MASTERING THE BASIC MANOEUVRES

It is important to master the basic manoeuvres before under-taking more complicated ones.

Drivers should consult the owner’s manual to learn about the features

of the vehicle they are driving.

Face traffic when you approach your vehicle and when it is parked on the side of the road.

Always check if there are any vehicles coming toward you before opening the doors.

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Starting the Engine

Here are the steps to start the engine:

• Apply pressure to the brake pedal;

• Make sure the parking brake is properly engaged;

• Check whether the gearshift lever is in the park (P) position;

• Turn the key to the (On) position to turn on all warning lights and gauges;

• Check the warning lights and gauges including the glow plug warning light in diesel vehicles;

• Turn the key to the (Start) position;

• Release the key when the engine starts.

For the steps to start an engine with a standard transmission, see Appendix II of this handbook.

If one of the red warning lights remains on, turn off the engine and see a mechanic to have the mechanical defect corrected.

It is normal for the parking brake warning light to come on when the parking brake is engaged. However, if the warning light remains on when the parking brake is disen-gaged, have the problem checked.

If it is difficult to start the engine, you should

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• • •• • • • • •• • • Letting the engine idle for a long time when the vehicle is stopped causes pollution. An engine that idles too often may wear out more quickly. Since it is running below its peak operating temperature, i.e. the temperature at which it is most efficient, fuel combustion is incomplete. Certain gaseous wastes turn back into liquid and stick to the inside of the cylinders, which can cause higher maintenance costs over time.

Remember that an engine warms up much faster when the vehicle is moving.

Preparing to Drive

The steps for driving a vehicle are almost the same for an automatic or standard transmission. First, turn on the headlights and ventilation system. Next:

• Press the brake pedal;

• For an automatic transmission, place the gearshift lever into the drive (D) position to go forward or the reverse (R) position to go backward;

• For a standard transmission, press the clutch pedal and shift the gearshift lever into first gear or into the reverse position;

• Release the parking brake, keeping your foot on the brake pedal.

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Mastering the Steering Wheel

The steering wheel controls the vehicle’s direction. Mastering it is one of the keys to driving a vehicle. To have a firm grip on the steering wheel and carry out manoeuvres quickly when a situation requires it, you must keep a certain distance between your hands. Imagine that the steering wheel is a clock. Place your left hand at ten o’clock and your right hand at two o’clock. The nine o’clock and three o’clock positions are also acceptable.

Driving in a Straight Line

You can travel in a straight line by looking far ahead and keeping your hands on the steering wheel. Pay attention and periodically adjust the wheel. Beginners should be very cautious and avoid over-steering. You must turn the wheel gently to change directions.

Turning

To better judge the wheels’ direction, you should turn the steering wheel only when the vehicle is in motion.

If the steering wheel must be turned more than a half turn, it is best to use the hand-over-hand method. To turn right:

• Both hands should turn the wheel to the right;

• When the right hand reaches the four o’clock position, it should release the wheel, cross over the left arm, grasp the wheel at the 10 o’clock position and continue rotating the wheel to the right;

• This hand-over-hand motion should continue until the vehicle is headed in the desired direction.

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To make a tight turn, you can perform this manoeuvre several times.

There are two methods to return to the straight-line position.

The first is the hand-over-hand method that was explained above. This is the best method to use if you are travelling at very low speeds, for example when parking.

The second is to allow the steering wheel to slide through your hands, while accelerating slightly to facilitate its return.

This method may require a slight course correction to return to the straight-line position. You should avoid using this method when road conditions or near-by obstacles require a more accurate manoeuvre.

You should always be ready to use the steering wheel. To control the wheel’s speed as it returns to its position, never completely let go of it as it slides through your hands.

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Slowing Down and Bringing the Vehicle to a Stop To safely and gently slow down the vehicle, you must take certain precautions:

• Check your rearview mirrors: that allows you to check traffic behind the vehicle;

• Ease up on the accelerator: that will cause you to slow down somewhat;

• Brake: reduce speed slowly and prepare ahead of time.

Avoid surprising the driver behind you by suddenly hitting the brakes. Waiting too long to slow down may force you to brake suddenly or cause you to hit the vehicle ahead of you.

Using the Gearshift Lever in a Vehicle with an Automatic Transmission

It is important to consult the owner’s manual to find out how to properly use the vehicle’s gearshift lever.

A column-mounted gearshift lever must be moved up or down depending on which gear you choose. In the event the gearshift lever is locked into a certain position, unlock the lever by pulling it toward you and then shift to the desired position.

A floor-mounted gearshift lever must be pushed forward or pulled backward depending on the desired gear. To unlock this type of lever, on most vehicles, you just push a button.

You will find a section on Standard Transmission in Appendix II.

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To avoid damaging the transmission, it is important that the vehicle be brought to a complete halt before shifting from neutral (N) to reverse (R) or from reverse (R) to park (P).

Backing Up

It is much more difficult to see when you are backing up a vehicle.

You must steer while changing your seating position so you can see properly.

Steps for backing up into a turn:

• Turn on the appropriate turn signal;

• Press the brake pedal;

• Release the parking brake if engaged;

• Make sure the way is clear by looking in front, on both sides and in back of your vehicle;

• Turn you head and upper body to the side where the manoeuvre is being performed;

• Control the vehicle’s speed at all times;

• Turn the steering wheel, if necessary, in the desired direction;

• Steer the vehicle while looking out the rear window;

DID YOU KNOW THAT…?

The Highway Safety Code does not require you to have your seat belt fastened when backing up.

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• Glance quickly and frequently in front, on both sides and in back of your vehicle to make sure the way is still clear;

• Move into the chosen space.

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PARKING

First of all, make sure parking is permitted. There are several types of parking:

• At an angle of 45°;

• At an angle of 90°;

• In a parallel line.

Moving into a Parking Space

Backing into a parking space will provide good visibility for when you leave the space and will reduce the risk of an accident.

Backing into a parking space at a right angle

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Parking on the right on an incline

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Parking at a 45° angle

Parking at a right angle

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Backing out of a parking space at a 45° angle Leaving a Parking Space

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REGULAR DRIVING