehicle with the DMV. When purchasing from a private party, the seller provides a bill of sale, smog certification, and an endorsed Certificate of Title, and submits a Notice of Release of Liability to the DMV within 5 days. The buyer pays the use tax and is responsible for registering vehicle with the DMV within 10 days.

If you finance a car, the interest you pay on the money you have borrowed may be significant. You may be required to pay for insurance that you would not have otherwise chosen, and if you fail to make payments, the car can be repossessed and your credit history damaged.

If a minor is allowed to drive your vehicle, it may significantly increase the insurance premiums. Your insurance may not be sufficient to pay for the damages for which you are liable if the minor causes an accident. (This topic is discussed in more detail in Unit 8).

There are some common sense rules you can follow which will generally steer you clear of dangerous situations when operating a motor vehicle. The following tips are presented to help insure your personal safety while driving.

• Always lock your car doors while driving, and roll windows up far enough to keep anyone from reaching inside. At stop signs and lights keep the car in gear and stay alert. Travel well-lighted, busy streets. You can spare those extra minutes it may take to avoid an unsafe area.

• Keep your purse and other valuables out of sight, even when you are driving in your locked car.

• Park in safe, well-lighted areas near your destination. Always lock your car, even for a short absence. And before unlocking your car, quickly check to make sure no one is hiding on your seats or floors, front and back.

• Never pick up a hitchhiker. Even the most harmless-looking stranger can be dangerous. Don't find out.

• When you arrive home, leave your headlights on until you have the car in the garage and the house door unlocked. If you can, have a remote control garage door opener installed; it will allow you to remain in your locked car until you're inside your locked garage.

• Check the daily routes you travel and pick out safe spots-24 hour gas stations, convenience stores, and police and fire stations. If trouble should arise, drive straight to one of these locations.