10a – Car Maintenance
Vehicle Equipment and Maintenance
A vehicle not properly equipped (i.e. no safety belts installed) or equipped with malfunctioning equipment (i.e. a burned-out headlight) can receive a traffic ticket for a mechanical violation.
Under traffic laws in all states, all motor vehicles are required to have certain equipment properly installed on a vehicle, and that equipment must be functioning correctly while the vehicle is in operation.
Such equipment includes:
- Brakes,
- Lights (headlights, rear lights, brake lights, turn signals, license plate lights),
- Horns,
- fenders,
- Mufflers,
- Mirrors,
- Reflectors,
- Safety belts,
- Tires,
- Windshields, windows (made of approved safety glass).
MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS (details)
HEADLAMPS
• At least 2, located at a height of not more than 54 inches or less than 24 inches from the ground. Measured from
the center of the lamp to the level ground or device upon which the vehicle stands when the vehicle is unloaded.
TAIL LAMPS
• Two red tail lamps mounted on the rear
• Visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear
• Mounted at the same level, as widely spaced as practicable
• At a height of not more than 72 inches or less than 15 inches from the ground, measured from the center of the
lamp
• Wired to be lighted whenever the vehicle headlamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted
* Vehicles manufactured before July 1, 1969, must have at least one tail lamp if they were originally
equipped with only one tail lamp.
STOP LAMPS
• Mounted on the rear of the vehicle
• Display a red, amber, or yellow light
• Visible from at least 300 to the rear in normal sunlight
• Be activated upon application of the brake
• May be incorporated with the tail lamp
* Vehicles manufactured before July 1, 1969, must have at least one stop lamp if they were originally
equipped with only one stop lamp
TURN SIGNALS
• Located on the front and rear of the vehicle
• Must indicate the intention to turn by flashing lights in the direction toward which the turn is to be made
• Lamps showing in front must be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced as practicable, must emit a
white or amber light when signaling
• Lamps mounted on the rear must be on the same level and widely spaced laterally as practicable, must emit red
or amber light when signaling
• Visible in normal sunlight from a distance of not less than 500 feet
* Vehicles manufactured before July 1, 1969, less than 80 inches in overall width, not originally equipped
with electric turn signals are exempt.
LICENSE PLATE LAMP
• Passenger vehicles, buses, and trucks under 80 inches in overall width must be equipped with a white lamp
mounted to illuminate the rear license plate
• Must be visible from a distance of at least 50 feet to the rear of the vehicle
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• Wired to be lighted whenever the vehicle headlamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted
FENDERS
• Fenders must be designed not to endanger any persons or property
HORN
• Capable of emitting audible sound under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet
• Must not emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound.
• May not be equipped with a whistle, bell, or siren
MUFFLER
• Equipped with a muffler in good working order
• Must be in constant operation
MIRRORS
• Located to reflect the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
• Self Operating
• Capable of effectively clearing the windshield to provide clear vision through the windshield for the driver in the
rain, snow, or other moisture.
WINDOW GLASS
• Must be equipped with safety glazing materials
SAFETY BELTS
• Passenger vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1968, must be equipped with lap belts for use in the front
seating positions
• Passenger vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1970, must be equipped with shoulder harnesses for use in the
front seating positions and lap belts for use in the rear seating positions
BRAKES
• Must be equipped with brakes acting on all wheels that meet requirements of 484.593 and 484.595
Nevada law about vehicle maintenance:
A person shall not drive, move, stop or park any vehicle or knowingly permit any vehicle (as an owner) to be driven, moved, stopped or parked on a public roadway (except for repairing) if such vehicle is in such unsafe condition as to endanger any person or property (i.e. is not equipped with lamps, reflectors, brakes, horn and other warning and signaling devices, windows, windshield, mirrors, safety glass, mufflers, fenders and tires, and other parts and equipment in the position, condition and adjustment required by the laws of this State).
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CAR BREAKS DOWN
Before driving,
make certain that the vehicle you are going to drive
has all the appropriate equipment functioning properly.
IT IS NOT ENTIRELY FOR YOUR SAFETY BUT IT IS THE LAW!
You will be held responsible as a driver
for operating a vehicle with non-functioning equipment or lights,
even if you are not the owner.
Check Engine Warning Light: SHOULD I STOP DRIVING IT ???
Prepare your car for Night Driving
1 – SEAT BELTS
Laws of Nevada Revised Statutes require front and rear seat occupants of almost all passenger vehicles to wear safety belts or ride in an approved child restraint system
The Laws of Physics
If you crash or slam on your brakes, your car comes to a sudden stop but you will keep moving until you, too, are stopped by the windshield, dashboard, pavement or seat belt.
You will see this action in extreme slow motion in the header video on topic 5 b (Speeding and stopping) and you will be shocked to see the impact on the brain and blood vessels even when wearing a set belt and having airbags being deployed.
2- AIRBAGS
Airbags are more effective when you’re buckled up and they can be dangerous if you are not.
THEY CAN ALSO BE MORE DANGEROUS IN CERTAIN CASES:
- You should be seated at least 10” away from the airbag
as measured from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone. - Airbags should be turned off only for those with certain medical conditions, those who cannot sit 10” away and when transporting young children in the front seat.
- Never place a rear-facing child safety seat in front of an airbag! Children under 12 should ride in the back.
- Expectant mothers should buckle up and leave the airbag on. Never place the lap belt above or on your belly.
Airbag Maintenance:
Almost every vehicle equipped with an airbag has a diagnostic function and a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) indicator light on the vehicle’s dashboard that indicates when there is a problem. You will normally see this indicator light turn on momentarily while it checks the SRS system. If you do not see the light come on when you start your vehicle or if the light remains on after starting the vehicle, there could be a problem with the airbag system and you should get it inspected immediately.
If your vehicle is in a collision and an airbag is deployed, you will need to have both the airbag and its components inspected, repaired and/or replaced if you are planning to keep driving the vehicle. New airbags cost between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on the make and model. Some deployed airbags can be reused. When an airbag deploys, there are normally related items to be repaired or replaced, such as the steering wheel component, sensors, airbag computer, etc.
You should always read your vehicle’s owner manual to get the specifics on your vehicle’s airbag system maintenance and repair details.
3 – HEADLIGHTS
The State of Nevada requires that all motor vehicles have at least two headlights (both of them operational) that are located at a height of no more than 54 inches and no less than 24 inches from the ground.
Also, they must be properly adjusted not the correct angle especially the low beams so they do not blind people coming in the opposite lane when fully loaded. If other drivers flash their high-beams to you repetitively that means your headlights are blinding them.(or they just passed over a speed bump)
4 -TAIL LIGHTS
The State of Nevada requires that motor vehicles possess two red-colored tail lights (both operational) mounted to the rear of the vehicle, must be wired so they are lit
whenever the headlights are lit and must be visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of your vehicle.
5 – BRAKES
The State of Nevada requires that your vehicle be equipped with brakes that act on all four wheels. While this may seem like common sense, it is important that brakes are fully operational as this protects you and those you share the roadway with.
Brakes are one of the most important safety components on your vehicle. It’s important that their use and maintenance be diligently attended to.
- The first thing you should know about brakes is that there is no set amount of time or mileage that they will last.
The fact is, there is a lot that will determine the life of your brakes to include personal driving style, brakes should last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. But understand that your brakes could need replacement in far less than 30,000 miles or they could last well past 70,000 miles depending on your personal driving habit. - Sudden stops and stopping from faster speeds requires using the brakes more often and with more force which will reduce your brake’s lifespan.
- In a long downhill, it is recommended to pass a lower gear in order to use the “Engine Brake,” which is the compression in the cylinders when decelerating. Using your brakes on a long downhill road will make them overheat and become inefficient.
- Brakes and Tailgating
Like speeding, following others too closely will require more use of your brakes, in addition to placing you in potentially hazardous situations and greater risk of rear-ending the vehicle in front of you. Be sure to maintain a safe following distance and drive no faster than the speed limit
6 – BRAKE LIGHTS
The brake lights must display a red, amber or yellow light that is visible from a distance of not less than 300 feet to the rear in normal sunlight.
Nevada allows brake lights to be incorporated into the taillight assembly, which is common in newer vehicles. Brake lights must be brighter than tail lights (by law) and located higher up than tail lights.
In addition, cars manufactured after 1987 have a third brake light, mounted in the central area of the rear window.
7- TURNING SIGNALS (Blinkers)
Turn signals are required to be visible in normal sunlight from a distance of not less than 500 feet.
A turning signal is very hard to know if it is working or not:
it is alternatively: (LOL)
- Working
- Not working
- Working
- Not working
- Working…
…until you complete your turn 🙂
8 – LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS
Nevada law requires most vehicles to display front and rear license plates at all times, except motorcycles and trailers, which require only a rear plate. You must display both plates if the vehicle is designed for a front plate or if the manufacturer offers an add-on bracket or frame.
9 – REFLECTORS
Nevada Law requires that all passenger vehicles be equipped with two or more red-colored reflectors permanently mounted to the rear sides of the vehicle and two amber-colored (yellow) reflectors permanently mounted to the front sides of the vehicle
Rear reflectors can be incorporated into the taillights and front reflectors can be incorporated into the headlight assembly, which is quite common in modern vehicles.
10 – TIRES (Nevada Law)
Make sure your tires are in good shape and under normal pressure.
No person may cause or permit the operation of and no person may knowingly operate any vehicle on a highway when the tire is so worn that less than 2/32 of an inch of tread depth remains in any two adjacent major tread grooves.
Because we are dealing with such a small number, it is difficult to measure tread depth with a standard ruler. That’s why you should use a tire tread depth gauge to measure tread depth. Another very simple tool that is commonly used to check tire tread depth is a U.S. Lincoln Penny.
When placing the penny into the tire grooves, if you observe Lincoln’s head to be entirely visible then your tread is considered to be legally worn out.
CHECKLIST useful tips
Vehicle diagram
Nevada Law Also Prohibits You From Operating A Motor Vehicle On A Public Highway If Any Of The Following Apply:
- Any tire has an exposed ply or cord,
- Any tire has a ply or cord break,
- Any tire has a bump, or bulge related to ply or tread separation or partial failure of the tire structure,
- Any tire has a cut which extends more than 1 inch in any direction on the outside of the tire and is deep enough to reach body cords.
11 – FENDERS
Nevada law requires passenger vehicles to be equipped with fenders. They are positioned around the wheel well of motor vehicles to prevent debris from being thrown into the air and/or back at trailing vehicles. Basically, fenders prevent rocks, mud, sand, etc. from being kicked up by your rotating tire and being thrown into the air and onto other vehicles or pedestrians.
12 – MUFFLERS & NEVADA LAW
Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation to prevent emissions greater than those allowed by rules and regulations established by the Department. No person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a highway. The engine and power mechanism of every motor vehicle shall be so equipped and adjusted to prevent the escape of excessive fumes or smoke.
Mufflers Serve Three Basic Functions:
- They reduce the noise that a combustible engine creates.
- They help your vehicle run more smoothly.
- They channel exhaust gasses under and away from your vehicle.
ANOTHER JOKE ???
Mufflers are not to be stuffed with bananas ( as it is done in “Beverly Hills Cops”).
I am sure you can tell that the end of this course is near? 🙂
BUT YOU MUST KNOW THAT JOKES LIKE THIS ARE NOT FUNNY WHEN IT ONLY ENDS-UP IN AN ACCIDENT !!!!
Consequences may be dramatic….You won’t be laughing then…
13 – WINDOWS & WINDSHIELDS
Nevada law requires that vehicles be equipped with windows and windshields, and prohibits stickers and anything else placed on any window where it gets in your way of safely observing traffic when on a public roadway.
A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings or side or rear windows of such vehicle which obstructs the driver’s clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway.
This section shall not apply to any sign, poster or other material displayed in the 6-inch square area of the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver or to any other material required to be displayed on a windshield or window by federal or state law.
Safety Glass:
When a windshield made safety glass breaks, it crumbles into small granular chunks of similar size and shapes instead of splintering into random, jagged shards. The little chunks are much less likely to cause injury.
Keep an eye out for every little nick and scratch, because these can develop into a crack and eventually into breakage. It might be possible to repair a very small hole caused by a small pebble that hit your windshield. Auto windshield specialists will usually not attempt to repair large nicks and cracks because it won’t be safe to drive and will perform a windshield replacement instead.
14 – MIRRORS
Every motor vehicle operated on public roadways in Nevada is required to be equipped with at least one mirror that is located in a position for the driver to view the roadway behind them at a distance of at least of 200 feet.
15 – HORN
Nevada law allows the horn to be used to ensure safe motor vehicle operation only.
This means using the horn for other than the emergency use or to provide for safe operation is illegal.
Horns are not to be used to annoy and harass others
The State of Nevada requires that every motor vehicle on a public roadway must be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet. The law also states that the horn must not create an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle.
As a reminder : What is said in videos is not taken in consideration in quizzes and Exam.
Some videos are taken from an external source (with authorization) and may not be totally relevant to Nevada Laws. They are just here for your general info, In case of doubt, refer to your topics written text. Thank you.
16 Driving Hacks from Experience
How to Save Money on Gas
GOOD TO KNOW!!!!!!!
When describing your problem to a mechanic:
Here’s a list of terms that can help explain common auto symptoms that can also serve as a checklist for a vehicle that’s headed for the repair shop:
- Backfire. A gunshot-like sound that comes from the engine or tailpipe.
- Bottoming: Excessive noise or harshness that’s usually felt through the steering wheel or passenger compartment when going over bumps.
- Bucking: This is felt when the engine hesitates or the transmission slips as it changes gears and the vehicle lurches.
- Dieseling: What occurs when an engine continues to burn fuel and runs briefly after the car has been switched off.
- Hesitation: A brief loss of power upon acceleration.
- Knocking: Also known as “detonation,” this is a rapid rattling that’s heard upon acceleration.
- Misfire: Hesitation that occurs when fuel in one or more of an engine’s cylinders fails to ignite properly.
- Shimmy: A side-to-side motion that can be felt through the tires and/or steering wheel.
- Sluggish: How a car feels when it’s not accelerating smoothly or strongly enough.
- Surge: A sudden, usually upward, change in the engine’s speed.
KEEP YOUR CAR "GREEN" TO SAVE GAS AND MAINTENANCE COST.
Regularly check Your Tire PSI
The pressure in your tires impacts your fuel economy.
Never inflate your tires to the maximum PSI printed on the tire. Instead, look for your car’s tire PSI sticker. You can find this in the driver-side door jam or the owner’s manual. This sticker has the correct PSI for your vehicle’s tires. Note that the front and back tires may have different optimal pressure levels.
Use the Correct Oil
Check what grade motor oil your car needs. Using the correct oil in your vehicle can improve your fuel economy by 1 to 2{88fe6357d2de18f1a5565f7194acbaac68554e1e06b3c404d3efc8deab616e67}.
Clean Out Your Trunk
Added weight in your car can decrease your vehicle’s fuel economy. An extra 100 pounds of cargo can reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy by 1{88fe6357d2de18f1a5565f7194acbaac68554e1e06b3c404d3efc8deab616e67}. Rooftop cargo containers and racks can reduce fuel economy even more, sometimes by as much as 25{88fe6357d2de18f1a5565f7194acbaac68554e1e06b3c404d3efc8deab616e67}.
Regularly change Your Air Filter
Clean air filter increase fuel efficiency.
Don’t Drive Aggressively
Aggressive driving is unsafe and costly.
Try to roll to stop signs and red lights. Don’t continue accelerating and then stomp on your brakes. This will wear out your brakes much sooner and reduce your miles per gallon.
Use your Cruise Control on long distances
Using the cruise control is ideal if you’re traveling on the highway for a long distance and there are very few cars around. It’s not recommended to use cruise control on hilly terrain. This is because the vehicle will have trouble navigating the hills and it will waste more fuel.
Reduce your speed
Fuel economy plummets when your vehicle accelerates past 50 to 60 mph.
- Roll the window down instead of using the AC.
A General Motors test found that AC off and windows down is always more fuel-efficient than windows up and AC on. It didn’t matter what speed the vehicle was driving at. Windows up and AC off, however, is still by far the most fuel-efficient option for driving.
But of course use the AC in summer time in Las Vegas. It is better driving using the AC as heat may make you more aggressive and uncomfortable.
THINGS YOU WON'T BELEIVE! How to detail your car.
Beside being on a video, there are plenty of friendly advice that will not be asked for in topic or exam, but interesting for you to know.
Did you know you could use toothpaste for your headlights, Vaseline for your dashboard and plenty of other tricks to keep your car look like new!
FINALLY: YOU CANNOT CALL YOURSELF A DRIVER IF YOU DO NOT KNOW THESE NINE SECRETS:
End of Topic 10a. CAR MAINTENANCE
Next Step: TOPIC 10 b : Buying a car .