Safety and Your Vehicle Flashcards
Tyre pressures
Check them regularly, especially before a long journey
Check when tyres are cold
Under inflated tyres can have an effect on braking, steering and fuel consumption
Steering may become heavy if tyres are under inflated
Tyres
Tyres should have an even tread depth of at least 1.6mm around the entire outer circumference and across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre
Uneven tread depth could lead to further faults
Breadth = Width of tyre
If the steering starts to vibrate or pulls to one side, you should get it looked at by a mechanic as the wheels may be unbalanced and need realigning
Good practice
Allow plenty of time when travelling a long distance
Plan an alternative route, just in case of delays
Shock absorbers
Shock absorbers form part of the suspension, and their aim is to reduce the impact of driving on the road
If you push down on the front wing, then let it go, and it continues to bounce, the shock absorbers might be worn so you should get them looked at
Fuel consumption
Driving smoothly can reduce your fuel consumption by up to 15%
Reducing your road speed, planning well ahead and missing out gears will also reduce fuel consumption
Harsh braking and acceleration will increase your fuel consumption
Brake fluid
You must make sure the fluid is sitting between the minimum and maximum marks
Oil levels
Check with the dipstick
1) Wipe it clean
2) Pop it back in
3) Take it out again
4) Check the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks
Battery fluid
Check the fluid is covering the cell plates
Theft - To deter the theft of your vehicle…
Have the registration number etched on the windows and also fit an immobiliser which will prevent the vehicle from being started without the correct key
Leaving your vehicle unattended…
Remove or lock valuables out of sight
Engage steering lock
Lock vehicle & remove the keys
Theft
Install a security coded radio to prevent radio theft
Never leave vehicle documents in your vehicle
Consider joining a vehicle watch scheme
Seat belts
It is a legal requirement to wear a seat belt, unless you are exempt for medical reasons
If exempt, you will be issued a certificate of exemption
It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure all passengers under the age of 14 are wearing their seatbelts
Car seats
Children under the age of 12 or under 1.35m in height MUST be restrained in the correct child seat for their age, height and weight
If you use a rear facing baby seat in the front then you must deactivate the airbag as it could cause death or serious head injury in the event of an accident
Head restraints
Head restraints will reduce the risk of neck injury in an accident
When adjusting your head restraint you should ensure that the top is level with your eyes and that it is as close to your head as possible
Eco-safe driving
Eco-safe driving is an economical and safe way to drive
It will reduce exhaust emissions and improve road safety
You should avoid sudden braking or acceleration, read the road ahead of you and anticipate any hazards in good time
You should also stay within the speed limit, not rev your engine and use the correct gear for the speed you are travelling
Emissions
Road transport accounts for 20% of all emissions - we should therefore try to keep these down as much as possible
Having your car serviced, ensures that everything is in good working order and working at an optimal level
A properly serviced vehicle will therefore increase fuel economy and decrease exhaust emissions
As part of your MOT you’ll have an exhaust emissions test to ensure the vehicle meets the correct requirements
Catalytic converters are used in exhaust systems to help reduce toxic emissions. It can reduce them by up to 90%
A few things to be kept in good condition
Windscreens
Headlights
and seatbelts
The above should be checked before each journey
Red routes
You’re not allowed to stop, even to collect or drop off passengers
They aim to keep the traffic flowing in busy areas
Speed humps
Speed humps are designed to make your drive through the area more slowly to help prevent incidents
You should reduce and maintain your speed
Other traffic calming measures
Are road narrowings and chicanes
Warning lights
Handbrake light red exclamation mark
ABS light
Brake fade
Brake fade occurs when you excessively use your brakes, so they overheat and become less effective
Using your horn
The highway code states that you should not use your horn whilst stationary or between 11:30pm and 7am in a built up area, unless another road user poses a danger
Dry steering
It puts unnecessary strain on the steering system and could damage the tyres
You should move slowly and turn the wheel quickly
Where NOT to park
On the zig-zags of a zebra crossing or school crossing
Near the brow of a hill
At or near a bus stop
In front of a property entrance
On the approach to a level crossing
Where the kerb has been lowered
Within 10m of a junction
Turning your engine off
If you are parked or need to leave your vehicle, you should never leave your engine running
If left running, it will continue emitting greenhouse gases
If you are not behind the wheel someone could potentially steal the vehicle or any personal belongings
Roof racks
DO NOT overload it too much, otherwise it will reduce stability and increase fuel consumption!
Suitable shoes
You should wear suitable shoes, that have good grip when driving, to maintain good control of the pedals
