Avtobipyour first year behind the wheel: a guide for new drivers

An independent reference for new drivers. We are not a driving school or instructor and give no driving lessons; not connected with the former site on this domain. Rules are cited from the official text of the traffic regulations.

Faults

Common faults: how to tell whether you can keep driving

An unfamiliar noise or a symbol on the dashboard is most alarming when you don't know what it means. Most of the time the situation can be handled calmly: stop in a safe place, check the manual and decide whether to drive to a mechanic or call for help. Here are general pointers, with no repair instructions.

A red light on the dashboard is a reason to stop; a yellow one is a reason not to put off a visit to a mechanic.

— Editor's note

We don't diagnose faults or explain how to fix them. What the warnings mean and what you're allowed to do differ from car to car — check your owner's manual.

Common situations

A red warning light came on

Red usually means a fault that makes it dangerous to keep driving: oil pressure, overheating, the brake system, charging. Slow down, find a safe place to stop and check the manual for what the symbol means.

A yellow warning light came on

Yellow or amber more often means a system needs checking. You can usually drive calmly to a mechanic, but if the car is behaving differently than before, it's better to stop.

There's an unfamiliar noise

Note any squeak, knock, hum or grinding: when it happens — when braking, on turns or over bumps. That description will help a professional, and grinding when braking is a reason not to drive any further.

The car won't start

Often the battery is flat, especially in freezing weather or if you left the lights on. If the starter barely turns or only clicks, it's better to get help than to try starting the car by guesswork.

I have a flat tire

Slow down smoothly, don't brake hard, and move the car to a safe place. Turn on the hazard lights and set out the warning triangle; if you don't know how to change a wheel or the spot is dangerous, call for help.

I smell burning or see steam

Stop in a safe place, turn off the engine and get out of the car. Don't open a hot coolant reservoir. If there's smoke or a risk of fire, move well away and call 112 (or your local emergency number).

When you must not keep driving

  1. The brakes feel different

    The pedal sinks or has gone soft, the car pulls to one side when braking, or you hear grinding. More on this in the archive note on brakes (in Russian).

  2. A red light is on

    Until you've found out what the warning means, assume you can't drive on. Stop and check the manual.

  3. There's smoke, steam or a burning smell

    Even if the car still moves, carrying on is dangerous. Stop, get out of the car and assess the situation from a safe distance.

  4. The steering pulls or knocks

    Noticeable vibration, pulling to one side or a knock in the suspension can mean a problem with a wheel or how it's fastened.

  5. There's a puddle under the car

    Fresh spots of oil, coolant or brake fluid are a reason to call for help rather than drive to a mechanic under your own power.

  • Brake trouble (in Russian)

    Archive note: signs that something is wrong with the brakes, and the general steps to take if they suddenly lose effectiveness.

  • Care

    What an owner can check in the first year: fluid levels, tires, lights, wipers and glass — no do-it-yourself repairs.

  • 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.