Helpful Driving Information

CAR USE ECONOMICS

There are several things you can do to operate your motor vehicle efficiently and economically.
You should avoid making fast starts and stops and cornering too fast. This behavior is not only unsafe; it also hurts the environment and increases the cost of operating and maintaining your vehicle by wasting fuel and wearing out tires and brakes.

CAR USE ECONOMICS

Save money and the environment by driving slower. Fast driving requires more fuel to get you the same distance. Obey speed limits and you will save fuel and reduce the risk to others.
Anticipate when you need to stop. Quick braking excessively wears your brakes and tires. Practice stopping smoothly and gently.

CHECKING FOR CAR CONDITION

Safe driving starts with your vehicle. It is your responsibility to make sure that the vehicles you drive are safe to operate. Follow your vehicle owner's manual for routine maintenance. Choose a qualified mechanic and make an appointment with him or her if you notice any difference or change in vehicle performance.

CHECKING FOR CAR CONDITION

• Braking system: only your brakes can stop your vehicle. It is very dangerous if they are not working. If you feel your car pull to one side when you stop, hear an unusual noise, or the brake pedal goes to the floor, have a mechanic check the brakes.
• Tires: if the vehicle bounces, it pulls to one side, or you hear any thumping noise, have a mechanic check it. Your tire pressure should be checked often when tires are cold. Look in your car owner's manual for the right tire pressures or ask for advice at a service station.
• Suspension system: if the vehicle bounces a lot after a bump or a stop or is hard to control, you may need new shocks or other suspension parts. See a mechanic.
• Windshield: damaged windshield glass can break easily in a minor collision or if something hits it. Have your windshield replaced if it's cracked. Keep the windshield and wipers clean.

CHECKING FOR CAR CONDITION

Engine: your engine must be in good condition. Follow the procedures given in your car owner’s manual for maintenance. It is important that you keep an eye on the engine temperature gauge in your car to avoid overheating.

CHECKING FOR CAR CONDITION

Oil: check your engine oil on a regular basis, at least once a month. Keep an eye on the oil indicator gauge/light while driving, and if it is activated, stop immediately. This is a warning that the engine's oil level is down.

CHECKING FOR CAR CONDITION

Radiator Coolant: check the radiator coolant level especially before a long trip. If the level is down, add water. Otherwise it could cause overheating and damage to the engine.

CHECKING FOR CAR CONDITION

• Transmission Fluid: transmission oil needs to be replaced after 25000 - 35000 miles of driving. Check your car owner's manual. Have a mechanic check the transmission if the oil is dark in color.
• Brake Fluid: this also needs to be replaced at least once a year.

While driving you will deal with lots of problems which require your fast and efficient reaction. Wouldn't it be great to have a helper in the car to do this work for you? Just imagine: when your vehicle is about to roll over, some force would "magically" keep all its four wheels on the ground.
There are many modern features available on market and your parents or friends may already have some installed on their cars. Become familiar with these new features and know how to use them properly when they are available.

CHECKING FOR CAR CONDITION

Electronic Stability Programs (ESP) track where a driver is steering the vehicle with where the vehicle is actually going. When ESP senses a disparity between the two, it selectively applies any one of the vehicle’s brakes to help the driver retain control and stability.

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS

Traction Control Systems are designed to activate brake sensors that do not allow the wheels to spin.
By controlling wheel spin, the vehicle stability, steer-ability, and acceleration are improved.

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a worldwide radio navigation system using satellites. GPS devices mounted on a vehicle's dashboard display directions on a map and may have a voice feature giving directions aloud.

SUPPLEMENTAL OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

Over the last few decades, vehicle manufacturers have incorporated energy absorbing designs into their vehicles such as:

• Front ends and trunks that crush on impact and steel beams inside the doors to protect occupants in side impacts; many bumpers are now designed to absorb low impact (under 5 mph) without damage.
  
• A plastic sheet between layers of windshield glass helps to protect occupants from flying broken glass.

SUPPLEMENTAL OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEMS

• Padded areas on the dash and on top of the front seats to lessen the potential of head injuries.
  
• Energy-absorbing steering wheel and column to protect the driver.
  
• Front impact air bags—some new cars also carry side impact air bags.