Controls, gauges and warning lights

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the pedals and what each one does.
• You can find the indicators, lights, wipers, horn and hazard lights without looking for long.
• You can read the speedometer and fuel gauge at a glance.
• You can tell an urgent red warning from a less urgent amber one.

What you need to know and understand

• In a manual car the pedals from left to right are clutch, brake and accelerator. An automatic has only brake and accelerator.
• Brake and accelerator are always worked with the right foot.
• The speedometer shows km/h. Learner and P plate drivers in some states have a maximum speed, so check it often.
• Indicators are on a stalk beside the wheel. Australian cars often have them on the right, but some imported cars have them on the left.
• Most warning lights glow briefly when you start the car, then go out.
• Red lights, such as brake system, oil pressure and high temperature, usually mean stop safely. Amber lights mean get the car checked soon.

Hands and feet: the main controls

• Steering wheel: steers the front wheels. It also holds the horn.
• Accelerator: controls engine speed and how fast you go.
• Brake pedal: slows and stops the car and turns on the brake lights.
• Clutch (manual only): disconnects the engine from the wheels so you can change gear.
• Gear lever or selector: chooses the gear, or P, R, N and D in an automatic.
• Park brake: holds the car still when parked. It may be a lever, a pedal or an electronic switch.

Switches you must find without fumbling

Practise in a parked car: indicate left and right, switch headlights between low and high beam, start and stop the wipers and washers, find the demister and the hazard lights button. You need these at short notice, for example when rain starts or the car ahead brakes suddenly.

Reading the dashboard

• Speedometer: your speed in km/h.
• Tachometer (rev counter): engine speed, useful for gear changes in a manual.
• Fuel gauge and range: plan to refuel well before empty.
• Temperature gauge: if it climbs into the red, stop safely and switch off.
• Warning lights: check any unfamiliar symbol in the owner's manual.

Common mistakes

• Using the wipers when you meant to indicate in an unfamiliar car. Check the stalks before you drive.
• Using the left foot on the brake in an automatic.
• Ignoring a warning light because the car still feels fine.
• Looking down at the controls for too long while moving.

Test yourself: Controls, gauges and warning lights

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.