Automotive Industries Unit 9

1 Complete the description of a parking distance warning system with words or phrases from the box.

approximately / at intervals / continuous / less than / B

A

less than / more rapid / over / shortest

Parking distance warning system

The parking distance warning sensor uses four sensors in the rear bumper to determine the distance
between the vehicle and an obstacle. The (1) shortest distance between vehicle and
obstacle is always indicated.
The warning system is activated by selecting reverse gear. An audible signal will sound. This signal
will sound (2) , at a distance of (3) 1.2 metres (the area A in
the diagram). The signal will become (4) as the vehicle approaches the obstacle.
The warning signal becomes (5) when this distance is (6)
approximately 30 centimetres (area B in the diagram). The system is deactivated by shifting out of
reverse gear. The system does not function at speeds of (7) approximately 15 kph.
DO keep the sensors clean and free from snow and ice.
DON’T spray the sensors with a high pressure water jet from a distance of (8)
10 cm.

2 Complete the description of a cruise control system with words or phrases from the box.

above / approximately / at the speed / higher / in steps / + RES

less than / more than / more than / the desired speed – SET

B A

Cruise control system

The cruise control system can maintain any speed (1) above about 30 kph, but cannot
keep a constant speed when driving downhill. The system is switched on by moving the switch A to ON.
When you have reached (2) , briefly press the switch B to SET. You can then
take your foot off the accelerator. You can increase your speed in the normal way by means of the
accelerator. When you lift your foot off the accelerator, the car will continue driving
(3) that you set before.
If you drive at (4) 10 kph higher than the set speed for a period of
(5) 5 minutes, the cruise control switches off. Then you must store a new speed again.
If you briefly press the lower part of the rocker switch B, you reduce the speed (6) .
If you press and hold it, you reduce the speed gradually. When you release the rocker switch, the new
speed is saved.
If you release the rocker switch B at a speed of (7) 30 kph, the memory is cleared.
You must then accelerate to a speed (8) than (9) 30 kph in order
to reset a new speed.

© Pearson Longman 2008 www.pearsonlongman.com/technicalenglish

 Automotive Industries Unit 9

3 Write about the systems in 1 and 2. Replace the phrases in italics, using the words in brackets.
1 The parking distance warning system calculates the distance of the obstacle. (how / far)
Example: 1 The parking distance warning system calculates how far away the obstacle is.
2 You can tell your distance from the obstacle by listening to the speed of the audible warning signal.
(how / far / how fast)
3 The functioning of the system depends on the driver’s speed of reversing. (how / fast / driver)
4 The functioning of the reversing sensors depends on their cleanliness. (how / clean)
5 The functioning of the cruise control system depends on your driving speed. (how / fast / drive)
6 The cruise control system measures the time that you are driving at a speed of more than 10 kph over
the stored speed. (how / long)
7 You can decide the manner of your deceleration by pressing or holding the rocker switch. (how /
decelerate)

4 Read the service schedule and answer the questions below.

Every 60,000 km After 90,000 km, then every 30,000 km
Replace air filter element; clean housing Check camshaft drive belt (4-cylinder petrol
engines only)
Replace spark plugs
Every 2 years (i.e. for vehicles driven less than
Replace camshaft drive belt and tensioner roller
60,000 km in 2 years)
(diesel engines only)
Replace air filter element; clean housing (for
Check oil level in the final drive for automatic
vehicles driven less than 60,000 km in 2 years)
gearboxes

1 A 4-cylinder petrol-engine car is in the garage for its 120,000 km service. Should the camshaft drive
belt be checked or replaced?
2 A car is two years old and has done 57,000 km. Should it be serviced now? If so, what work should be
carried out?
3 An automatic car has done 120,000 km. What work should be done at this service that is not done for
manual cars?
4 A diesel car has done 120,000 km. What extra work should be done at this service that is not done for
petrol cars?
5 A manual car with a 4-cylinder petrol engine has done 180,000 km. What parts should be replaced?

5 Complete the advice checklist with the expressions in the box. Some alternatives are possible.
as necessary / at recommended service intervals / before any long journey / every fortnight /
fortnightly / once a year / over time / regularly

1 Tyres: Check the tyre pressures at least fortnightly using a garage air line.
2 Engine oil: Check the dipstick at least and .
3 Engine oil: Have the oil and filter changed .
4 Water: Check the coolant level and top up .
5 Windscreen wipers: Wiper blades become worn . Replace them at
least .

© Pearson Longman 2008 www.pearsonlongman.com/technicalenglish

 Automotive Industries Unit 9

Word List

6 Write the meanings of these words and phrases in your own language.
NOUNS ADJECTIVES

bumper audible

coolant constant

deceleration continuous

element ADVERBS

gearbox briefly

housing gradually

memory promptly

obstacle

NOUN PHRASES

camshaft drive belt

cruise control system

rocker switch

tensioner roller

warning sensor

VERBS

approach

deactivate

depend

ensure

maintain

recommend

reset

© Pearson Longman 2008 www.pearsonlongman.com/technicalenglish