content_image/700571.jpg
• All motor vehicles produced since 1955 must have red or amber lights that engage when the brakes or turn signals are used — these lights may be combined with the taillights or may be separated, and they must be visible for at least 100 feet in normal daylight. 

• Because hand signals are difficult to see at night, it is important that a vehicle’s lights have clean lenses and stay in proper working order. 

## Mirrors 

Check and adjust the mirrors before you begin to drive. The rear-view mirror should show what is directly behind you. Adjust the side mirrors to show the scene to the left and right rear of the vehicle. The mirrors should barely reflect the side of the vehicle. 

## Brakes 

• Every motor vehicle that operates on a public roadway must be equipped with brakes to adequately control the movement of, stop and hold the vehicle. 

• All vehicles should have originally equipped brakes in good working condition — having two separate means of applying the brakes. 

• The brake pedal should be at least one-third of its original distance from the floor when fully depressed. If it is not, the brakes must be checked and, if necessary, repaired. 

• If the pedal gradually lowers under the pressure of your foot, the hydraulic system must be checked. 

• Brakes that squeak when you depress the brake pedal can indicate a problem, have them checked. Do not risk a possible loss of the brakes. 

## Anti-lock Braking System 

Anti-lock brakes, or ABS, can help improve vehicle stability (avoiding spin- outs), steerability (directing the vehicle where the driver wants it to go) and stopping capability (distance needed to stop the vehicle). 

With ABS, it is important to brake hard and keep firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while stopping. Pumping the brake pedal or releasing the steady pressure on the brake pedal will reduce the effectiveness of the ABS. 

## Auto Theft Prevention 

To help prevent auto theft, never leave the key in the ignition switch of an unattended vehicle. 

## Tires 

Every vehicle operated on the streets and highways of North Carolina must be equipped with tires that are safe for the operation of the vehicle and do not expose the public to needless hazards. Tires are considered unsafe if they are cut, cracked or worn so as to expose the tire cord, or when they have visible tread separation, chunking or less than 1/16-inch-tread depth. 

Tires are important for stopping your vehicle. Never drive on smooth tires or tires that have fabric showing. Tires without enough air wear out more quickly. Also, tires without enough air increase the likelihood of a blowout. Over- inflated tires reduce traction and wear heavily on the middle of the tread. 

<img src='content_image/700571.jpg'>

