Monthly Archives: May 2012

Things to Remember About Clutch Controls

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There’s a simple formula to use to mobilise the vehicle from its stationary position.  If you’re on flat ground, or starting on a hill, it’s the same formula.  The accelerator and clutch work together to move the vehicle and change gears.

First, you need to find the friction point.  An easy way to do this is to apply the handbrake.  Accelerate a little, and then slowly release the clutch pedal until you feel the car trying to move slightly, or you hear the engine revs die down a little.  This is the friction point.

Now you need to slowly increase the speed as you move your foot away from the floor to engage the clutch friction point.  Once you understand this and are practiced at it, we can move on.

To move the car forward, engage the friction point (ease the clutch out to engage the friction point).  Raise the engine revs slightly (accelerate to increase engine revs), more if you’re on an incline.  Release the handbrake and the car will move forward.  If it doesn’t, slightly raise the engine revs (increase pressure) and release the clutch a little more.

When you become accustomed to this, use the foot brake instead of the handbrake, and just bring the clutch to the friction point.  Release the foot brake and apply a little accelerator.  If the car doesn’t begin to move, slightly raise the engine revs (increase pressure) and release the clutch a little more.  You need to feed the clutch to make the car move.

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Turn Indicators- Importance and Uses

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Indicators, situated on the right of the steering column, are used to show your intention to make left or right turns by activating indicator lights on both sides of the car.  Lift the lever up for the left indicator and down for the right.  They self cancel or you can cancel manually.  Note that some vehicles have the indicators on the left of the column.

The headlights are operated with a control shared by the indicators.  Generally, the lights control has three positions, operated by a rotary switch at the end of the indicator control.  Turn the switch one position toward the windscreen and the parking lights will be activated.  Turn the switch to the next position to turn on the headlights.  Headlights must be in operation for night driving and it’s a good idea to turn them on during the day for added safety, especially in adverse weather conditions or where visibility s reduced for any reason.

The wipers control is on the left of the steering column.  They are used for removing water or dirt from the windscreen.  It has various speeds, from intermittent to fast, and operation varies between vehicles.  It’s important to familiarise yourself with this function in the car you’re driving and to use it to maximise visibility at all times.

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Get Yourself Aware About Non-Driving Controls

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The ignition switch is located on the right of the steering column.  It’s used to start the engine.  It has four positions:

OFF or LOCK- There is no power and the steering is locked.

ACC-  The radio and some other accessories will work.

ON-  All the lights work and all power is on to the engine, but the engine is not running.

START-  This is spring loaded.  Turn the key to start the engine.  Once started, release the key and it returns to the ON position automatically.

Get to Know Different Gear Positions

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Follow a simple format to change gears (in most vehicles).

You’ve started the car in neutral.  You want to select first gear so that we can move forward. Push the clutch pedal all the way in. First gear is selected when the open palm of the hand pushes the gear lever away from the driver until it rubs against the side of the gear change area. From here, the lever is pushed forward.

Second gear is selected with the open palm still pushing away against the side of the gear change area. Pull the lever back to the second gear position.

Third gear is selected by pushing the lever forward out of second gear.  The lever will spring into the centre of the console, or neutral position.  From here, it’s pushed forward to the third gear position.

Fourth gear is selected by pulling the lever toward the rear of the vehicle.  Fourth gear is positioned directly behind third.

Fifth gear is selected by pushing the lever forward to the central or neutral position. Then, pull it across toward the body and push forward.

Select reverse gear from the central or neutral position. Pull the lever across toward the body and then back toward the rear of the vehicle.

It’s important to note that the described is generic and used in most cars.  However, there are vehicles that have gearboxes with slight variations.

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