Vehicle Basic Test

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.

When you enter a vehicle for the first time, the first thing you should do is to adjust your seat and steering wheel to ensure you have a comfortable and safe driving position. This will allow you to reach all controls comfortably and maintain proper posture for driving. After that, you can adjust the windows, gears, and pedals as needed.

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.

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.

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.

Leaving your radio on for a long period while the engine is off can drain the battery. The radio uses electrical power, and without the engine running to recharge the battery, the battery may become depleted. If the battery becomes too drained, you may have difficulty starting the vehicle. It's important to turn off all electrical systems, including the radio, when the engine is off to preserve battery life.

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

If the brake fluid level gets too low, it can affect the performance of the braking system, leading to brake failure or reduced braking efficiency. This significantly increases the risk of a crash, as you might not be able to stop the vehicle when needed.

While other fluids like antifreeze, radiator coolant, and battery water are important for engine function, they are less likely to directly cause a road crash if their levels get low, although engine overheating or electrical issues can still pose risks.

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.

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.

The wiper on a vehicle helps the driver see clearly through the windscreen by clearing rain or debris, which improves visibility and safety while driving in adverse weather conditions.

This inscription is commonly found on passenger-side (right-side) exterior mirrors because they are convex mirrors, which slightly distort the image to provide a wider field of view. As a result, objects appear smaller and farther away than they actually are, so drivers must be cautious when judging distances.

The warning light shown in the image represents the airbag warning light, which is part of the Secondary Restraint System (SRS). This system includes airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, which work together to protect occupants in the event of a collision. If this light appears on the dashboard, it indicates a potential issue with the airbag system that should be checked by a professional.

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.

The right foot is used to operate both the accelerator and the brake pedal, allowing for smooth transitions between speeding up and slowing down. The clutch pedal (in manual cars) is always operated with the left foot.

When the fuel pump symbol (fuel warning light) on your dashboard is lit, it usually means:

🚨 Low Fuel Level – Your fuel tank is running low, and you should refuel soon to avoid running out of fuel.

However, in some cases, it can also indicate:
🔧 Fuel System Issue – If the light stays on even after refueling, there might be a problem with the fuel sensor, fuel pump, or fuel filter.

⚠️ What to Do?

• Refuel as soon as possible to avoid getting stranded.
• If the light stays on even after refueling, have a mechanic check the fuel system.

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.

If a warning light appears on your instrument panel, it’s important to check out the problem quickly and safely. Ignoring warning lights can lead to more serious issues or even damage to your vehicle. If you’re unsure of the problem, it’s best to pull over safely and assess the situation or consult the vehicle’s manual for guidance. Continuing to drive without addressing the issue could compromise your safety or the vehicle's performance.

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.

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.