How to reserve into a parking space like a pro

Step1: Find a good parking spot and flip on your turn signal

Step2: drive 2 spots past the spot where you want to park

Line up your rearview mirror with the third parking line (counting from your target spot).

Distance from parked cars: Keep less than 1 foot (0.30m) away

Step3: Turn your wheel in the direction of the spot until it locks

1. Shift into reverse and turn the wheel fully in the direction of the parking space.

Right-side spot? Turn fully right.

Left-side spot? Turn fully left.

2. This method eliminates guesswork, ensuring a precise and consistent turn every time.

Step4: Turn your head to see where you are going as you reverse.

1. Check all directions, even if using a backup camera.

2. Turn around and look in the direction your car is moving.

3. Adjust if needed:

If too close to another car, stop.

Pull forward slightly and turn the wheel slightly away from the spot.

4. Rely on your own vision, especially during driving tests where backup cameras may not be allowed.

Step5: Straighten your wheel to finish backing into the spot.

1. Reverse slowly and watch your rear bumper.

2. Begin straightening the steering wheel once the rear bumper is about halfway into the spot.

3. Continue until your rear tires are parallel with the parking lines.

Step6: Move straight back to the end of the spot.

Step7: Check your space and adjust as needed.

How to Parallel Park Your Car in Four Simple Steps

First, find a safe and legal parking space, starting with wider spots if you're a new driver. Check for parking signs, restrictions, and obstacles like open gutters or rocks. Ensure the space is at least 3-4 feet longer than your car or about 1.5 times its length for easy parking.

Follow these four simple steps to parallel park your car effortlessly.

Step1: Position your car

Position your car parallel to the parked vehicle in front of the available space, maintaining at least one arm’s distance but no more than half your car’s width. Align either your rear wheels with the back of the parked car or your mirrors with the adjacent car’s mirrors for better visibility. If space allows, positioning your rear tires slightly beyond the parked car’s rear can also work.

Step2: reversing in

Lock the steering to the extreme left, engage reverse, check mirrors, and start backing up. Keep an eye on the car behind through the IRVM and the front car’s rear. Look over your shoulder for better visibility. Reverse until your front wheels align with the rear of the front car, using the ORVM to monitor spacing. If using a reverse camera, follow the dynamic guidelines while also judging spacing manually.

Step3: straighten up and turn the car back in.

Straighten the steering and continue reversing as your car nears the pavement and rear parked car. Use the passenger-side ORVM to monitor surroundings. Once the front clears the parked car, turn the steering in the opposite direction while ensuring enough space at the front and rear. Use parking sensors and the reverse camera for guidance but rely on visual judgment for precise maneuvering.

Step4: The final alignment of the car

Once in the parking space, straighten the steering and adjust as needed. Align with the front car’s license plate or check the ORVMs for proper positioning. Look over your shoulder and adjust mirrors for a final space check.

"How to Start and Stop a Car on a Slope with Manual Transmission"

For manual transmission, here’s how to start and drive on a slope (including bridges):

To stop on uphill:

To stop on an uphill, press the clutch and brake pedals, and you can also engage the handbrake.

Hill Start (Uphill):

Press the Clutch: Fully depress the clutch pedal and shift into first gear.

Engage the Handbrake: Keep the handbrake on to prevent rolling back.

Accelerate Slightly: Gently press the accelerator to increase engine revs.

Find the Biting Point: Slowly release the clutch until you feel the car trying to move forward.

Release the Handbrake: Once you reach the biting point, release the handbrake and gradually release the clutch while increasing throttle to move forward.

Also, we can hradually release the clutch, then release the brake while pressing the accelerator, without using the handbrake.

Going Downhill:

Shift to Lower Gear: Before descending, shift to a lower gear (2nd or 1st) to use engine braking.

Release the Accelerator: Let the car slow down by releasing the accelerator and allowing engine resistance to control speed.

Avoid Using Brakes Too Much: Rely on engine braking as much as possible to prevent overheating the brakes.

About Car simulator driving learning

Car simulator learning is a useful tool for beginners to practice driving skills in a safe, controlled environment.

It allows learners to get familiar with vehicle controls, road signs, traffic rules, and basic maneuvers without the risk of real-world accidents. 

Simulators provide valuable experience in handling various road conditions, weather scenarios, and emergency situations, helping build confidence and competence before actual driving.

Pre Driving Checks

Pre Driving Checks / Pre Driving Preparations

Bare minimum checks:

1. Adjust seat and mirrors
2. Wear seat belt
3. Check for neutral gear
4. Check for hand brake engagement
5. Start the engine
6. Check for any warning indicator

Subsequent checks in details:

Sitting position:

In the driver seat, you should have a comfortable posture to have easy access of all the vehicle controls. You should have a good view of the road around the vehicle

Sitting Posture:

• Ensure comfortable sitting posture with firm lumbar support from the seat’s back. 100 to 110 degree is suitable.
• Hands at the steering wheel, elbows should be slightly bent.
• Do not sit erect or slouch on the seat.
• Do not ride on the steering wheel.

Clothes:

• Clothes worn by the driver should be comfortable with the movement.
• Clothes should not be very loose or tight so as to hamper free movement of the hands or feet.

Shoes

• Always wear comfortable shoes while driving to avoid inconvenience and distraction.
• Never drive with high heels or wothout shoes.

Seat adjustment:

Adjust seat slider while holding the steering wheel at 12 O'clock position, stop at a position where you get nice firm lumber support.

On pushing break pedal harder you should get sunk on seat.

Head rest adjustment:

Head rest is not a resting place for your head but is a head movement restraint in the event of a collision of your car from rear. Adjust the height of the head rest so that your head and restraint lie in one straight line.

Seat belt

A car seat belt is a safety device that secures passengers, reduces injury risk during crashes, and prevents ejection. It distributes impact forces across the body and comes in types like lap belts, three-point belts, and harnesses.

Wear the seat belt across your pelvis and chest:

1. Lap belt: Position it snugly across your hips, not your stomach.
2. Shoulder belt: Place it across your chest and collarbone, avoiding your neck.

Tilt steering

Tilt steering is a feature that allows drivers to adjust the height of the steering wheel to make driving more comfortable

When children are there in the car

Do not wear safety belt around infant or child

Do not allow children to stand between panel and seat.

Infant seats;

Pets

Coolant level:

• Should be within upper and lower marks
• Loss of coolant may cause engine seizure
• Never open radiator cap when hot
• Should be topped up with distilled water.

Battery electrolyte

Should be within upper and lower limit.

Top up only with distilled water.

Windshield washer liquid level

Always keep it at full level.

A dirty windshield will affect your vision at night time.

Break fluid:

Break fluid level to be with minimum and maximum level. Needs to be replaced in every two years or 20000 kms which ever occurs earlier.

Engine oil

Envine oil to be maintained within upper and lower mark hole.

To be replaced every 10000 kms or one year which occurs earlier.

Around the vehicle

• Lookout for children, pet animals as they may not be visible in blind spots.
• Check for proper tyre pressure
• Resistration plate should be intact.
• Look for any fluid leakage in under chassis.
• Check for any broken or fused lamps and its cleanliness

Mirror adjustments:

Mirror Adjustments: ORVM, IRVM, and Blind Spot

1. IRVM (Interior Rearview Mirror): Adjust to see the entire rear window directly.

2. ORVM (Outer Rearview Mirrors):

Driver's Side: Lean left; adjust to barely see the car's edge and maximize road view.

Passenger's Side: Lean right; adjust similarly for maximum coverage.

3. Blind Spot: Use blind-spot mirrors or advanced systems to cover areas not visible in ORVMs.

This setup ensures optimal visibility and minimizes blind spots for safer driving.

Check following items functionally

• Gear lever
• Parking brake
• Accelerator pedal
• Break
• Clutch

Wiper blade

Check condition of wiper blades particularly during the monsoon.

Edge should not be broken or cut.

Tool kit and emergency materials

A car toolkit and emergency materials should include:

• 1. First Aid Kit - Bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and other basic medical supplies.
• 2. Spare Tire & Jack - For flat tire replacement.
• 3. Jumper Cables - For dead battery issues.
• 4. Flashlight - With extra batteries, for low-light situations.
• 5. Tire Pressure Gauge - To check tire inflation.
• 6. Multi-tool/Tool Kit - For small repairs.
• 7. Flares/Reflective Triangles - To signal distress.
• 8. Emergency Blanket - For warmth in case of breakdowns in cold weather.
• 9. Water and Non-Perishable Snacks - For survival in case of long waits.
• 10. Car Manual - For specific car troubleshooting.
• 11. Tow Rope - In case the car needs to be towed.
• 12. Fire Extinguisher - For fire emergencies.

Check all indicator lamps

Check all indicator if all bulbs are ok. After engine is started , no indicator should come or come in.

Mental and physical condition

Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or sleeping medications, or when angry or distracted, impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times. It’s important to drive only when sober, calm, and fully alert to ensure safety on the road.

Loose items

• There should not be any loose items on panel and around console 
• There should not be any round object like bottle which can roll under pedala.

How to control car on speed breaker | fundamental rule for changing gears

 The fundamental rule for changing gears is "brakes to slow, gears to go." Shift up through the gears as the car gains speed. Use the foot brake to slow down, and only shift to a lower gear when you need the accelerator to drive again.

How to Control a Car on Speed Breakers: Fundamental Gear Changing Rules

Speed breakers require careful handling to ensure both safety and comfort. Here's a step-by-step guide to managing your car effectively over speed breakers while adhering to fundamental gear-changing rules:

1. Approach with Reduced Speed

Always slow down well before reaching a speed breaker. Use the foot brake gently to decrease speed and avoid sudden braking. The aim is to approach at a speed that allows you to cross the bump smoothly without excessive jolts.

2. Shift to a Lower Gear

Before reaching the speed breaker, downshift to a lower gear, typically the first or second gear, depending on the height of the bump and your car's speed. Lower gears provide better control and more pulling power, which is essential for smoothly crossing speed breakers.

3. Maintain Steady Control

While crossing the speed breaker, maintain a consistent speed. Avoid using the clutch excessively, as it can lead to unnecessary wear. Keep your foot lightly on the accelerator to ensure the car doesn’t stall.

4. Accelerate Gradually After Crossing

Once the car has passed the speed breaker, gradually accelerate and shift to higher gears as the car gains speed. Avoid abrupt acceleration to maintain control and comfort.

Key Gear-Shifting Rule:

"Brakes to slow, gears to go": Use the brakes to reduce speed before the bump and downshift to lower gears only when you need the accelerator to regain momentum.

Pro Tips:

• Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to allow enough reaction time.
• Avoid crossing speed breakers diagonally, as it can unbalance the car and damage the suspension.
• In manual cars, avoid riding the clutch while crossing speed breakers to reduce wear.

By following these steps, you can navigate speed breakers efficiently while preserving your car's performance and ensuring a smoother ride.

Palming method for changing the Gear

Palming method

To operate the gear lever we use a method known as ‘palming’. You can practice this when the car is stationary and the engine is switched off, but make sure that you keep the clutch pedal pressed down to the floor. 

 Neutral

The gear lever will automatically spring to the central neutral position when not in a gear. This is very useful when trying to find and select third or fourth gear.

First gear

To select first gear place your left hand onto the gear lever, palm away from you. Cup your hand around the gear lever and move it across to the left and forward.

Second gear

To move from first to second gear keep your hand on the gear lever, palm away from you, apply slight pressure to the left to stop the gear lever springing back to the central neutral position, and move the gear lever straight back.

Third gear

Now move your hand so that your palm is facing you, cupping the gear lever. Move the gear lever forward, allow it to spring into the central neutral position then move it forward to select third gear.

Fourth gear

Keeping your hand in the same position, move the gear lever straight back to select fourth gear.

Fifth gear

To select fifth gear keep your hand in the same position and move the gear lever forwards, across to the right against the neutral spring and forwards.

"Shifting Gears: The Right Way to Match Your Speed"

Mastering smooth gear changes is one of the three essential driving skills, along with steering and clutch control.

Gears can be shifted up or down, which refers to moving to a higher gear (e.g., 4 or 5) or a lower gear (e.g., 1 or 2), regardless of the gear lever's direction.

The basic principle is to shift up as the car’s speed increases and shift down when more engine power is needed, such as when climbing a hill or starting at low speeds.

Gears control the amount of power delivered by the engine.

First gear offers maximum pulling power but limits speed, while fifth gear provides the highest speed range with minimal pulling power. The table below outlines typical speeds and engine revs for shifting gears up or down.

Manual transmission change speeds - UP -
Gear Change	Approx. Speed	Tachometer (Revs)
1st – 2nd 2nd – 3rd 3rd – 4th 4th – 5th	25 km/h 40 km/h 60 km/h 80 km/h	2,000 – 3,000 rpm 2,500 – 3,500 rpm 2,500 – 3,500 rpm 2,500 – 3,500 rpm

Manual transmission change speeds - DOWN -
Gear Change	Approx. Speed	Tachometer (Revs)
5th – 4th 4th – 3rd 3rd – 2nd 2nd – 1st	65 km/h 45 km/h 35 km/h 15 km/h	2,000 rpm 2,000 rpm 2,000 rpm 1,500 rpm

The fundamental rule for changing gears is "brakes to slow, gears to go." Shift up through the gears as the car gains speed. Use the foot brake to slow down, and only shift to a lower gear when you need the accelerator to drive again.

Reference:

https://rightwaydriving.com.au/Gear-Changing-Techniques

What is an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) in cars, and how does it work?

Brakes are a crucial safety component in any automobile, whether it's a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler. They play a vital role in slowing down or stopping the vehicle. As cars have become more advanced and powerful, braking systems have also undergone significant advancements over the years. One notable innovation in this evolution is the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Curious about what ABS is and how it works? Keep reading to find out—no need for 'panic braking'!

What is an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)?

An Anti-lock Braking System in cars means a system that prevents the wheels from locking up during panic/hard braking. Without ABS, the wheels can quickly stop rotating and start to slide under panic braking. The role of an ABS or Anti-skid braking system is to prevent the wheels from losing traction under heavy braking by modulating the brake pressure. To understand what ABS is in a car, let’s look at an example scenario.

Example: You are driving on a highway at a speed of around 80 to 90 kmph. A pedestrian crosses the road out of nowhere without observing the oncoming traffic. To avoid hitting the pedestrian, you slam on the brakes in panic. Here the outcome of the panic braking can differ with and without ABS.

• With ABS: As soon as you press the brake pedal, the ABS kicks in to prevent the wheel lockup. ABS modulates the brake pressure and does not allow the wheels to lose traction (lock up). Hence, your car will stop safely in a short distance, and you avoid a potential accident.

• Without ABS: When you slam on the brakes in panic, the wheels will lose traction and start sliding. In other words, they lock up. Once that happens, you are just a passenger. You will have no control over the brake or steering, and the vehicle will continue to move forward/skid with wheels sliding on the road surface. It can lead to a severe accident.

So, now you know the difference ABS can make in dire situations. It can be a lifesaver in such panic braking scenarios. This safety feature is mandatory for all cars in India. Hence, all the new vehicles come with this crucial piece of safety equipment.

Reference:

https://ackodrive.com/car-guide/anti-lock-braking-system/

Vehicle controls and Mechanism

Vehicle Controls: 

All vehicle controls can be classified as:

1. Foot Controls
2. Hand Controls
3. Visual Controls

Foot Controls

Essentially all manual transmission cars will have three foot controls:

1. Accelerator Pedal

• Increases or decreases the speed of the vehicle. 
• This is operated by right foot of the driver. Pressing it down will increase the speed of engine and relieving it will reduce the engine speed. 
• Accelerator control is critical as slight pressure on it will increase speed of engine or car very rapidly that it may go out of control. To control its movement one should support heel on floor and operate it with toe. To smoothly control accelerator one would require good practice on the car.

Brake Pedal

• Is used to reduce speed of vehicle or to bring the vehicle to a stop. This pedal is also operated by right foot. 
• More you press the pedal, the braking effort increases. Since this pedal needs to be used in emergency, to apply brake quickly one has to lift foot from accelerator & press with force. 
• Never switch off engine to stop the vehicle as it will render power assisted brake useless - brakes will fail.

Clutch Pedal

• To engage or disengage transmission from engine during gear changes & stopping of vehicle. 
• Release clutch to move the car and use clutch & Brake to stop the car.(clutch + brake or brake +clutch + break)
• This pedal is operated always by left foot, keep heel on floor and use it as a pivot to operate pedal with the toe. Clutch pedal may or may not be power assisted. 
• In case you use automatic transmission only accelerator & brake pedals are there. For both the controls only right foot is to be used. Do not use left foot to operate brake pedal.

Hand Controls 

Hand controls as name suggest are the controls which are controlled by driver’s hands such as:

1.Steering Wheel 

• The most commonly recommended method of holding steering wheel is with both the hands on Quarter to three or Ten to Two as per your convenience. 
• As far as possible hold the steering wheel with both the hands except occasionally when you have to shift gears or have to use other hand control for a very brief period. Hold the steering firmly gripping it with fingers and thumbs. Do not hold the steering with fingers and thumb rolled around the wheel as this is not a safe practice.
•  In case vehicle hits a boulder or divider etc. the steering wheel may rotate with wiper control etc. With crossed hands it will be impossible to use other controls. Holding steering from any other position is dangerous as you will require more force and time to operate steering compared to Quarter to Three position. 
• Do not operate head lamp/turn signal or wiper control switches by inserting your hand from steering spokes. Power steering can be hydraulic or electric. In case engine is switched off power steering will become very hard making it almost inoperable. Great force and may break one of the thumbs. Never cross the hands while turning the steering wheel. You have to use Pull-Push method of turning the wheel without loosening the grip on wheel. This will facilitate you to use other controls while steering the vehicle like turn signal,

2. Gear Shift Lever

• Manual Transmission “ Generally most of the vehicles will have 5 forward and 1 reverse gear. Some of the vehicles may be equipped with 4 forward and 1 reverse gear. 
• Gears are provided to improve the ability of engine to pull the vehicle. When you want, start rolling the vehicle use 1st gear. In this position, maximum torque (turning force) will be provided to wheels. As the vehicle speeds up one starts shifting to higher gears. Higher gear ensure that engine moves slowly thus giving more mileage from each litter /kg of fuel consumed. Use 5th gear (overdrive gear) at speeds above 40kmph. Avoid overtaking or accelerating in 5th gear as engine will have very little torque. Shift to lower gear, accelerate and come quickly to 5th gear again.
•  During downshift ensure that you do not shift to lower gear at very high speeds this action may damage engine and gearbox. Avoid shifting to 1st gear while downshifting as it will reduce the life of synchronizer. Automatic Transmission “In case of automatic transmission the lever will have a knob attached to it, lever will not move till you press this knob. You can use D position and gears will change automatically as per pre-defined program. Alternatively you can select 1st, 2nd or 3rd or higher gear as per your speed requirement, if equipped.

3. Parking Brake Lever or hand brake

Parking brake lever is mounted between the front seats. This is used to secure the vehicle against accidental rolling while parking or stopping the vehicle. Parking brake lever is operated by pulling up the lever. To release the parking brake one has to pull the lever up a little and press the knob with thumb and release down. This will release the brake from wheels. Contrary to its name, parking brake should be applied all times when you stop the vehicle more than few seconds on the road e.g. on traffic signals. This ensures your vehicle does not roll accidentally as most of the roads are not plane but have a little slope. Always make it a practice to release parking brake every time you start to move. 

4. Electrical Control switches:

4.1. Head lamp/Parking Light Switch & Fog Lamp

This lever is on the right side of the steering wheel to switch on parking lamp, head lamp in main or dipped position. Fog lamps are also operated by a ring on the lever. Turn signals are also operated by moving this lever up (for left turn) or down (for right turn).

4.2. Wiper Switch

Is used to switch on/off windshield wipers at various speeds like intermittent, slow and fast speed. By pulling it towards you wiper spray gets activated on windshield. Some cars are also equipped with variable speed intermittent position.

4.3. Horn

Switch is normally positioned in centre of steering wheel, in some cases switch may be on spokes also. With horn, you can warn others to avert potential hazardous situation.

4.4. Hazard Lamp Switch

This switch is used to switch on hazard lights whenever you want to park your vehicle on the road which may be hazardous to others. The switch may be located on steering column or the dash board.

4.5. Mirrors

All vehicles are equipped with inside rear view mirror. Some vehicles may be equipped with day/night mirror –advantage of this mirror is the driver need not worry about glare. Outside rear view mirror is normally on right side of the door while some cars will be equipped with left side mirror as well. These mirrors aid you in driving safely by apprising you of traffic around you. Adjustment of mirrors can be manual/internal or remote.

4.6. Turn Indicators

These are signals to other road users to inform them of your intended action on road.

4.7. Ignition Switch

Ignition switch helps you start/ stop the engine. This can be operated by key or some cars may have push button start switch.

4.8. Demisters

Demisting is the function to remove mist that collects on the glasses on the inside in cold/rainy weather. Demister on the rear glass is a heating element built into the glass to evaporate the moisture. To remove mist from front windshield and other glasses you can position the louvers and switching on the heater.

Visual Controls

Instrument Panel – Some of these indicators may or may not be present in your car depending on variant and fuel option. Refer your car’s Owner’s Manual.

1. Speedometer

Indicates speed in kmph.

2. Odometer

Records total distance covered by the vehicle. 

3. Trip Meter

Records distance covered in a trip, can be reset by pressing of the knob. Some models are equipped with up to three different trip meters. 

4. Tachometer

Indicates engine speed in RPM (Revolutions per Minute) – this helps you save fuel and guides when to change gears at most appropriate speed.

5. Fuel Gauge

Indicates amount of fuel left in the tank. It can be analog or digital.

6. Temperature Gauge

Indicates temperature of engine coolant. In case engine temperature goes up it is indicated by needle going towards H mark or temperature lamp lights up.

7. Oil Pressure Lamp

Indicates insufficient oil pressure. If this lamp comes on, switch off the engine immediately as it may result in engine seizure.

8. Parking Brake/Brake Fluid Warning Lamp

This lamp warns of either the parking brake is engaged or the brake fluid level has gone down. If parking brake is disengaged check the brake fluid level, top up if necessary.

9. Battery Charging Light

Indicates charging system is not working. Can also be a result of fan belt breakage. Vehicle can be driven but get it repaired urgently. 

10. Turn cum Hazard Light Indicators

Indicate if a turn signal or hazard warning switch is on.

11. High Beam Indicator Lamp

Indicates headlamp is on in high beam. In cities with street lighting, main beam should not be switched

on as it may dazzle the eyes of oncoming drivers.

12. Warm-up Coil Indicator

You should not try to crank a diesel engine as long as this lamp is on.

13. Water in Fuel Filter

Indicates presence of water in fuel. Immediately drain the water. 

14. Service Vehicle Soon (SVS) Lamp

Get the vehicle checked by workshop.

15. Power Steering Fault Indicator

Indicates some problem with power steering system.

16. Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp

If this lamp lights up it indicates problem with one of the engine sensors. Take the vehicle to workshop as early as possible.

17. Air Bag Fault

If this lamp does not go off indicates problem with air bag, contact workshop immediately.

18. Immobilizer System

If this light blinks, then your vehicle will not start, you have to contact workshop.

19. Driver Seat Belt Reminder

This lamp lights up when you do not buckle up

safety belt and try to start the vehicle.

20. ABS Warning Lamp

If this lamp comes on it indicates problem in ABS system. Now the system will work as ordinary brake system without ABS.

21. Door Open Warning Lamp

If any of the door is open this indicator will come on.

22. Rear Fog Light Indicator

This comes on when rear fog lamp is switched on.

ABC (Accelerator, Brake, Clutch) – Basic Driving Controls

ABC (Accelerator, Brake, Clutch) – Basic Driving Controls

In car driving, the ABC refers to the three essential pedals that control the vehicle’s speed and movement:

1. Accelerator (Right Pedal)

Controls the car's speed. Pressing it increases speed, while releasing it slows the car down.

2. Brake (Middle Pedal)

Slows or stops the car. Pressing it gently applies braking force, while pressing it harder brings the car to a complete stop.

3. Clutch (Left Pedal)

Engages and disengages the engine from the wheels in manual transmission cars. It allows you to shift gears smoothly without stalling the engine.

The ABC sequence is important to master for smooth driving, especially in a manual transmission vehicle.

When the clutch pedal is pressed, it disconnects the engine from the gearbox, allowing the driver to change gears. In simple terms, think of the clutch as two plates that press together to link the engine and gearbox. When the clutch pedal is pressed, these plates separate, enabling the gear change to happen smoothly.