6.3: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

As you drive, you gather information about other roadway users, the roadway itself, and off road conditions by scanning in all directions. You get information about the workings of your own car by checking the instruments, gauges, and lights on the dashboard. While you gather information you’re also communicating information by letting other roadway users know where you are and what you intend to do.

What Devices Provide Information About Your Car?

Drivers need to know how fast they are going, how far they have gone, and how their car systems are working. 

• Speedometer and Odometer

The speedometer shows how fast your car is moving. Keep track of how fast you’re going by checking your speedometer frequently. 

The odometer keeps track of the total number of miles the car has been driven. Some cars also have a separate trip odometer, which records the distance driven between two places or over a certain period of time. 

• Fuel Gauge

Your fuel gauge shows how close to full or empty your fuel tank is. 

• Alternator Gauge or Warning Light

Your car’s alternator provides electricity to keep the engine running, recharge the battery, and operate such equipment as light and radio. If the alternator does not produce enough power, the electricity stored in your battery will be drained, turning off unnecessary electrical devices. 

• Temperature Gauge or Warning Light

The temperature gauge or light lets you know if your engine temperature is too high, overheating can damage your engine.

• Oil Pressure Gauge or Warning Light

The oil pressure gauge warns you when the pressure at which oil is being pumped to the engine is low, it does not indicate how much oil is in the engine. To avoid serious engine damage stop driving immediately. 

• Brake Warning Light

Most cars have a brake warning light which goes on when your brake fluid is low due to fluid leakage which causes your brakes to not work properly. 

• Other Dashboard Lights

Your parking brake light reminds you to release the parking brake before moving the car. A high beam indicator light shows when your car’s high beam headlights are on and a safety belt warning light and buzzer remind you to fasten your safety belt. 

How Can You Communicate with Other Roadway Users?

Other drivers need to know where you are and what you are planning to do.

• Taillights

Taillights help other drivers and pedestrians to see your car and help to communicate your intentions. In addition to red taillights that come on when you turn on your headlight or parking lights, the back of your car is equipped with red brake lights, white backup lights, and red turn indicators. On the back of your car is the license plate light which is required by law and aids in identifying vehicles at night.

• Directional (Turn) Signals

Your flashing red directional or turn signals sometimes called blinkers tell other drivers that you plan to turn or change lanes. To operate the signals move the turn    indicator arm up for right or down for left. The signal lever clicks into position then clicks back again when you straighten the wheel. 

• Emergency flashers (Hazard Lights)

Emergency flashes make all four turn signal lights flash at the same time. Use your emergency flashers to warn other drivers that your car is stopped on or near the road or that you are moving very slowly. 

• Parking Lights

Use parking lights to help other drivers see you when your car is stopped along the road. In some states it is illegal to drive with parking lights on. 

• Horn

Use your car’s horn to alert drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists to warn them of danger.