Transcript Driver’s Education - Broward County Public Schools

Driver’s Education
Vehicle Maintenance
What to Check before you enter the
Vehicle
1. Check the following fluid levels at
least once a month & before long
trips
A. oil (w/ engine cool & not running)
B. Coolant (always add additional
coolant to the overflow tank, not the
radiator)
C. Transmission & Power steering
D. Brake and windshield-washer
Belts, Hoses, and Wires
1. Check belts that may be loose,
frayed or cracked. These should be
replaced as soon as possible. Late
model cars will have a single belt.
2. Check hoses for leaks & cracks.
Inspect by pinching. Hoses should
be flexible and not sticky.
3. Look for loose, broken or
disconnected wires
What to check after you start your
vehicle
1. Check gauges and warning lights
regularly as you drive (oil pressure,
engine overheating, alternator)
2. Check your brakes for firm resistance
as soon as you start driving. Smooth
straight stop, with pedal well above
the floor
Power Train
1. This includes the engine,
transmission, driveshaft and axle
2. To maintain the power train, check &
change engine oil regularly
3. Have regular tune-ups to change fluids
and filters
4. All cars are different, check your
vehicle’s manual, for service schedule
Lighting System
1. This includes headlights, interior,
exterior & dashboard warning lights
2. Keep headlights clean, even a thin
layer of dirt can cut light output by 90
percent
3. Misaligned lights can reduce your
ability to see the roadway & may
temporarily blind oncoming drivers
Brake System
1. Most newer cars have disc brakes that use
brake fluid to apply hydraulic pressure
against the 4 wheels
2. Make sure your brake fluid reservoir is
always full
3. If your brake pedal feels spongy, this may be
an indication of air in the lines. This problem
will cause increased stopping distance and
should be taken care of by a mechanic
Tires
1. Always check the owner’s manual for the
recommended tire pressure
2. Use a gauge to check tire pressure, when
the tire is cold
3. Check tire pressure often because tires lose
air over time
4. Check for sufficient tread. Insert a quarter
in the tread, it should at least come
to the top of Washington’s head
Jump Start
1. Connect one end of the red jumper
cable clamp to the dead battery’s red
(+) post
2. Connect other red cable clamp to the
good battery’s red (+) post (see next
slide)
Jump Start Cont.
3. Connect black clamp to black
negative (-) post of good battery
4. Connect other black clamp to a clean
unpainted metal surface under the
hood of the dead battery, not to the
negative post of dead battery
5. Allow vehicle with good battery to run
for 5 minutes, and attempt to start
FYI
If your check engine light comes on,
make sure the gas cap is fully
tightened so that you hear it click at
least once.
The sensor controlling this is very
sensitive and will detect if the cap is
not secure, and therefore cause a
warning light to come on.