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What are wheels and tyres?
Wheels are round parts fixed to the ends of the axles. They turn so the vehicle moves forward or backward. The tyre is the rubber cover that fits around each wheel. Tyres touch the road, carry the weight of the vehicle and make the ride smooth. A tyre usually has air inside and a pattern on the outside called tread. The tread helps tyres hold the road surface and prevents slipping when it is wet.
How do wheels and tyres help movement?
When power from the engine or our feet turns the wheel, the tyre rolls along the ground and the vehicle moves. The tyre’s grip and the wheel’s round shape make it easier to travel straight, turn corners and stop. If a tyre is flat or has little tread, it cannot hold the road well and the vehicle may skid or become hard to control.
Care and safety of wheels and tyres
Check tyre air pressure often; correct pressure keeps the ride steady and saves fuel. Look for cuts, stones or nails and remove them with help from an adult. Replace tyres when the tread is thin or cracked. Always use the right size tyre for the wheel and keep wheels clean. Simple checks prevent troubles on the road and keep passengers safe.
What is an engine?
The engine is the part that gives power to many vehicles. It changes fuel into movement or uses electricity to turn the motor. In a petrol or diesel engine, small explosions inside turn parts that make the wheels move. In an electric vehicle, the battery sends power to a motor which turns the wheels. The engine is often called the heart of the vehicle because it makes motion possible.
Where are engines found?
In many cars the engine sits under the bonnet at the front, while in some buses and trucks it may be under the floor or at the back. Scooters and motorcycles have smaller engines near the middle or back. Bicycles do not have engines; they are moved by pedalling.
Fuel, batteries and safety
Fuel like petrol or diesel must be kept and handled safely, only at proper filling stations by adults. Electric vehicles need batteries that must be charged correctly. Engines should be checked by grown-ups for oil, water and other signs of trouble. Never play near a running engine and stay away from hot engine parts. Regular engine checks make journeys safer and help vehicles work longer.
Why do vehicles have lights?
Lights help drivers to see the road in dark or bad weather and help other people to see the vehicle. Headlights at the front light the way during night or fog. Tail lights at the back show that a vehicle is there. Brake lights shine brighter when the driver presses the brakes so cars behind know to slow down.
What are indicators and how are they used?
Indicators are the blinking lights on the sides of a vehicle used to show that it will turn left or right. They flash on the side which the vehicle will move towards. Drivers must switch on indicators before turning or changing lanes so others understand their plan. Indicators are a polite and safe way to tell others on the road what you will do next.
Using and caring for lights and indicators
Always check lights and indicators before a journey, especially at night or in the rainy season. Replace bulbs or fix wiring if a light is not working. Keep lenses clean so light is bright. Using lights correctly—like low beam near other cars and high beam on empty roads—helps everyone travel safely. Broken indicators can cause accidents, so get them repaired quickly.
Doors and windows: what they do
Doors allow passengers to enter and leave the vehicle. Windows let passengers look outside and allow light into the vehicle. Some windows open to let fresh air in. Doors and windows also help keep passengers safe by closing and locking when the vehicle moves. Adult supervision is needed when opening doors on a busy road to avoid accidents.
Mirrors: how they help
Mirrors let the driver see behind and beside the vehicle without turning all the time. The rear-view mirror shows the view directly behind the vehicle. Side mirrors show the sides and help notice bicycles, scooters or cars in the lane beside. Mirrors help drivers reverse, change lanes and park safely. Adjusting mirrors before driving makes them more useful.
Care and safety of doors, windows and mirrors
Keep mirrors clean and set them to show the widest view possible. Check that doors and windows open and close smoothly and that locks work. Teach children to sit away from open doors and not to put their hands outside the window. Clean mirrors and windows help the driver see clearly, and safe doors reduce the chance of people falling out or getting hurt.
What is a horn and when to use it
The horn is a device that makes a loud sound to warn others. Drivers use the horn to say 'I am here' or to warn someone of danger. Horns should not be used for fun or to annoy people. Using the horn correctly helps prevent accidents and keeps roads calm.
Other signals that help communication
Drivers also use lights and hand signals to show their intentions. Flashing headlights can warn others of a problem ahead. Cyclists and drivers sometimes use hand signals to show a turn when indicators do not work. School buses and traffic helpers use special signals to stop and to allow children to cross safely.
Rules and care for horns and signals
Learn the local rules about when to use the horn; many places restrict horn use near hospitals or schools. Check that the horn and blinkers work before a trip. Practice simple hand signals with an adult so you can signal when needed. Proper use of horns and signals is part of polite and safe travel and helps everyone on the road understand each other.
Seats: comfort and position
Seats are where the driver and passengers sit. The driver’s seat is placed so the driver can reach the steering wheel, pedals and controls easily. Passenger seats should be comfortable and fixed so people do not slide during travel. Small children need special child seats or booster seats so the seatbelt fits them correctly.
Seatbelts: purpose and use
Seatbelts are straps that hold passengers safely in place. If the vehicle suddenly stops or meets a bump, a seatbelt keeps the person from flying forward and getting hurt. All passengers should wear seatbelts whenever the vehicle moves. For young children, child seats and proper straps give extra safety because regular belts may not fit them well.
Care and safety reminders
Check seatbelts for torn straps or broken buckles and repair them when needed. Teach children not to unfasten belts while the vehicle is moving. Make fastening the seatbelt the first step before starting a journey. Wearing a seatbelt is a simple habit that prevents many serious injuries and keeps travel safe and calm for families.
What are brakes?
Brakes are parts that help a vehicle slow down or stop. When the driver presses the brake pedal with the foot, the brake system makes the wheels stop turning smoothly. Bicycles have hand brakes or foot brakes. Cars usually have a foot brake and a hand or parking brake. Working brakes are very important to prevent accidents and to stop quickly when there is danger ahead.
What is steering?
Steering is the way the driver controls the direction of the vehicle. The steering wheel turns the front wheels to make the car go left or right. Good steering should be smooth so the driver can turn easily and keep the vehicle on the road. Power steering in many modern cars makes it easier to turn the wheel with less effort.
Care and safety for brakes and steering
Listen for strange noises when braking and feel if the steering is too loose or too hard; these signs mean a check-up is needed by a grown-up or mechanic. Do not drive if brakes feel weak. Regular servicing keeps brakes and steering safe. Teach children how to use bicycle brakes gently to avoid skids, and always hold the handlebars firmly while turning.
What are accessories?
Accessories are useful items that make travel comfortable or easier. Examples are the glove box for small storage, foot mats to keep the floor clean, sun visors to stop bright sun, and wipers to clear rain from the windshield. Some accessories are for comfort like seat covers and small fans, while others help the driver work better, such as a torch or map holder.
Important safety items
Safety items are parts or tools kept to protect people during an emergency. A first-aid kit helps give simple treatment for small cuts or injuries. A fire extinguisher can put out small fires. Helmets protect the head of cyclists and riders. Reflectors and torches help people see at night. It is good to carry a spare tyre and a basic toolkit for small repairs.
Care and packing tips
Keep safety items in known places so everyone can find them fast. Check the first-aid kit to replace used items and test the torch’s batteries. Make sure the fire extinguisher is charged and the spare tyre is not flat. Teach children the purpose of each safety item and when to tell an adult to use them. Small preparations can make journeys safer and calm in case of trouble.