It astounds this writer on how many people have such odd and clueless knowledge of the things in their cars. To clear some things up, here are the real definitions of the things in your car.

Car and how to work the parts ThinkStock
Car and how to work the parts ThinkStock
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THINGS ON AND IN YOUR CAR AND HOW TO USE THEM

  • Rear-View Mirror: this is installed and designed to allow you to see what is behind you when you are backing up
  • Blinker: a flashing light to send a message or warning to other drivers in and around you while you are driving
  • Steering Wheel: a control device to use when manipulating your vehicle to go forward, left, right or backward.
  • Brakes: typically this is rectangular in shape and when depressed your vehicle will slow and even stop. This is done with the aid of brake fluid that gives you almost a hulk or superman strength to accomplish the task. It is important to make sure that you have brake fluid.
  • Hazards: did you know that in Colorado you cannot use your hazards while driving? The only exception is if the vehicle speed is 25 mph or less. A most common and acceptable usage of the hazard lights is when you are pulled over on the side of a roadway as a warning to other vehicles, not however as a way to illegally park in the shopping center to quickly run into the party store.
  • Horn: Oddly, many people feel bad about using this vehicle equipped device. Its main purpose is to warn others of your presence or approach-use it, it is okay!
  • Headlights: These are attached to the front of your vehicle and have a very important job. They produce a beam of light that makes your vehicle visible in darkened situations. They also allow other vehicles the ability to see you in harsh weather conditions. They've been around since the 1880's and are essential in keeping drivers safe.
  • Parking Lights: back in the day they were used to alert other drivers of your existence when parked, nowadays they are attached to and directly run through the actual headlights.
  • Fog Lights: these have always been a big mystery, but technically they were designed to direct more light downward to illuminate the road more clearly in fog, rain, dust and snow.

There are so many functions on your vehicle that you rarely use, if you even know what they are there for. If you have an owners manual, maybe you can take a glance at it or show it to the others driving around you not using their blinkers (a personal pet peeve), brakes properly or drive around without headlights in a snow or rain storm (not to mention at dusk or night)

Be safe and happy driving!

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