Traffic signsSerbia

151. Petrol engine

A petrol engine is an internal-combustion engine that normally uses spark plugs to ignite a mixture of air and petrol. For this reason, it is also known as a spark-ignition or positive-ignition engine.

Petrol engines convert the energy released by combustion into mechanical power that drives the vehicle. Modern petrol engines use electronic engine management and emissions-control systems such as catalytic converters to improve efficiency and reduce harmful exhaust emissions.

152. Diesel engine

A diesel engine is an internal-combustion engine that normally ignites fuel through the heat created by highly compressed air rather than by using spark plugs. For this reason, it is also known as a compression-ignition engine.

Diesel engines are commonly used in passenger cars, trucks, buses and machinery because they can provide strong low-speed torque and efficient fuel use. Modern diesel engines use emissions-control systems such as particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction to reduce harmful exhaust emissions.

153. Electric motor

An electric motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical power. In an electric or hybrid vehicle, one or more electric motors can provide the torque needed to drive the wheels.

Electric motors can deliver torque from very low speeds and operate without the combustion process used by petrol or diesel engines. During regenerative braking, some electric motors can also operate as generators and convert part of the vehicle's motion back into electrical energy.

154. Timing belt

A timing belt is a toothed belt in an internal-combustion engine that synchronises the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft so that the engine's valves open and close at the correct time relative to piston movement.

The timing belt is a wear component and must be replaced according to the vehicle manufacturer's maintenance schedule. If it becomes excessively worn or breaks, the engine can stop suddenly and, in many engine designs, serious internal engine damage can occur.

155. Glow plug

A glow plug is an electrical heating element used in diesel engines to help ignite the fuel during cold starting. It heats the combustion chamber so that the compressed air reaches conditions suitable for reliable combustion.

Modern glow plugs can continue operating briefly after the engine starts to improve combustion, reduce cold-start emissions and help the engine run smoothly while warming up.

156. Cylinder

A cylinder is a chamber inside a reciprocating internal-combustion engine in which a piston moves up and down. Air or an air-fuel mixture is compressed inside the cylinder, and combustion produces pressure that pushes the piston and helps generate mechanical power.

Most car engines have several cylinders arranged in configurations such as inline, V-shaped or horizontally opposed layouts. The combined swept volume of all cylinders is known as the engine displacement or cylinder capacity.

157. Engine oil

Engine oil is a lubricant used inside an internal-combustion engine to reduce friction and wear between moving components. It also helps remove heat, keep internal surfaces clean and protect components against corrosion.

The oil level and condition should be checked according to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions. Only oil with the correct specification and viscosity should be used, and the oil and oil filter should be replaced at the recommended maintenance intervals.

158. Coolant

Coolant is a fluid that circulates through a vehicle's cooling system to remove excess heat from the engine or other components. It usually contains water mixed with antifreeze and corrosion inhibitors so that the cooling system can operate safely across a wide range of temperatures.

The coolant level should be checked according to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions. The correct coolant specification must be used, and the cooling system should only be opened when it is safe to do so because hot coolant can be under pressure.

159. Maintenance

Maintenance is the regular inspection, servicing and repair of a vehicle to keep it safe, reliable and in good working condition. It includes tasks such as checking fluids, tyres, brakes, lights and other components and replacing worn parts when necessary.

Maintenance should follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended service schedule. Regular maintenance can help prevent breakdowns, reduce wear, maintain safety systems and identify defects before they become more serious.

160. Spare tyre

A spare tyre is an additional tyre, usually already mounted on a wheel, carried in a vehicle so that a damaged or punctured road wheel can be temporarily replaced. Vehicles may carry a full-size spare wheel, a compact temporary spare or a tyre-repair kit instead.

A temporary spare wheel is normally intended only for emergency and short-term use. Drivers must follow the manufacturer's restrictions concerning speed, distance, tyre pressure and installation and should replace or repair the damaged normal tyre as soon as possible.

161. Flat tyre

A flat tyre is a tyre that has lost enough air pressure that it can no longer support the vehicle or operate safely. It can result from a puncture, damaged valve, damaged wheel, tyre failure or a gradual air leak.

A flat tyre can seriously affect steering, braking and vehicle stability. The driver should reduce speed smoothly, avoid sudden steering or braking and stop in a safe place as soon as possible rather than continuing to drive on the damaged tyre.

162. Jack

A jack is a portable lifting device used to raise part of a vehicle off the ground, commonly when changing a wheel. Vehicle jacks can be mechanical, hydraulic or electrically operated.

A jack should only be used at the lifting points specified by the vehicle manufacturer and on a firm, stable surface. The parking brake should be applied and the vehicle secured against movement before lifting.

163. Vehicle inspection

A vehicle inspection is an official check to determine whether a vehicle is safe, roadworthy and compliant with applicable technical and environmental requirements. Depending on the country and type of vehicle, inspections may check the brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights, emissions, identification and other safety-related components. Inspection rules and intervals vary between countries: some vehicles require regular periodic inspections, while others may also need an inspection after major modifications, an accident, importation or a change of ownership.

164. Key

A key is a device used to unlock a vehicle and authorise its operation. Traditional vehicle keys use a mechanical blade, while modern vehicles commonly use electronic transponders, remote-control key fobs or keyless systems that communicate electronically with the vehicle.

Many modern keys work together with an immobiliser that prevents the engine or propulsion system from being activated unless an authorised key is detected. Replacement or duplicate keys may therefore need to be electronically programmed to the vehicle.

165. Dashboard

The dashboard is the area in front of the driver that displays important information about the vehicle and provides access to controls and warning indicators. It commonly includes the speedometer, fuel or battery level, warning lights, indicators and information about the engine, brakes and safety systems. Modern vehicles may use a digital instrument display instead of traditional gauges. Drivers should understand the main dashboard symbols and respond appropriately when a warning light appears.

166. Windscreen wiper

A windscreen wiper is a device that removes rain, snow, dirt and other moisture from a vehicle’s windscreen to maintain a clear view of the road. Most vehicles use electrically powered wipers with replaceable rubber blades and several operating speeds, often together with a windscreen washer system. Drivers should replace worn or damaged wiper blades when they leave streaks, skip across the glass or no longer clean the windscreen effectively.

167. Doors

Doors provide access to the vehicle and help protect occupants while the vehicle is moving. They must open and close correctly, remain securely closed during driving and have functioning hinges, catches and locking mechanisms. Damaged or loose doors can create a serious safety risk, especially if they can open unexpectedly or cannot be closed properly.

168. Glovebox

A glovebox, also called a glove compartment, is a storage compartment built into the dashboard in front of the passenger seat. It is commonly used to keep vehicle documents, the owner’s manual and other small items within easy reach. The glovebox should be kept closed while driving so that it does not obstruct passengers or allow loose objects to fall into the vehicle. Avoid storing valuables or items that can be damaged by the high temperatures that may develop inside a parked car.

169. Visibility

Visibility is the ability of a driver to see the road, other road users and potential hazards clearly, while also making the vehicle visible to others. Visibility can be reduced by darkness, fog, rain, snow, dirty or misted windows, glare and objects that obstruct the driver’s view. Drivers should keep windows, mirrors and lights clean, remove anything that blocks their field of vision and use the appropriate vehicle lights when visibility is reduced.

170. Rain

Rain can reduce visibility, tyre grip and vehicle control while increasing stopping distances. Water on the road can also cause aquaplaning, where the tyres lose contact with the road surface. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance, avoid sudden steering or braking and use the appropriate lights when visibility is reduced. Extra care is needed during heavy rain and when water collects in wheel tracks or on poorly drained roads.

171. Fog

Fog can greatly reduce visibility and make it difficult to judge speed, distance and the position of other road users. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance and use the appropriate lights without dazzling others. Avoid relying only on the vehicle ahead as a guide, and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. When fog is very dense, stopping in a safe place may be the best option.

172. Hail

Hail can reduce visibility, make the road slippery and create sudden hazardous driving conditions. Hailstones may accumulate on the road and reduce tyre grip in a similar way to ice or loose material, while larger hailstones can also damage windscreens and vehicle bodywork. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance, avoid sudden steering or braking and, when conditions become severe, consider stopping at a safe place until the hailstorm passes.

173. Sunlight

Sunlight can reduce visibility when the sun is low in the sky or when bright light reflects from wet roads, snow, buildings or other vehicles. Sun glare can make traffic lights, signs, pedestrians and other road users difficult to see. Drivers should reduce speed when necessary, keep the windscreen clean, use the sun visor or suitable sunglasses and leave extra space to react to hazards that may be temporarily hidden by glare.

174. Sunglasses

Sunglasses can reduce glare and improve visual comfort when driving in bright sunlight, especially when the sun is low or reflects from wet roads, snow or other surfaces. Drivers should choose lenses that allow traffic lights, signs and other road users to remain clearly visible. Very dark lenses can reduce visibility in tunnels, at night or in changing light conditions, so sunglasses should be removed when they make it harder to see the road safely.

175. Salt

Salt is commonly used for deicing and anti-icing roads in winter. It lowers the freezing point of water, helping to prevent ice from forming or to melt existing snow and ice. Road authorities may spread dry salt, wet salt or brine before or during freezing conditions. Salt improves road safety, but drivers should still reduce speed and adapt to slippery conditions because treated roads can remain hazardous, especially during heavy snowfall, freezing rain or very low temperatures.