Vehicle Basic Test

The hand brake is also known as the parking brake or emergency brake.

It is used to keep the vehicle stationary when parked or to assist in stopping the vehicle in an emergency.

In an emergency braking situation, seat belts hold you in place and prevent you from being thrown forward. They are designed to reduce injury by keeping you securely seated, absorbing the force of sudden deceleration.

Manufactured during the fifty-first week of 2007

To determine the manufacturing date of a tire, look at the last four digits of the Tyre Identification Number (TIN) found on the sidewall. These digits represent the week and year of manufacture.

For example, if the number is 5107:

• 51 = 51st week of the year
• 07 = Year 2007

This means the tire was manufactured during the fifty-first week of 2007

The primary function of a vehicle's suspension system is to absorb shocks and maintain consistent contact between the wheels and the road. This ensures better control, handling, and comfort while driving. It does not directly affect the electrical system or brake pads.

The muffler is a device in the exhaust system designed to reduce excessive noise from the engine. It helps control sound by dampening and redirecting exhaust gases before they exit the vehicle.

Carbon fouling on spark plugs usually means that the engine is running too rich (too much fuel relative to air), which can be caused by improper tuning. This can lead to poor combustion and deposits on the spark plug.

When descending a steep hill, you should use first gear to control your speed. First gear provides the maximum engine braking, helping you maintain control of your vehicle and preventing it from gaining too much speed. Using a higher gear or putting the car in neutral could cause the vehicle to pick up speed more quickly, making it harder to control. Always use a low gear when descending steep hills.

You can tell if your vehicle's tires are losing grip on a wet road by:

• Feeling the steering wheel become unresponsive or loose: If the tires lose grip, the steering may feel less connected to the road, making it hard to control the vehicle.
• Hearing a sloshing or splashing sound: If the tires start hydroplaning, you may hear water being displaced.
• The vehicle starts to skid or slide: If the tires lose grip, your vehicle may slide or skid, especially when braking or turning.
• The car feels like it’s drifting: You may feel the car start to drift or slide sideways even with gentle steering inputs.

On-board diagnostics (OBD) indicator, often called the Check Engine Light, signals an issue with the engine or fuel emissions system. It suggests that the vehicle needs servicing.

Rearview mirrors help drivers stay aware of traffic behind them, ensuring safe lane changes, turns, and reversing.

When this indicator light comes on, it usually signals that there is an issue with the engine oil level or pressure. You should check the engine oil level immediately to ensure that the engine is properly lubricated. Low engine oil can cause significant damage to the engine if left unchecked. It's important to top up the oil if it's low, or if the light stays on even after topping up, to have the engine checked by a mechanic.

Seat belts are fitted in vehicles for safety on both long and short trips. They help protect you in case of an accident, regardless of the length of your journey.

Checking the engine oil when the engine is cold, such as early in the morning before starting it, gives you a more accurate reading. When the engine is hot, the oil can be thinner and may not provide the true level. It's best to wait for the engine to cool down or check it before turning it on.

The main cause of brake fade is overheating. This happens when the brakes are used excessively, causing the brake pads and discs to overheat, which reduces their effectiveness. Overheating can lead to a loss of friction, making it harder to stop the vehicle. Regular maintenance and avoiding excessive braking can help prevent this issue.

Fog lights are designed to be used in conditions where visibility is seriously reduced, such as during fog, heavy rain, or snow. They provide a low, wide beam of light to illuminate the road directly in front of the vehicle without causing glare, which can help the driver see better in such conditions. They should not be used when visibility is clear or when not required, as they may cause unnecessary distraction to other drivers.

For safety, it's essential to regularly check critical components of your vehicle such as lights, brakes, steering, tyres, and direction indicators. These are crucial for safe driving, as they affect the vehicle's performance and ability to respond to road conditions.

Skidding is mainly caused by the driver as their actions like braking too hard, accelerating too quickly, or steering abruptly, even in decent weather conditions, can lead to a skid.

While weather conditions like rain can significantly increase the risk of skidding by making the road slippery, the primary factor causing a skid is usually driver error, such as improper handling of the vehicle controls.

Parking lights (also called sidelights) are used when visibility is reduced but not enough to require full headlights. They help other road users see your vehicle, especially when parked on roads where lighting conditions are poor.

If the engine oil level is above the maximum mark, you should drain the excess from the sump to prevent engine damage. Overfilled oil can cause excessive pressure, leading to leaks, seal damage, or even engine failure.

If you adjust your side mirrors and can only see the sides of your vehicle, it means your mirrors are adjusted incorrectly. They should be angled outward so you can only see a small portion of your car's side, allowing for a wider view of the road and traffic behind you. The goal is to see as much of the lane beside you as possible, not your own car.

Proper mirror adjustment helps reduce blind spots, making it easier to spot vehicles approaching from behind and beside you, which improves overall road safety.