Car Controls

Car controls cover a lot of functions that help you drive your car. This includes basic bits like the gear stick and handbrake and modern tech like lane assist and auto emergency braking to help you drive more precisely and safely.

What are Car Controls?

Car controls are mechanisms in cars, trucks, and buses used for driving and parking. This includes the steering wheel, pedals, and gear stick.

While basic controls like steering wheels and pedals have been around since cars were invented, other controls have evolved over time. For example, manual transmissions were once common but now many cars have automatic transmissions.

Modern cars also have advanced controls like cruise control and lane assist. These new systems make driving easier and safer for everyone on the road..

What are Important Car Controls?

Here are some of the car controls you should know:

• Tilt Steering Wheel: Adjusts the steering wheel angle for comfort and control.
• Automatic/Manual Transmission: Allows you to change gears. Automatic shifts by itself, manual requires you to shift.
• Start Button/Key Fob Hole: Starts the engine. Press the button or insert the key fob.
• Parking Brake: Keeps the car from rolling when parked. Engage by pulling a lever or pressing a pedal.
• Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed without using the gas pedal. Good for long highway drives.
• Mirror Controls: Adjust the side and rearview mirrors for better visibility. Usually buttons inside the car.
• Hazard Flasher: Flashes all turn signals at once to warn other drivers of an emergency or breakdown.
• Headlights: Illuminates the road ahead and makes your car visible to others. Includes low beams, high beams and sometimes fog lights.
• Instrument Panel Light Switch: Adjust the dashboard lights for better visibility at night.
• Hood Release: Opens the hood to access the engine. Usually a lever is inside the car.
• Trunk Release: Opens the trunk for storage. Can be a button inside the car or on the key fob.
• Gas Cap Release: Opens the fuel door to access the gas cap. Often a lever inside the car.
• Seat Control Manual/Electric: Adjusts the seat position for comfort. Manual uses levers, electric uses buttons.
• Separate Turn Control Lever: Operates the turn signals to indicate left or right turns.
• Windshield Wiper Switch/Settings: Controls the windshield wipers to clear rain or debris. Adjusts speed and interval.
• Windshield Washer Switch: Sprays washer fluid to clean the windshield.
• Air Bag Cut Off Switch: Deactivates the airbag in certain situations like using a car seat for a child.
• Electric Door Locks: Locks or unlocks the car doors with a button.
• Childproof Rear Door Locks: Prevents the rear doors from being opened from the inside, keeping children safe
• Entertainment System Controls: Manages the car’s audio and media system. Includes the radio, CD player, and Bluetooth.
• Navigation Controls: Operates the GPS to help you find directions and navigate routes.

Why is it Important to Know Your Car Controls?

Knowing your car controls helps you drive safe. You need to know how to use the steering wheel, pedals and gear shift. This allows you to react quickly to road situations.

Knowing controls like turn signals and headlights helps you communicate with other drivers. This prevents accidents and keeps everyone safe.

Knowing advanced controls like cruise control and lane-keeping assist makes long drives easier. These features reduces driver fatigue and makes you safer.

In emergencies, knowing your car controls can save lives. For example, quickly finding and using the brake pedal can prevent collisions and much more.