Improving CDL Driving: Basic Controls
Index
Click on each section to consult it.
Introduction
Roadway Hazards
Engine
Summary
Motion and Stopping
Quiz
Turns
Learning Outcomes
Once you finish this course, you will:
- Know how to start and turn off your vehicle’s engine.
- Cover the steps to get your vehicle moving and how to bring it to a full stop.
- Explore techniques for navigating turns, curves, roundabouts, and best practices for safely entering and exiting highways.
Introduction
Having a solid grasp of fundamental vehicle control is essential. These skills form the basis for operating a vehicle safely.
Engine
Start-Up (Manual Transmission)
Click on the button to read the information.
When you’re getting ready to start a vehicle with a manual transmission, there’s a particular process you need to follow. - Parking Brake
- Clutch In/Neutral
- Key to “On”
- Key to “Start”
- Ease Off Clutch
- Check Dash
Engine
Start-Up
Brock Meaux. (2019, July 28). Safe Start.
Smart Drive Test. (2022, April 27). Introduction to a Semi Truck's Gauges & Switches.
Engine -Warm-up
Transcription
Click here to listen.
Engine warm-up typically occurs at a low RPM range of 800 to 1,000. This process helps the oil to heat up and circulate properly. At first, the oil pressure will rise above the usual level, but it will stabilize as the oil warms and becomes less viscous. As the engine warms up, the cylinder walls receive a protective coating, and the bearings get lubricated. Additionally, the coolant temperature should rise, and if the vehicle is equipped with brakes, the air pressure will also build up during this time.
Engine -Warm-up
Transcription
Click here to listen.
Typically, a brief idling period is either necessary or suggested.
To find out the suitable warm-up time for your vehicle, consult the operator’s manual or speak with an expert, like a supervisor or the person responsible for vehicle maintenance.
In warmer conditions, this might only take a few minutes, while in colder weather, it could take significantly longer
Engine Cool-down
Engine cool-down is just as crucial as a good warm-up.
Allowing the engine to cool down helps release the heat produced during regular use.
The ideal cool-down time can differ depending on the engine type and the journey and load specifics.
Insufficient cool-down time can lead to engine damage.
Engine Cool-down
Engine Shutdown (Automatic Transmission)
Engine Shutdown (Manual Transmission)
To safely shut down the engine of a vehicle with an automatic transmission, just follow these easy steps.
- Bring the vehicle to a full stop and change the gear to neutral.
- Engage the parking brakes and switch off the engine using the key or button.
To safely shut down the engine of a vehicle with a manual transmission, just follow these easy steps.
- Press down on the clutch and shift the gear lever into neutral.
- Engage the parking brakes, then turn off the engine using the key or switch.
Source: Car and Driver
Source: Caledon
Motion and Stopping
Click on each card to read the information.
Click here to listen
Click here to listen
Putting an Automatic Transmission Vehicle in Motion
Putting a Manual Transmission Vehicle in Motion
Motion and Stopping
Ensure that your vehicle is positioned in the middle of your travel lane. Given the size of your vehicle, there's limited space on both sides of your lane.
By centering your vehicle, you maximize the clearance on each side.
Motion and Stopping
Click on each card to read the information.
Stopping a Vehicle (Automatic Transmission)
Stopping a Vehicle (Manual Transmission)
Turns
Click on each card to read the information.
Off-tracking
High Center of Gravity
Turning Radius
It's important to remember a few key points about turning to help you stay safe on the road and prevent any damage to your vehicle.
Mirrors
Visibility
Turns
Steering Your Vehicle
Transcription
Click here to listen.
Make sure to grip the steering wheel securely with both hands, placing them on opposite sides.
A loose grip can lead to the wheel slipping from your control if you encounter a curb, pothole, or experience a blowout on a steer tire.
Turns
How to Make a Safe Right Turn
Schneiderjobs. (2023, November 9). How to safely complete a right turn in a semi-truck.
Roadway Hazards
Curves
Texas A&M Transportation Institute. (2023, September 15). Safely Navigating Curves in a CMV: Tips for Truck Tractor Drivers.
Find out more...
Roadway Hazards
Find out more...
If you're behind the wheel of a modern car and take a turn too quickly, a feature known as electronic stability control, or ESC, might kick in. This system relies on sensors to monitor the vehicle's balance and detect any signs of skidding or excessive leaning. When the ESC senses that the car is losing stability while navigating a curve, it will reduce engine power and apply brakes strategically to help bring the vehicle back to a safe speed.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Roadway Hazards
Click on the button to read the information.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are circular junctions that facilitate a smooth flow of traffic at the point where two or more roads meet. In certain regions, they are known as traffic circles.
These roundabouts can feature either a single lane or several lanes, but all vehicles move in the same direction. Vehicles entering the roundabout must give way to those already circulating within it. Stay aware of the traffic around you and think ahead.
Roadway Hazards
Roundabouts
RegionofDurham. (2018, January 19). Large vehicles in roundabouts.
Roadway Hazards
Click on each card to read the information.
Restricted Areas
You might encounter limitations regarding the front, sides, rear, and top of your vehicle.
Clearances
Signs
Backing and Parking
Roadway Hazards
On Ramps/Off-Ramps
The load weight of your vehicle, along with the ramp's load capacity, length, and angle of incline, will influence the time required to accelerate your vehicle for a safe merge into oncoming traffic on an interstate or limited-access highway. Additionally, the dimensions of your vehicle and the speed you can reach on the ramp will dictate the amount of space necessary to join the flow of traffic.
If your vehicle is larger and you're moving slower than the surrounding traffic, you'll need a larger gap in traffic to merge safely.
Roadway Hazards
Click on each card to read the information.
On Ramps
Off-Ramps
Roadway Hazards
Freeway and turnpike exits can pose significant risks. While curved off-ramps usually display speed limit signs, these limits are often set for standard cars and may not be suitable for larger vehicles carrying cargo. It's advisable to drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit on these ramps. These curving off-ramps serve as transition zones where the weight and center of gravity of the load can greatly influence the risk of rollover. Make sure to adjust your speed according to the expected surface conditions on the ramp before you approach a curve. Exits that slope downward while turning can be particularly hazardous, as the incline can make it challenging to slow down effectively.
On Ramps/Off-Ramps
Summary
You should now have a foundational understanding of essential vehicle control techniques, including starting and shutting down the engine, moving and stopping the vehicle, and navigating turns, curves, and roundabouts. Your safety depends on recognizing key factors like minimizing clutch slipping, ensuring proper mirror adjustments, and maintaining steering control.
Additionally, knowing how to safely merge onto highways, manage off-ramps, and address vehicle dynamics such as off-tracking and high centers of gravity is crucial. Always inspect your vehicle for any issues before driving, as your ability to identify and report problems is vital to maintaining safety on the road.
Webliography
- Concept Diagram. (2015). Turning Radius of different size (semi) trucks ”. https://conceptdiagram.tumblr.com/post/92382223926/landscape-a-design-turning-radius-of-different
- de Saxe, C., & Cebon, D. (2018). Estimation of trailer off-tracking using visual odometry. Vehicle System Dynamics, 57(5), 752–776. https://doi.org/10.1080/00423114.2018.1484498
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00423114.2018.1484498#abstract
- Dimensions.com. (n/d). Vehicle Turning Path Layouts. https://www.dimensions.com/collection/vehicle-turning-path-layouts
- RegionofDurham. (2018, January 19). Large vehicles in roundabouts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlUDrP1-dVc
- Schneiderjobs. (2022, January 18). How to back a tractor-trailer with limited forward space. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey-m2l2h-Xs
- Schneiderjobs. (2023, November 9). How to safely complete a right turn in a semi-truck. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fMnsFSHX04
- Texas A&M Transportation Institute. (2023. September 15). Safely Navigating Curves in a CMV: Tips for Truck Tractor Drivers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3czthvwuk4
- Trucking Truth. (n/d). The Placement Of Cargo. Center of Gravity. https://www.truckingtruth.com/cdl-training-program2/weight/page6/placement-of-cargo
You are ready for the Quiz
You’re all set for the quiz! There are a total of 10 questions. Feel free to take it multiple times, and we’ll only report your best score.
Question 01
Question 02
Question 03
Question 04
Question 05
Question 06
Question 07
Question 08
Question 09
Question 10
You have finished your course!
Left Turns When making a left turn, enter the roundabout using the left lane and position your vehicle as far left as possible within that lane. It's important to ensure that no part of your vehicle crosses over into the right lane while you're in the roundabout. As you navigate the turn, your vehicle will naturally drift to the left. It's perfectly fine if your vehicle rides up onto the truck apron, which is the elevated area of pavement around the center island of the roundabout. Truck aprons are designed to assist larger vehicles in making safe turns through roundabouts.
Visibility Driving can be quite challenging. Whether it's a pedestrian, a cyclist, or another car, they can slip into your blind spot without you realizing it. Most vehicles come with flat mirrors and curved mirrors to help improve your view. Even with a curved mirror, you only get about 40 percent visibility on the right side, so it's best to use both types of mirrors while driving.
Click to zoom
Source: JJ Keller
To get a vehicle with automatic transmission moving, you should follow these four steps.
- Brakes. Press down on the brake pedal and let go of the parking brake.
- Drive Gear. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and shift the gear lever to “Drive” or “D.”
- Accelerator. To get started, lift your foot off the brake pedal and lightly press down on the accelerator. As the car begins to move, slowly raise the engine RPMs by pressing the accelerator further to pick up speed.
- Steering Wheel. As you start to move, gradually increase your speed. Make sure to grip the steering wheel securely with both hands, positioning them on opposite sides for better control.
Stopping a Vehicle (Automatic Transmission)
- To begin, ease off the accelerator pedal.
- Slowly press down on the brake pedal, adjusting the pressure based on how much space you have to come to a stop.
- As your vehicle decelerates, lighten your brake pressure a bit.
- Once you've come to a complete stop, keep enough pressure on the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
- If you're parking, shift the gear into neutral and engage the parking brake.
When you're driving, keep an eye on the clearances around and above your vehicle.
High Center of Gravity In vehicles with a high center of gravity, most of the weight is positioned higher up, which increases the risk of tipping over, particularly when navigating curves or making turns. It's important to anticipate your movements and avoid sudden steering or braking in these types of vehicles.
To enhance handling and maintain a lower center of gravity, it's best to load the heaviest materials towards the bottom and front of the vehicle whenever possible, as long as the weight allows for it.
Click to zoom
Source: Trucking Truth
Being aware of your surroundings is crucial when you're at the dock or in a parking lot. Keep your eyes peeled and look out for narrow spaces, overhanging structures, and other cars or people nearby.
Source: Sneider. (2022, Jan 18). How to back a tractor-trailer with limited forward space.
Losing control of the steering while driving at high speeds can be extremely hazardous. As part of your pre-trip check, make sure to inspect the steering wheel for any free play. Ideally, this free play should not exceed 10 percent of the wheel's diameter.
On Ramps
- Size up the traffic
- Signal early
- Watch for an opening
- Build up speed to merge smoothly
- Watch all mirrors
- Watch for approaching traffic
When you’re getting onto a freeway or turnpike, it’s important to stay fully focused. Keep an eye out for cars coming up from behind or the side.Upgrades can sometimes hinder your ability to signal to other drivers that you’re about to merge. As you accelerate to highway speeds, use your best judgment to spot a safe opening in the traffic.
It's important to steer clear of prolonged idling. Most modern engines don’t require more than a few minutes of idling.
Excessive idling can lead to fuel wastage and unnecessary engine wear.
Additionally, many states and localities have laws or regulations that restrict how long an engine can idle.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with any relevant laws or regulations regarding engine idling in your area.
Intelligent braking allows the ESC to engage the brakes that will provide the best performance while maintaining the vehicle's stability. However, it's important to remember that ESC has its limits. If you take a turn too quickly, it will try to help stabilize the vehicle, but it might not succeed.
Always prioritize safety by reducing your speed before approaching a curve.
When you first start driving, the vehicle is still in the warming-up phase, so it's important to keep the RPMs low.
For those using an automatic transmission, make sure to accelerate smoothly and avoid using full throttle until the engine has reached its optimal operating temperature.
If you're driving a manual transmission, maintain low RPMs during the warm-up and refrain from high RPMs when accelerating in first gear.
Shift to a higher gear as soon as you can, and continue to accelerate smoothly.
The engine is considered warmed up when the water temperature falls between 170 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
Just idling won't usually get you to this temperature, so you should drive slowly at low RPMs until you reach that range.
Mirrors Make sure to adjust your mirrors properly to enhance your visibility and be aware of any blind spots before you hit the road.
Reduce your speed to a safe level before approaching a curve, aiming to be at least 5 mph under the posted speed limit.
Decelerate as necessary, but remember that braking while in a curve can be risky. It’s easier to lose control and skid if your wheels lock up.
Always stay within the posted speed limit when navigating a curve.
Visibility When you approach the roundabout, your visibility to the right will be quite limited until you begin to turn to exit. No matter which way you're going, keep an eye on your mirrors and proceed cautiously to ensure a safe exit from the roundabout.
Straight Through To navigate a roundabout, begin by positioning your vehicle on the left side of your lane. As you proceed, steer your vehicle towards the far-right side of the lane. When you're ready to exit, shift to the right side of your lane until your rear wheels have completely left the roundabout.
Off-tracking Off-tracking happens when a vehicle with two or more wheels makes a turn. In this situation, the front wheels take a different route compared to the rear wheels as they navigate through a curve. It's important to note that the back wheels tend to follow the shortest path. The longer the vehicle, the more pronounced the off-tracking becomes, which can lead to significant issues if not managed properly.
Several factors influence the extent of off-tracking during cornering. One key factor is how much you steer into the turn; the sharper the turn, the more off-tracking occurs. For instance, when driving a tractor-trailer, the off-tracking effect increases as the distance between the kingpin and the rear trailer wheels grows.
Click to zoom
(b) steered trailer with path-following control.
Trailer off-tracking: (a) unsteered trailer
Source: Taylor & Francis Online.
Roundabouts are intentionally designed to encourage vehicles to move at slower speeds for safe navigation.
As you approach a roundabout, it's important to decide which direction you'll take and, if it's a multi-lane roundabout, ensure you're in the right lane beforehand.
Turning RadiusYour vehicle's turning radius plays a key role in how easily it can navigate. A smaller turning radius allows for sharper turns, while a larger one requires more space to maneuver. It's important to remember that longer vehicles typically have a wider turning radius.
Click to zoom
Source: Dimensions.com
Right Turns When you approach a roundabout, remember to consider off-tracking. If you're planning to turn right, make sure to place your vehicle towards the far left of your lane. This will create enough space for off-tracking to the right as you finish your turn.
Stopping a Vehicle (Manual Transmission)
- Ease off the accelerator pedal.
- Gradually press the brake pedal, adjusting the pressure based on how much space you have to come to a stop.
- As the vehicle starts to decelerate, shift down to the correct gear.
- Once you’re slowing down, ease off the brake a bit.
- When the engine is nearly idle, press the clutch.
- The truck should come to a stop within 50 to 75 feet.
- After you’ve stopped, keep enough brake pressure to hold the vehicle in place.
- If you’re parking, shift the gear lever to neutral, engage the parking brakes, and release the clutch.
You need to follow these six steps to get a vehicle with a manual transmission moving.
- Brakes. Press down on the brake pedal and disengage the parking brakes.
- Clutch. Press down on the clutch brake and shift the transmission into the lowest gear.
- Friction Point. Let go of the clutch until you reach the friction point, which is where the clutch starts to engage. You’ll notice a drop in RPMs when you hit this point. Next, take your foot off the brake pedal. Slowly continue to release the clutch until it’s completely engaged. As you do this, you might need to give the engine a little extra gas to prevent it from stalling, typically around 100 to 300 RPMs is perfectly normal.
- Throttle. As the vehicle begins to move, gently press the throttle to raise the engine RPMs and boost the speed of the vehicle.
- Clutch. When the car is moving and the clutch is fully engaged, lift your foot off the clutch pedal until you're prepared to shift gears or come to a stop.
- Accelerate. It's important to minimize clutch slipping. Aim to engage the clutch smoothly to prevent stalling the engine. To keep the clutch from slipping, add only a small amount of fuel until it's fully engaged. After you start moving, accelerate gently and gradually. Make sure to grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands positioned on opposite sides.
Always keep an eye on your mirrors and stay alert. Look out for signs that show restrictions on vehicle weight, width, or height. Make sure to factor these limitations into your travel plans.
Off-RampsWhen leaving the interstate or closed-access highway:
- Indicate your intention and move into the exit lane promptly.
- Keep an eye on your mirrors to observe the traffic speed behind you.
- Test your brakes by lightly pressing them just before you reach the ramp, even if you don’t need to slow down significantly.
- Reduce your speed only as much as needed to safely navigate the ramp while on the highway, avoiding any potential hazards.
- If you're driving a manual transmission vehicle, downshift to a lower gear to exit smoothly.
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Transcript
Improving CDL Driving: Basic Controls
Index
Click on each section to consult it.
Introduction
Roadway Hazards
Engine
Summary
Motion and Stopping
Quiz
Turns
Learning Outcomes
Once you finish this course, you will:
Introduction
Having a solid grasp of fundamental vehicle control is essential. These skills form the basis for operating a vehicle safely.
Engine Start-Up (Manual Transmission)
Click on the button to read the information.
When you’re getting ready to start a vehicle with a manual transmission, there’s a particular process you need to follow.- Parking Brake
- Clutch In/Neutral
- Key to “On”
- Key to “Start”
- Ease Off Clutch
- Check Dash
Engine Start-Up
Brock Meaux. (2019, July 28). Safe Start.
Smart Drive Test. (2022, April 27). Introduction to a Semi Truck's Gauges & Switches.
Engine -Warm-up
Transcription
Click here to listen.
Engine warm-up typically occurs at a low RPM range of 800 to 1,000. This process helps the oil to heat up and circulate properly. At first, the oil pressure will rise above the usual level, but it will stabilize as the oil warms and becomes less viscous. As the engine warms up, the cylinder walls receive a protective coating, and the bearings get lubricated. Additionally, the coolant temperature should rise, and if the vehicle is equipped with brakes, the air pressure will also build up during this time.
Engine -Warm-up
Transcription
Click here to listen.
Typically, a brief idling period is either necessary or suggested. To find out the suitable warm-up time for your vehicle, consult the operator’s manual or speak with an expert, like a supervisor or the person responsible for vehicle maintenance. In warmer conditions, this might only take a few minutes, while in colder weather, it could take significantly longer
Engine Cool-down
Engine cool-down is just as crucial as a good warm-up. Allowing the engine to cool down helps release the heat produced during regular use. The ideal cool-down time can differ depending on the engine type and the journey and load specifics. Insufficient cool-down time can lead to engine damage.
Engine Cool-down
Engine Shutdown (Automatic Transmission)
Engine Shutdown (Manual Transmission)
To safely shut down the engine of a vehicle with an automatic transmission, just follow these easy steps.
To safely shut down the engine of a vehicle with a manual transmission, just follow these easy steps.
Source: Car and Driver
Source: Caledon
Motion and Stopping
Click on each card to read the information.
Click here to listen
Click here to listen
Putting an Automatic Transmission Vehicle in Motion
Putting a Manual Transmission Vehicle in Motion
Motion and Stopping
Ensure that your vehicle is positioned in the middle of your travel lane. Given the size of your vehicle, there's limited space on both sides of your lane. By centering your vehicle, you maximize the clearance on each side.
Motion and Stopping
Click on each card to read the information.
Stopping a Vehicle (Automatic Transmission)
Stopping a Vehicle (Manual Transmission)
Turns
Click on each card to read the information.
Off-tracking
High Center of Gravity
Turning Radius
It's important to remember a few key points about turning to help you stay safe on the road and prevent any damage to your vehicle.
Mirrors
Visibility
Turns
Steering Your Vehicle
Transcription
Click here to listen.
Make sure to grip the steering wheel securely with both hands, placing them on opposite sides. A loose grip can lead to the wheel slipping from your control if you encounter a curb, pothole, or experience a blowout on a steer tire.
Turns
How to Make a Safe Right Turn
Schneiderjobs. (2023, November 9). How to safely complete a right turn in a semi-truck.
Roadway Hazards
Curves
Texas A&M Transportation Institute. (2023, September 15). Safely Navigating Curves in a CMV: Tips for Truck Tractor Drivers.
Find out more...
Roadway Hazards
Find out more...
If you're behind the wheel of a modern car and take a turn too quickly, a feature known as electronic stability control, or ESC, might kick in. This system relies on sensors to monitor the vehicle's balance and detect any signs of skidding or excessive leaning. When the ESC senses that the car is losing stability while navigating a curve, it will reduce engine power and apply brakes strategically to help bring the vehicle back to a safe speed.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Roadway Hazards
Click on the button to read the information.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are circular junctions that facilitate a smooth flow of traffic at the point where two or more roads meet. In certain regions, they are known as traffic circles. These roundabouts can feature either a single lane or several lanes, but all vehicles move in the same direction. Vehicles entering the roundabout must give way to those already circulating within it. Stay aware of the traffic around you and think ahead.
Roadway Hazards
Roundabouts
RegionofDurham. (2018, January 19). Large vehicles in roundabouts.
Roadway Hazards
Click on each card to read the information.
Restricted Areas
You might encounter limitations regarding the front, sides, rear, and top of your vehicle.
Clearances
Signs
Backing and Parking
Roadway Hazards
On Ramps/Off-Ramps
The load weight of your vehicle, along with the ramp's load capacity, length, and angle of incline, will influence the time required to accelerate your vehicle for a safe merge into oncoming traffic on an interstate or limited-access highway. Additionally, the dimensions of your vehicle and the speed you can reach on the ramp will dictate the amount of space necessary to join the flow of traffic. If your vehicle is larger and you're moving slower than the surrounding traffic, you'll need a larger gap in traffic to merge safely.
Roadway Hazards
Click on each card to read the information.
On Ramps
Off-Ramps
Roadway Hazards
Freeway and turnpike exits can pose significant risks. While curved off-ramps usually display speed limit signs, these limits are often set for standard cars and may not be suitable for larger vehicles carrying cargo. It's advisable to drive at least 5 mph below the posted speed limit on these ramps. These curving off-ramps serve as transition zones where the weight and center of gravity of the load can greatly influence the risk of rollover. Make sure to adjust your speed according to the expected surface conditions on the ramp before you approach a curve. Exits that slope downward while turning can be particularly hazardous, as the incline can make it challenging to slow down effectively.
On Ramps/Off-Ramps
Summary
You should now have a foundational understanding of essential vehicle control techniques, including starting and shutting down the engine, moving and stopping the vehicle, and navigating turns, curves, and roundabouts. Your safety depends on recognizing key factors like minimizing clutch slipping, ensuring proper mirror adjustments, and maintaining steering control. Additionally, knowing how to safely merge onto highways, manage off-ramps, and address vehicle dynamics such as off-tracking and high centers of gravity is crucial. Always inspect your vehicle for any issues before driving, as your ability to identify and report problems is vital to maintaining safety on the road.
Webliography
- Concept Diagram. (2015). Turning Radius of different size (semi) trucks ”. https://conceptdiagram.tumblr.com/post/92382223926/landscape-a-design-turning-radius-of-different
- de Saxe, C., & Cebon, D. (2018). Estimation of trailer off-tracking using visual odometry. Vehicle System Dynamics, 57(5), 752–776. https://doi.org/10.1080/00423114.2018.1484498
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00423114.2018.1484498#abstractYou are ready for the Quiz
You’re all set for the quiz! There are a total of 10 questions. Feel free to take it multiple times, and we’ll only report your best score.
Question 01
Question 02
Question 03
Question 04
Question 05
Question 06
Question 07
Question 08
Question 09
Question 10
You have finished your course!
Left Turns When making a left turn, enter the roundabout using the left lane and position your vehicle as far left as possible within that lane. It's important to ensure that no part of your vehicle crosses over into the right lane while you're in the roundabout. As you navigate the turn, your vehicle will naturally drift to the left. It's perfectly fine if your vehicle rides up onto the truck apron, which is the elevated area of pavement around the center island of the roundabout. Truck aprons are designed to assist larger vehicles in making safe turns through roundabouts.
Visibility Driving can be quite challenging. Whether it's a pedestrian, a cyclist, or another car, they can slip into your blind spot without you realizing it. Most vehicles come with flat mirrors and curved mirrors to help improve your view. Even with a curved mirror, you only get about 40 percent visibility on the right side, so it's best to use both types of mirrors while driving.
Click to zoom
Source: JJ Keller
To get a vehicle with automatic transmission moving, you should follow these four steps.
Stopping a Vehicle (Automatic Transmission)
When you're driving, keep an eye on the clearances around and above your vehicle.
High Center of Gravity In vehicles with a high center of gravity, most of the weight is positioned higher up, which increases the risk of tipping over, particularly when navigating curves or making turns. It's important to anticipate your movements and avoid sudden steering or braking in these types of vehicles. To enhance handling and maintain a lower center of gravity, it's best to load the heaviest materials towards the bottom and front of the vehicle whenever possible, as long as the weight allows for it.
Click to zoom
Source: Trucking Truth
Being aware of your surroundings is crucial when you're at the dock or in a parking lot. Keep your eyes peeled and look out for narrow spaces, overhanging structures, and other cars or people nearby.
Source: Sneider. (2022, Jan 18). How to back a tractor-trailer with limited forward space.
Losing control of the steering while driving at high speeds can be extremely hazardous. As part of your pre-trip check, make sure to inspect the steering wheel for any free play. Ideally, this free play should not exceed 10 percent of the wheel's diameter.
On Ramps
- Size up the traffic
- Signal early
- Watch for an opening
- Build up speed to merge smoothly
- Watch all mirrors
- Watch for approaching traffic
When you’re getting onto a freeway or turnpike, it’s important to stay fully focused. Keep an eye out for cars coming up from behind or the side.Upgrades can sometimes hinder your ability to signal to other drivers that you’re about to merge. As you accelerate to highway speeds, use your best judgment to spot a safe opening in the traffic.It's important to steer clear of prolonged idling. Most modern engines don’t require more than a few minutes of idling. Excessive idling can lead to fuel wastage and unnecessary engine wear. Additionally, many states and localities have laws or regulations that restrict how long an engine can idle. Be sure to familiarize yourself with any relevant laws or regulations regarding engine idling in your area.
Intelligent braking allows the ESC to engage the brakes that will provide the best performance while maintaining the vehicle's stability. However, it's important to remember that ESC has its limits. If you take a turn too quickly, it will try to help stabilize the vehicle, but it might not succeed. Always prioritize safety by reducing your speed before approaching a curve.
When you first start driving, the vehicle is still in the warming-up phase, so it's important to keep the RPMs low. For those using an automatic transmission, make sure to accelerate smoothly and avoid using full throttle until the engine has reached its optimal operating temperature. If you're driving a manual transmission, maintain low RPMs during the warm-up and refrain from high RPMs when accelerating in first gear. Shift to a higher gear as soon as you can, and continue to accelerate smoothly. The engine is considered warmed up when the water temperature falls between 170 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Just idling won't usually get you to this temperature, so you should drive slowly at low RPMs until you reach that range.
Mirrors Make sure to adjust your mirrors properly to enhance your visibility and be aware of any blind spots before you hit the road.
Reduce your speed to a safe level before approaching a curve, aiming to be at least 5 mph under the posted speed limit. Decelerate as necessary, but remember that braking while in a curve can be risky. It’s easier to lose control and skid if your wheels lock up. Always stay within the posted speed limit when navigating a curve.
Visibility When you approach the roundabout, your visibility to the right will be quite limited until you begin to turn to exit. No matter which way you're going, keep an eye on your mirrors and proceed cautiously to ensure a safe exit from the roundabout.
Straight Through To navigate a roundabout, begin by positioning your vehicle on the left side of your lane. As you proceed, steer your vehicle towards the far-right side of the lane. When you're ready to exit, shift to the right side of your lane until your rear wheels have completely left the roundabout.
Off-tracking Off-tracking happens when a vehicle with two or more wheels makes a turn. In this situation, the front wheels take a different route compared to the rear wheels as they navigate through a curve. It's important to note that the back wheels tend to follow the shortest path. The longer the vehicle, the more pronounced the off-tracking becomes, which can lead to significant issues if not managed properly. Several factors influence the extent of off-tracking during cornering. One key factor is how much you steer into the turn; the sharper the turn, the more off-tracking occurs. For instance, when driving a tractor-trailer, the off-tracking effect increases as the distance between the kingpin and the rear trailer wheels grows.
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(b) steered trailer with path-following control.
Trailer off-tracking: (a) unsteered trailer
Source: Taylor & Francis Online.
Roundabouts are intentionally designed to encourage vehicles to move at slower speeds for safe navigation. As you approach a roundabout, it's important to decide which direction you'll take and, if it's a multi-lane roundabout, ensure you're in the right lane beforehand.
Turning RadiusYour vehicle's turning radius plays a key role in how easily it can navigate. A smaller turning radius allows for sharper turns, while a larger one requires more space to maneuver. It's important to remember that longer vehicles typically have a wider turning radius.
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Source: Dimensions.com
Right Turns When you approach a roundabout, remember to consider off-tracking. If you're planning to turn right, make sure to place your vehicle towards the far left of your lane. This will create enough space for off-tracking to the right as you finish your turn.
Stopping a Vehicle (Manual Transmission)
You need to follow these six steps to get a vehicle with a manual transmission moving.
Always keep an eye on your mirrors and stay alert. Look out for signs that show restrictions on vehicle weight, width, or height. Make sure to factor these limitations into your travel plans.
Off-RampsWhen leaving the interstate or closed-access highway: