Safe Driving Practices: Vehicle Maintenance and Emergency Procedures
Here are some essential safe driving practices related to vehicle maintenance and emergency procedures:
Vehicle Drifting While Braking
Problem: Vehicle drifts to one side when braking.
Solution: Consult your mechanic.
Cause of Vehicle Drifting
Problem: Vehicle drifts to the side.
Cause: Maladjusted brakes.
Strong Gasoline Smell
Problem: You smell a strong odor of gasoline.
Action: Stop and investigate.
Preventing Vehicle Fires
How to: Check your vehicle for any strange gasoline smells.
Importance of Proper Footwear
Why: To maintain control of the pedals.
Reducing Neck Injuries
Solution: Use a seat with adjustable headrests properly adjusted.
Warning Light Triangle Meaning
Meaning: Parking brake is set.
Checking Tire Pressure
When: When the tires are cold.
Tire Pressure Review
When: When the tires are cold.
Low Fluid Levels Causing Accidents
Fluid: Brake fluid.
Normal Stopping Procedure
How to: Brake gently, then a bit stronger as you begin to stop, and then loosen the brake slightly before stopping completely.
Using Hazard Warning Lights
When: When obstructing traffic.
Hazard Warning Lights Usage
When: To warn drivers behind you of a danger ahead.
Hazard Warning Lights Usage (Continued)
When: When obstructing traffic.
Testing Suspension
Symptom: Car bounces or oscillates laterally.
Cause: Worn shock absorbers.
Maintaining Tire Pressure
Why: To help prevent the car from rolling over.
High Fuel Consumption
Cause: Frequent braking and acceleration.
Minimum Tire Tread Depth
Depth: 1.6 mm.
Rear Tire Burst While Driving
- Slow down and pull over to the side of the road.
- Turn the wheel in the same direction as the side where the tire blew.
Front Tire Burst
- Brake gently or allow the vehicle to coast to a stop.
- Firmly hold the steering wheel to maintain trajectory.
What Not to Do at a Gas Station
Don’t: Smoke.
Disengaging the Engine
Effect: Reduces engine control.
Why Not to Disengage the Engine While Driving
Reason: Because there is no engine braking.
Reasons Not to Disengage Engine on a Steep Decline
- Less control of braking and steering.
- Potential for vehicle to lurch.
Why Not to Press the Clutch Unnecessarily
Reason: Reduces control of the vehicle.
Child Safety Locks
Purpose: Prevent doors from being opened from the inside.
Low Air Pressure in Front Tires
Effect: Makes steering feel heavier.