Transcript Slide 1
Vehicle Malfunctions NV Driver Education Curriculum Unit 9: Sharing the Road and Handling Emergencies Presentation 3 of 5 Proper Maintenance Most vehicle malfunction can be prevented with proper maintenance. • Pay attention to warning lights • Maintain fluid levels • Check tire pressure Warning Lights & Gauges Warning alert lights: Warning gauges: • When vehicle is first turned • Engine temperature on, all lights illuminate • Oil pressure • Once engine is running, all • Charging should go out ** If light stays on it needs attention** What to Do if Vehicle Fails Be prepared for emergencies • Steer safely off the road • Be visible when stopped • Raise hood, tie something white to antenna or hang out window • Call for help • Remain buckled in the car • Lock vehicle doors Be Visible When Stopped Set out flares or warning devices – 100 and 200 feet increments behind car On Undivided Highways Recommended placement of emergency-warning devices On Divided Highways Vehicle Failures There is always a possibility that your vehicle may malfunction. The most serious failure affect: • Steering • Braking • Engine Steering Failure Steering problems should not be solved on the road while driving. • Slow down immediately • Use flashers to warn others If power steering fails, you will have to work extremely hard to steer the vehicle, but full control will not be lost. Drivers can usually identify problems, “loose” or difficult steering before a complete failure occurs. Steering Wheel Locks Never adjust or move the key ignition while the vehicle is in motion. If the steering wheel were to lock, slow down the vehicle as quickly as possible by whatever means to avoid losing control. Brake Failure Most common causes of brake failure are wet and overheated brakes. Rear and front wheels each have a brake system. If total brake failure: • Pump the foot brake pedal (with power brakes not effective) • Downshift to lower gear • Apply parking brake • Search for safe place to steer Brake Fade Applying brakes hard over a long period (i.e. driving down hills) overheats brakes, causing them to fade. • Temporary brake failure • Less effective • Stop vehicle to allow brakes to cool • Use lower gears to help prevent brake fade Wet Brakes Driving through water can temporarily reduce brakes’ effectiveness • Drive slowly in puddles • Gently apply brakes as you drive though water – Friction will generate heat • Test brakes as leave water • Riding the brake will dry brakes (left foot lightly on brake, as right foot slowly accelerates) Stuck Accelerator If accelerator is stuck: • Attempt to jar it free – Use toe to lift pedal – Step on pedal repeatedly • Apply brakes • Shift into Neutral (to remove power from the wheels) • Turn the off vehicle (last resort) will lose power steering Engine Failure Usually little warning when engine sputters or stops If engine stops suddenly: • Shift into Neutral • Move out of traffic • Turn on flashers • Do not brake • Try to re-start the engine Stalled on Railroad Tracks If a train is approaching: • Abandon vehicle Immediately • Run at a 45-degree angle away from the tracks, towards the oncoming train (to avoid being hit by debris when the train collides with your vehicle). A train traveling at 55 mph may travel more than one mile after applying the emergency brakes. If not approaching: • Try restarting your vehicle • Shift into Neutral and push vehicle off tracks Overheated Engine When the temperature gauge indicates an overheated vehicle: • Use heater to draw heat away from engine if you cannot pull off the road immediately. • Turn off air conditioning • During stops, shift to Neutral and press accelerator gently • Pullover, turn off engine • Open the hood of the car to cool engine Engine Fires Most engine fires are caused by either an electrical or fuel problem. Handle quickly and properly: • Get your car off the road • Turn off the engine • Move away from the vehicle – At least 100 feet away • Do not open hood If fire is in rear of the vehicle, very hazardous, gas tank may explode. Tire Wear Tires wear quicker with poor maintenance and road conditions: • Under or over inflated • Unbalanced wheels • Poor alignment • Abrupt braking • Sharp steering • Bumps and potholes Tire Blowout A blowout occurs when a tire suddenly loses air pressure – Tire hits object in road or a pothole – Driver fails to maintain proper tire pressure What to Do - Tire Blowout Front tire blow out • Vehicle quickly pulls in direction of blowout Back tire blow out • Rear end will slide around or “fishtail” What to do: • • • • Hold steering wheel firmly Ease off accelerator Do not brake Look and steer to safety, off the road Tire blow out causes accident Changing a Tire Changing a tire on a roadway is dangerous and can be risky. • Find a safe place, completely off the road • Call for help Professionals know best • If you change the tire, use proper tools and safety precautions Loss of Forward Vision Loss of forward vision may be caused by: • Headlight failure • Windshield • Hood flies open splashed with dirt – Look though side window – Pull over immediately – Turn on wipers Headlights Failure If your headlights flicker or fail take immediate action • Turning on the parking lights, emergency lights, or hazards • Use turn right turn signal and move to the shoulder of the road • Check fuses or fuse clips