Brakes
When you press the pedal, hydraulics push the pads against the discs or drums. The pedal should feel firm and the same from day to day; if the feel has changed, that's a reason to be on alert.
Brake trouble (in Russian)
The car
The car itself: what's worth understanding about how it works
You don't need to know a car like a mechanic to drive calmly. But it helps to have a picture of how the brakes, lights, tires and driver-assist features work: it makes it clearer why the car behaves the way it does, and easier to notice when something has changed. Here we describe the systems in broad strokes, without reference to specific models.
A driver-assist feature backs you up, but it doesn't think for you: the decisions on the road are still yours.
We describe principles common to most passenger cars and do not name makes or models. For how the systems in your car are built and switched on, check the owner's manual.
Systems worth knowing about
Six components and features a new driver deals with on every trip.
Anti-lock brakes
They keep the wheels from locking under hard braking so the car stays steerable. When they work, the pedal may vibrate and click — that's normal, and you keep your foot on the pedal.
Lights
Dipped and main beam, daytime running lights, turn signals and brake lights. Under clause 19.5 of the Russian traffic rules, a moving car must have dipped headlights or daytime running lights on by day.
Tires
Each tire touches the road over a patch about the size of your palm, and all of the car's grip goes through those four patches. Pressure, wear and the right tires for the season affect braking more than you'd think.
Driver-assist features
Parking sensors, a rearview camera, stability control and other features make life easier, but each has limits: dirt, snow and bad weather get in the way of the sensors.
Instrument cluster
Warning lights report on the state of the car's systems. It's worth checking the manual in advance for what your car's symbols mean, so you don't have to guess on the road.
Manual or automatic: how they feel different
With a manual transmission, the driver chooses the gear and works the clutch. That gives more control over pulling power, but in heavy traffic it demands attention and takes some of your focus away from watching the road.
An automatic and its variants shift gears on their own, which frees up a new driver's attention for the road. On the other hand, a car with an automatic can start creeping as soon as you release the brake, so keep your foot on the pedal when you're stopped.
Whatever the transmission, engine braking on a downhill works in both cases: automatics usually have a manual mode or lower selector positions for this. Your owner's manual will tell you how it works in your car.
Read next
- Care
What an owner can check in the first year: fluid levels, tires, lights, wipers and glass — no do-it-yourself repairs.
- Faults
Warning lights, unfamiliar noises, a dead battery and a flat tire: when you can calmly drive on and when you must not.
- Safety
Seat belt, phone, fatigue, weather, night driving and children on board: rules and habits that protect you and your passengers.
Sources
- Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation (official text)
- Road safety guidance from the Russian State Traffic Inspectorate (summarized)
Rule requirements are quoted from the official text of the Russian traffic rules as of the date each page was prepared; the rules are updated from time to time. Every car has its own layout and controls, so the rules in force and your car's owner's manual remain the main reference.