Controls, gauges and warning lights

By the end of this topic you can

• You can identify the accelerator, brake and, in a manual car, the clutch.
• You can use the gear shifter positions in an automatic car.
• You can find and operate lights, signals, wipers, defroster, horn and hazard lights.
• You can read the speedometer, fuel gauge and temperature gauge.
• You can respond correctly to common warning lights.

What you need to know and understand

• In an automatic car, use your right foot only, for both accelerator (right pedal) and brake.
• Common automatic shifter positions are P (park), R (reverse), N (neutral) and D (drive).
• The parking brake holds the car when parked; release it fully before moving off.
• Warning lights follow a rough color code: red means serious, amber or yellow means caution, green or blue shows something is switched on.
• All warning lights should briefly light up when the car starts, then go out.
• A temperature gauge reading in the hot zone means stop safely and switch off; driving on can damage the engine.

Pedals and shifter

The accelerator is on the right and the brake to its left. A manual car adds a clutch on the far left, worked with your left foot. In an automatic, keep your left foot flat on the floor or footrest so you never press two pedals at once. To shift out of Park, most cars require your foot on the brake.

Controls you must find without looking

• Turn signal lever, usually left of the steering wheel
• Headlight switch, including low and high beam
• Windshield wipers and washer
• Front and rear defroster
• Horn
• Hazard warning lights, usually a red triangle button
• Parking brake (lever, pedal or button)

Reading the dashboard

The speedometer shows your speed in mph; many also show kilometers per hour in smaller numbers. The fuel gauge and temperature gauge sit nearby, and newer cars may show these on a screen.

Common warning lights include oil pressure (an oil can), battery or charging (a battery), engine temperature (a thermometer), brake system, check engine, tire pressure and air bag. Your owner's manual explains each symbol for your car.

Common mistakes

• Using the left foot for the brake in an automatic.
• Driving off with the parking brake still on.
• Confusing the high beam control with the turn signal.
• Searching for the defroster or hazard lights while moving.

Test yourself: Controls, gauges and warning lights

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