UNDER THE HOOD

The hood of the vehicle is secured in place by a double latch, the first one is in the cabin of the vehicle, check along the left side of the driver`s seat.  The latch often has an imprinted automobile image on it.  Pull this latch slightly upward to hear the hood dis-engage slightly.  The hood will not fully dis-engage as the safetly latch is still holding the hood to the vehicle - this latch is what prevents the hood from flying upward from the vehicle if ever the interior latch were to dis-engage while the vehicle is in motion.

To find this exterior latch, lift the hood the slight upward distance that the initial release latch will allow.  Slide your fingers along the top part of the grill slightly ecxposed from where the hood closes.  There will be a lever which opens the second latch.  This lever moves horizontally to the left.   The hood is not fully released and the hood can now also be fully raised.

Take notice of how the hood remains in the fully open position.  There will be an hydraulic support on either side of the engine, or even both sides of the engine, there may be a support bar which is cradled along the horizontal part of the grill - this support you will pull out of the cradle and place the upper end into its slot on the underside of the hood.  This cradled support could also be found on the right or left of the engine .

INTRODUCTION TO THE VEHICE- step 1

Today is a good day to learn to drive - that is, to drive an automatic passenger vehicle: a car.

It is irrelevant that the weather is: raining, snowing, foggy, hot sun or just an average day:  WE DRIVE.

Before actually turning the ignition key to the start position, the new driver requires an introduction to the vehicle itself.  This process is vital to the safe operation of a vehicle.

There are several tours we will take of the vehicle.  The first is of the outside of the vehicle. The second is of the inside of the vehicle. Each of these tours has more than one component.

The basic Outline of the Tour is:

TOUR 1                        A. The Walk-Around
                                                 a) the general exterior
                                                 b) under the hood
                                                 c) the lights

TOUR 2                       B. The Interior
                                                 a)  personal safety                                                  
                                                 b)  Interior environment
                                                 c)  Mirrors & instrument panel
                                                 d)   Steering wheel and shift
                                                 e)   Ignition switch settings

                                               
TOUR 1.  Start at the back bumper on the drivers side: notice that the windows are clear of dust, mud, snow, leaves and yes, moisture from the inside: you MUST be able to see clearly through your rear window and this now applies to all windows. 

Make sure the trunk is firmly closed, the bumper securely attached, the licence plate tightly fastened, the license plate light properly lights, the exhaust pipe well supported.

NOW WALK AROUND THE VEHICLE ALONG THE CURB SIDE inspecting the windows, the doors firmly shut, the rocker panels in good condition, and read the outside mirror.  These words on the mirror say:  OJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR.  This is true and serious.  Now stand directly in front of the vehicle to see that the front window is clear and in good condition: major cracks means the need of a new windshield.  The hood is firmly attached, the front bumper in good conditon and firmly attached and there is no debris of leaves, no snow or mud on the front grill because this grill is the reason the engine receives proper air intake to assist in its correct temperature.  While in front of the vehicle take a quick look under the bumper along the road surface to make sure there is nothing beneath the vehicle.  Now on the way to checking the driver`s side of the vehicle look at the tires: see that they have adequate tread.  Also check the windshield wiiper blades that they are in good repair, as well that there are no leaves, no mud, no snow on the in-take air vents which bring air into the cabin of the vehicle. 

Today, this information begins the introduction of a vehicle - an expert driver does this check routinely in moments:  It is called the walk-around. 

Stay with us : next we`ll do the under the hood tour.