Can I Register My Car With a Learners Permit

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Vehicle Components

Traditionally, a vehicle had 8 "systems" that made up the basics of the vehicle. Lately, a ninth system, the "support system" has been added, due to the complexities of computerization and crash-safety.

Several of these systems are important to you, the driver, for the safe operation of your vehicle, and state law requires that you have a "working knowledge" of them.

The following pages will show some of the basics of these systems.

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Vehicle Components (cont.)

The purpose of a vehicle's frame is to support the body, engine, and other components.

The frame along with the body is largely responsible for the structural integrity of the vehicle. The frame itself is supported by the wheels and tires through the vehicle's suspension system.

Most newer cars, and some vans and light trucks, use a unibody design, where the body and frame are all one unit.

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The Engine

This short movie will give you a brief overview of the 4-stroke engine that is used by most vehicles.

Also called the "Otto" cycle engine, for its designer, it is a relatively efficient engine, converting the energy of exploding gasoline into mechanical energy to propel the vehicle.

When you start your car:

Power from your battery is used to operate a small electric motor called the starter motor.
The starter motor turns the flywheel and crank shaft of the engine so that the engine can attain sufficient momentum and speed to start and run on its own.
The crankshaft supplies power to the remainder of the power train. It also connects rods to pistons inside cylinders.
Exploding gas inside these cylinders drives the pistons up and down and, through the connecting rods, turns the crankshaft.
Inside the cylinders, a mixture of gas and air is compressed and ignited by a spark plug. Then it explodes. The mixture of air and gas is delivered to the cylinders by a carburetor and intake manifold or a fuel injection system.
The moving parts of your engine must be lubricated. Oil, which accumulates in your engine's oil pan, is pumped by the oil pump through an oil filter and then through tubes that deliver the oil to the moving parts that need to be lubricated.

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The Fuel System

Fuel and air is delivered to the engine through components which include:

the fuel tank which is used to store the gas

a fuel pump which pumps gas from the tank through a fuel line and fuel filter to a carburetor or fuel injection system whose purpose is to deliver the proper mix of air and gas to the cylinders in the engine

air is delivered by means of an intake manifold after passing through an air cleaner

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The Power Train

A vehicle's power train consists of components that generate and transmit power to the wheels.

In a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the power train includes:

The engine, which generates the force.

The transmission, which houses gears that adjust the engine's revolutions per minute (RPM) in order to control the torque (force) transmitted into either "high-torque-low-speed" or "low-torque-high-speed" output to the wheels. The transmission can be a manual shift, in which case the driver changes the gear ratio by using a "shifter" or "gear selector"; or it can be an automatic shift, where hydraulic fluid and pressure valves are used to change the gear ratios.

A clutch (automatic or manual), which disengages the transmission from the engine to allow changing gears.

The drive shaft, which transmits forces from the transmission to the components at the rear of the vehicle. In the case of front-wheel drive, to two half-shafts, which then deliver the power to the wheels.

These components include the differential, which allows the back wheels to turn at different speeds to maintain traction.

The axle which transmits the force from the differential to the rear wheels.

In a front-wheel drive vehicle, the power is transmitted from the engine through a combination transmission-differential and then directly to the front wheels.

In a four-wheel drive vehicle, the power is transmitted from the transmission to a transfer case which can transmit power to either the rear wheels only or to both the rear and front wheels.

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Steering and Suspension

The steering system includes the steering wheel and all of the links between it and the wheels.

A vehicle's steering wheel is attached to a steering column or shaft which terminates in the steering box . Inside the steering box, the turning motion of the column is translated into a lateral motion which is passed on to the wheels through a series of components which include ball joints , the steering arm , and the steering knuckle .

When you turn the steering wheel in a power steering system, hydraulic fluid is compressed inside a hydraulic cylinder and transmitted by hydraulic lines to a piston. This amplifies the force making it easier to turn the wheels. In order for the hydraulic system to operate, the engine must be running.

Most vehicles today use a system called "rack and pinion" steering, where the steering wheel and the steering wheel shaft is directly connected to a toothed rod which directly turns the wheels.

The purpose of your vehicle's suspension system is to:

connect the wheels to the frame and body

keep the movement of your wheels from being transmitted fully to the body. This allows you to maintain control of the car in turns, when you hit potholes, and on rough roads. It also makes riding in the car more comfortable.

The up and down movement of your wheels is absorbed by the springs in your suspension system, your shock absorbers keep the springs from continuing to bounce, and there are different designs for suspension systems involving various linkages, struts, joints, torsion bars, and so on.

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The Electrical System

Your battery is the vehicle's primary source of electrical power when the car is off.

When you turn your ignition switch to start your car electricity is used to close another switch called a solenoid that transmits the large amount of current needed to turn the starter motor.

Once your engine is running, power is generated by the alternator which also keeps your battery charged.

Your voltage regulator controls the amount of electricity that is generated.

Your distributor and coil generate and deliver the very high voltage electricity needed by the individual spark plugs of your engine

Electricity is distributed throughout your vehicle by electrical circuits to operate:

lighting
electrical motors
computers that control various functions
the radio
interior cooling, heating, and ventilating system

The purpose of fuses is to disable a circuit that is drawing too much current to prevent a fire and protect the components that the circuit serves.

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The Ignition System

The ignition system delivers voltage to ignite the fuel. When the ignition switch is turned on, low-voltage electric current flows from the battery to the coil, which converts the current to high-voltage. The current then flows to the distributor, which delivers it to each of the spark plugs. The spark plugs send an igniting spark to the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chambers.

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The Lighting System

The lighting system is a dual-purpose system; it is for safety (allowing you to see in the dark, and for others to see you) and for communicating to others (turn signals, emergency flashers, brake lights).

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The Cooling System

The heat caused by the friction of moving engine parts and the explosion of gasoline in the cylinders is removed through the vehicle's cooling system. In this system:

Heat is absorbed by coolant, a mixture of water and chemicals that protect the cooling system from corrosion, lubricate the water pump, and prevent freezing.

Coolant is largely stored in the radiator. The main purpose of the radiator is to transfer the heat from the coolant to the outside air while it is being circulated by the water pump.

The radiator is cooled by the radiator fan and air flowing through it as you drive.

Most radiators have a recovery tank that captures coolant as it expands from heat and returns it to the radiator when it cools.

To allow your engine to quickly heat up to the proper running temperature, the flow of coolant is controlled by heat sensing valve called a thermostat

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Antifreeze

Conventional antifreeze is formulated from an ethylene glycol base chemical and can have very serious health risks. Animals, and children for that matter, can accidentally ingest antifreeze from spills, cooling-system leaks or improperly stored containers.
It is estimated that each year 90,000 pets and other wildlife die from accidentally ingesting ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. The U.S. Government has initiated strict laws against improper storage of antifreeze. Even a leaky vehicle can get you into trouble.

As an alternative, automotive chemical manufacturers have formulated a newer type of antifreeze using propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol, which is less harmful if accidentally ingested.

Propylene glycol-based antifreeze provides similar performance and protection to conventional ethylene glycol-based antifreeze in four key areas of engine protection: boil over, freeze-up, corrosion, and heat transfer.

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The Braking System

There are two independent braking systems in your vehicle, the service brakes and the parking brake (also referred to as the emergency brake). The service brakes are used to slow your vehicle while you are driving. The parking brake can also be used to slow your vehicle in an emergency but is mainly used to hold your vehicle in one place while stopped or parked.

When you press your brake pedal, a piston in your master cylinder forces brake fluid through hydraulic lines to pistons in the wheel cylinders at the wheels where additional pistons provide the force to apply your brakes. Hydraulic fluid is stored in a brake fluid reservoir normally located in the engine compartment.

There are two types of brakes:

drum brakes

disk brakes

Drum brakes slow your vehicle using the friction of a brake shoe pushing outward against a drum that rotates with the wheel.

Disc brakes slow your car using the friction of a caliper pressing inward against a disc that rotates with the wheel.

Both drum and disk brakes convert friction force to heat and if the brakes get too hot, they cease to work because they cannot dissipate enough heat. For both types of brakes, your stopping distance time is roughly proportional to the square of your speed, so if you double your speed you quadruple the distance to stop your car.

When the car is stopped and you apply your brakes, they lock. It is the friction force between the tires and the road that keeps the car from moving. Your parking brake uses a cable instead of a hydraulic system to engage your brakes or clamp down on your drive shaft and will function even if your service brakes have failed.

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The ABS Braking System

Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) are increasing in popularity and safety. The ABS is a hydro-electric system that sits on top of your conventional braking system. If the ABS should fail, you still have a fully operational brake system.

The core of the ABS is a computer, that reads individual wheel speed, from sensors on each wheel. If the computer detects a rapid decrease in wheel speed, it tells the brakes to engage. If one or more wheels approaches "zero speed" (lock-up), the computer sends a message to the master cylinder solenoids to rapidly decrease or increase pressure to the affected wheels; in effect, the computer is rapidly "pumping" the brakes for you, up to 20 times per second.

The reason this is necessary is that a tire MUST be moving (rolling) in order to have what is called "rolling friction", which is required for steering. You cannot steer a locked tire. (This is why skid marks always travel in a straight line, usually towards an object like a tree, telephone pole, or sign...that is what the driver was steering towards when they locked up the brakes). By rapidly pumping the brakes, the tire is allowed to roll, minimally, but enough to permit steering control, thus allowing a driver to escape hitting an offending object.

ABS brakes only work when the brake pedal is depressed, so the guiding principle of ABS is "STOMP, STAY, STEER", meaning stomp down on the pedal, stay on the pedal, and steer while braking.

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Gauges & Instruments: Tachometer

Tachometer

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Gauges & Instruments: Speedometer

Speedometer

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Gauges & Instruments (cont.)

Coolant

Oil

Fuel

Charging

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Gauges & Instruments (cont.)

Brake

Check Engine

High Beams

Air Bag

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Safety Equipment - Lighting

Lighting

The Vehicle Code specifies the:

brightness of vehicle lights

number, color, and positioning of lights on vehicles

distance ahead and behind that may be illuminated

It is important that your tail, brake, head, and turn lights be in good working order.

Headlights

You should use your headlights:

when it is cloudy, raining, snowing or foggy

on frosty mornings when windshields may be icy or foggy

on country or mountain roads to make it easier for other drivers to see you

anytime you do not have enough light to see for at least 1000 feet

anytime it would help you see and be seen better

no later than 30 minutes after sunset and until at least 30 minutes before sunrise

You should use your high-beam headlights whenever you are having trouble seeing with your normal headlights, except:

when it is raining, foggy, or snowing

it may blind other drivers.

You must dim your high beams:

for oncoming vehicles by the time they are within 500 feet of your vehicle

when the vehicle you are following is within 300 feet

Turn Signals

You must signal before turning, changing lanes, or otherwise entering traffic from a side road or driveway.

You should signal during the last 100 feet before turning unless traffic conditions indicate you should start signaling earlier, such as on a freeway where you should signal for at least 5 seconds before changing lanes.

In addition to signaling the intention to make a turn, you must check your mirrors and blind spots to make sure it is safe to complete the maneuver.

You should not assume that just because you have signaled a turn or lane change that others can or will leave you the space to complete it.

You must signal even when you don't see any cars around.

You should use both arm signals and signal lights if it is difficult for others to see your signal lights.

If you plan to turn as soon as you leave an intersection, do not start signaling while you are approaching or in the intersection. Wait until you have crossed the intersection so as not to confuse traffic.

Make sure that your signal is turned off after you have completed your turn or lane change.

Other Lighting

It is illegal to drive with only your parking lights turned on.

You can use your hazard warning light flashers:

when your car breaks down on or near the roadway

to warn following traffic that there is an accident or dangerous condition ahead.

If emergency flashers are not available, you can tap your brake pedal so as to flash your brake lights to warn drivers behind you of a hazard ahead.

The purpose of backup lights is to:

help avoid collisions while you are backing up at night by improving visibility

alert others to the fact that you are backing up or about to back up

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Safety Equipment - Visibility

Visibility Requirements

You should never drive a vehicle loaded in such a manner that:

you cannot see ahead or to the sides

impairs your ability to stop or safely maneuver at highway speeds

You may not carry objects on a passenger vehicle that extend:

beyond the fender line on the left side

more than 6 inches beyond the fender line on the right side

more than four feet from the rear of the vehicle, unless during the day you have attached a 12-inch red or fluorescent orange flag or during the night have attached two red lights

If you are towing a trailer or another vehicle, it must also have its own tail, brake, and turn lights that function simultaneously with those of your vehicle.

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Safety Equipment - Braking

Braking Requirements

The Vehicle Code specifies braking distances that are required for vehicles. These standards differ for different sizes and weights of vehicles, and these distances will be greater for larger, heavier vehicles.

You should apply your brakes smoothly to avoid a locked-wheel skid.

Anticipate when you will need to stop so you can do so gradually. Smooth, gradual braking will:

minimize the likelihood of being rear-ended

save gas

avoid unnecessary wear on your brakes

A panel indicator showing "ABS" means that a vehicle is equipped with an antilock braking system. If you have an antilock braking system, you should keep constant pressure on the brake pedal while making an emergency stop.

If you do not have an antilock braking system, you should use threshold braking. Threshold braking means that you apply and release pressure on your brake pedal in small increments at the skidding threshold.

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Windows, Mirrors, Defroster

The Vehicle Code provides specifications for the safe use of sun screening devices and tinting of windows. When cars are manufactured, they are in conformance with these specifications.

Any change in tinting or the modification or installation of sun screening devices must be done in accordance with the California Vehicle Code.

You must have mirrors which provide a view for at least 200 feet to the rear of your vehicle. Two mirrors are required on all vehicles. A left-side mirror is required and either a rear view or right-side mirror.

Adjust your mirrors before moving to avoid being distracted while driving.

Maintaining good visibility requires that you keep windshields and mirrors clean and free from obstructions. If your windshield is cracked and obstructs your view or that of your passenger, you will not be allowed to take your driving test. You must not carry objects, inside or outside, which obscure your view.

Over time windshield wipers lose their ability to effectively clean your windshield by cracking, losing their flexibility, becoming dirty, and getting out of adjustment. Therefore, it is a safe practice is to change them annually.

Temperature and humidity may change, causing frost and condensation to quickly form on the windshield. For this reason, it is important to keep the defroster in good operating condition.

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Safety Equipment - Horn

Horn

Vehicles are required to have a functioning horn or similar audible warning device. While the noise level of your horn must not be excessive, it must be audible under normal driving conditions for at least 200 feet from your vehicle.

It is appropriate to sound your horn:

to avoid accidents by alerting other drivers to your presence

on narrow mountain roads when you cannot see 200 feet ahead while driving as far right as possible

It is not appropriate to sound your horn:

because someone is driving slowly

to chastise other drivers who have made a mistake

because you are angry

when by slowing or stopping you can avoid the dangerous situation

for any other reason, except to help avoid an accident

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Safety Equipment - Tires

Tires

The minimum legal tread depth for tires is:

1/32 of an inch for most passenger vehicles

4/32 of an inch for busses, most trucks, and most trailers

6/32 of an inch for snow tires

To avoid skidding, blowouts, and unsafe handling, the manufacturer's recommendations for your vehicle should be followed in selecting tires.

The manufacturer's recommendations for tire pressure should also be followed. Either over- or under-inflating tires:

reduces traction, increases the likelihood of skidding, and degrades the handling characteristics of a vehicle

leads to rapid tire wear

Failing to keep wheels balanced and the suspension system properly aligned can lead to extremely rapid tire wear and may result in a blow-out.

The purpose of rotating tires is to prolong the life of the tire. Rotation should be done according to the intervals and procedures recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle.

Peeling out (spinning your tires on fast starts):

creates poor acceleration

causes excessive tire wear

can lead to a citation for "exhibition of speed"

wastes fuel

Cornering at high speeds is dangerous and also causes excessive tire wear.

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Safety Equipment - Air Bags

Air Bags

Air bags, combined with lap/shoulder safety belts, offer the most effective safety protection available today for passenger vehicles. Air bags are designed to provide protection over and above what the seat belt provides. Air bags work best and afford maximum protection in tandem with seat belt use. Seat belts can protect you in all crash situations.

Air bags, on the other hand, are designed to provide extra protection only in frontal crash situations because people are far more likely to die in a frontal crash than in any other type of crash.

Crash sensors trigger air bag deployment when your vehicle experiences a significant frontal or near frontal impact. This causes the solid chemicals within the module to convert to nitrogen gas in a chemical reaction. The expanding gas fills the bag, which opens the cover on the steering wheel hub or the dashboard. When fully expanded, the bag absorbs the forces that the body would normally absorb in the crash. The air bag protects the head and upper body from striking the steering wheel, dashboard or windshield.

Most air bag deaths have involved people who weren't using belts, were using them incorrectly, or were positioned improperly.

For the maximum air bag protection:

sit back at least 10 inches from the steering wheel and dashboard

always wear your seat belt properly

if your steering wheel tilts, direct it toward your chest, not your head

if you are pregnant, place the lap belt low on your abdomen with the shoulder portion over the collarbone

Always seat children in the back seat when possible, even if there is no airbag in front of them. Avoid putting children in the front seat of a car equipped with airbags. Children sitting in the front seat with an air bag could be severely injured by the airbag.

Even when kids get older, riding in the back seat is safer. Never install a rear-facing infant safety seat in the front seat of a car equipped with passenger-side air bags, unless the vehicle is equipped with a disabling switch and the switch is in the "off" position.

If you must put a child in the front seat, then an airbag on/off switch is essential. If there are too many children to all sit in back, make sure the seat is all the way back and the child is securely buckled and sitting back in the seat.

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Safety Equipment - Maintenance

Tire Maintenance

Tires should be frequently inspected for proper inflation pressure, tread depth, uneven wear, and cracks. They should be replaced when tread depth is low or they are cracked.

If your tires show uneven wear, check the inflation pressure and/or wheel balance and alignment of your vehicle. Have any problems corrected immediately or you may be forced to purchase new tires.

Electrical Maintenance

If the electrolyte in your battery can be refilled, it should be checked and refilled with distilled water as part of regular maintenance on your vehicle in order to keep the battery functioning. Electrolyte fluid is corrosive and can severely injure your eyes. Batteries generate hydrogen gas which can explode when the battery caps are removed.

If your alternator belt is slipping or breaks, your battery will discharge, lights and other accessories may not work, and the vehicle will eventually stall. The belt tension should be maintained according to manufacturer specifications for the alternator to perform correctly and to prolong the life of the belt. Cracked belts should be replaced.

Exterior lights should be regularly checked for burned out bulbs that you may not be aware of from inside the vehicle. Interior lights are necessary to see displays both at night and during the day, are essential in case of an emergency at night, and must be maintained in proper working order. It is illegal to drive with headlights that are not properly adjusted.

It is important to be sure your windshield wiper motor is working and that the linkages to the wipers are functioning. The time to discover there is a problem is not when you need them.

Leaks in your fuel system can cause fires and expose you to toxic gases. The leaks can occur in the fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, carburetor, fuel injector lines and by not having your gas cap securely attached.

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Safety Equipment - Symbols