Basic Techniques You Should Pay Attention to When Driving a Car

In this day and age, when cars have become a popular means of transportation, mastering basic driving techniques is not only a necessary skill but also a mandatory requirement for everyone. in traffic.

According to statistics from the Vietnam Register, by the end of 2022, the country had more than 4 million cars in circulation, accompanied by an increasing number of drivers.

Basic car driving techniques include many elements, from how to control the steering wheel, use the accelerator and brakes, to observing and handling situations on the road. Experts from the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) emphasized that mastering these techniques not only helps drivers operate vehicles safely but also contributes to reducing traffic accidents, causing is a burning problem in many countries, including Vietnam.

Whether you are just starting to learn to drive or have many years of experience on the road, the information in this article will help you consolidate your knowledge, improve your driving skills, and thereby be more confident when sitting in the back seat. steering wheel and contribute to building a safe traffic environment for the community.

Departure method when starting to learn to drive a car

The method of departure in the process of learning to drive a car (flat road), one of the basic problems in driving techniques is departure and stopping. To start and stop the car properly technically, you need to know the rhythmic coordination between the gas pedal and the clutch pedal. If the coordination is not good, the engine is easily shut off or shaken. When starting (the engine is exploding), the following operations should be carried out:

• Safety check around the car.
• Depress clutch pedal all the way.
• Enter the number “1 ″: enter the correct number.
• Release the hand brake: When the light is off, the handbrake has been released.
• Check the safety around the car, signal by horn, lights before starting.
• Increase the throttle to a sufficient level to start.
• Release slowly to 1/2 stroke of clutch pedal (half clutch release) and hold for about 3 seconds, then both increase the gas and release all clutch to let the car run.

Speed ​​reduction method

1. Reduce speed using engine braking

When the car is moving on the road, to reduce the speed, you need to release the accelerator pedal so that the engine works in idle mode. At this moment, inertia and friction in the system will reduce the speed of motion of the car. This is called engine braking. When dangerously steep downhill or running on slippery roads, to ensure safety, the engine braking method, the lower the gear shift, the higher the braking efficiency.

2. Reduce speed using car brakes

Brake to slow down: Release the gas pedal to brake the engine and then move the foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal and apply the brake pedal appropriately so that the car speed decreases as required. In this case, the clutch should not be cut.

Brakes to stop cars: If the obstacle brakes are far away, brake lightly; If the obstacle is too close, apply emergency brakes. To prevent the engine from turning off, the brake must be turned off when the brake is turned off.

3. Reduce speed using box braking method

When the car is moving down a long slope or on a slippery road, to ensure safety, it is necessary to combine both engine braking (low gear shift) and foot braking, even in 1, in dangerous cases, handbrake must be used. .

Method of stopping when learning to drive a car

When learning to drive a car, a car is on the road, if you want to stop, you need to slow down by braking and reducing the gear. The stopping order is as follows:

• Check the safety around.
• Stop signaling: turn on the right way.
• Check back on safety, especially behind.
• Release the gas pedal.
• Depress clutch pedal to brake pedal: When the car is about to park, the clutch pedal needs to be turned off, then brake to fix the car to the parking spot.
• Pull the hand brake firmly.
• Set the gear: When parked on a flat and uphill road, set the “1 X; if parked on a level road and sloping down, set the reverse gear. Adjust the steering wheel so that the front wheel is inward.
• Turn off the engine. Release the clutch.
• Release the brake pedal. Pull the key, get off the car and lock the door. When necessary, insert wheels.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. How to handle the situation when the vehicle skids on a slippery road?

When your vehicle skids on a slippery road, you should take the following steps:

• Do not apply the brakes suddenly
• Release the accelerator slowly
• Steering in the direction of the vehicle's skidding
• Keep calm and adjust the vehicle's direction gently
• Use ABS brakes if the vehicle is equipped

Statistics show that 22% of traffic accidents are related to slippery road conditions.

2. How to adjust the rearview mirror to minimize blind spots?

To minimize blind spots, mirrors should be adjusted as follows:

• Clear mirror: Make sure the entire rear glass is visible
• Outside mirrors: Adjust so that only a small part of the vehicle body is visible
• Use the BGE (Blind spot Glare Elimination) method: Tilt the outside mirror outward another 15 degrees

Applying this technique correctly can reduce the blind spot area by up to 80%.

3. How to save fuel when driving on the highway?

To save fuel on the highway:

• Maintain a stable speed at 80-90 km/h
• Use cruise control mode if available
• Avoid sudden acceleration and braking
• Check tire pressure periodically
• Reduce unnecessary load

Correct application of these techniques can result in 15-20% fuel savings on the highway. Read the shared article now Long distance driving experience: What to prepare & note when driving in the most detail.

4. How to handle situations when the car's tire suddenly explodes?

When the car's tire blows out:

• Hold the steering wheel tightly, do not steer suddenly
• Release the accelerator slowly, do not apply the brake suddenly
• Turn on hazard warning lights
• Slow down and find a safe place to stop
• Pull the handbrake and change the spare tire

Note: 80% of cases of loss of vehicle control due to tire explosion occur in the first 2-3 seconds after the tire breaks. Additionally, you can refer to the following Tips to avoid car tires exploding while traveling & notes to remember to help you drive safely.

5. Safe driving techniques when traveling at night?

Driving at night requires:

• Use appropriate headlights (switch high beams when there is an oncoming vehicle)
• Reduce speed by 10-15% compared to daytime
• Increase the safe distance from the vehicle in front (at least 4 seconds)
• Avoid looking directly at the lights of the opposite vehicle
• Rest periodically every 2 hours of driving

Statistics show that the risk of accidents at night is 3 times higher than during the day.

6. How to handle situations when the vehicle's brakes are lost?

When the vehicle's brakes are lost:

• Keep calm, don't panic
• Shift to low gear to take advantage of engine braking
• Pump the brakes continuously to build pressure
• Use the handbrake slowly (if it is an electronic handbrake, pull and hold the button)
• Try to slow down by brushing against the median or curb
• Find a safe escape route (uphill, grassy area)

Note: 95% of brake failure cases can be controlled if the driver stays calm and follows the correct procedure.

7. How to adjust the correct driving posture to reduce fatigue when driving long distances?

Correct driving posture:

• Adjust the seat 25-30 cm away from the steering wheel
• Chair back tilt angle 100-110 degrees
• Knees are slightly bent when the brake is fully applied
• Wrists reach the top of the steering wheel when shoulders rest on the seat
• Adjust the headrest to level with the top of the head

Applying the correct driving posture can reduce the risk of back pain and neck strain when driving long distances by 40%. See the instruction article now car driving positions most accurate, helping you avoid fatigue on long journeys.

8. Techniques for driving through sharp turns safely?

When cornering sharply:

• Reduce speed before cornering (do not brake while cornering)
• Choose the right gear before entering the corner
• Steering slowly and smoothly
• Look in the direction you want to go (do not look at the edge of the road)
• Accelerate gently when exiting the corner

Statistics show that 30% of accidents on steep mountain passes occur at sharp turns.

9. How to handle situations when the car engine suddenly stalls?

When the engine stalls:

• Stay calm, turn on hazard warning lights
• Try to drive into the emergency lane or the shoulder of the road
• Do not brake suddenly, take advantage of the vehicle's momentum to move
• If unable to move, place a warning sign behind the vehicle (about 50-100m)
• Call for help or quickly check possible causes (out of gas, electrical fault, etc.)

Note: 70% of sudden engine stalls can be handled safely if the driver stays calm.

10. Safe driving techniques when encountering bad weather conditions (heavy rain, fog)?

In bad weather conditions:

• Reduce speed by 30-50% compared to normal conditions
• Turn on high beam lights (do not turn on headlights in fog)
• Double the safe distance
• Use the glass drying and high-speed wiper functions
• Avoid sudden braking or sudden steering

Statistics show that the risk of accidents in bad weather conditions is 4-5 times higher than in normal conditions.

11. Driving techniques to save fuel in urban traffic conditions?

To save fuel in urban areas:

• Apply the “pulse and glide” driving technique: Gently accelerate to the desired speed, then release the throttle and let the vehicle drift.
• Avoid unnecessary stops
• Use the Start/Stop function if the vehicle is equipped
• Anticipate traffic situations ahead to minimize sudden braking
• Maintain a steady speed at 40-50 km/h (if possible)

Correct application of these techniques can result in 10-15% fuel savings in urban traffic conditions.