Vehicle Basic Test

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 total stopping distance is the sum of the thinking distance and the braking distance.

So, for this vehicle:

• Thinking distance = 18 metres
• Braking distance = 55 metres

Total stopping distance = 18 metres + 55 metres = 73 metres

The vehicle's total stopping distance will be 73 metres.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 designed to restrain passengers and keep them securely in their seats during sudden stops or collisions, preventing occupants being thrown out in an emergency and reducing the risk of serious injury or ejection from the vehicle.

The correct answer is: "Vehicles should pull to one side."

When braking, a vehicle should not pull to one side, as this indicates uneven braking force, possibly due to worn brake pads, incorrect brake adjustment, or a brake system fault. Properly functioning brakes should apply even pressure to all wheels for a stable and controlled stop.

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.

The battery indicator light on the instrument panel warns of a potential issue with the vehicle's charging system. It could mean a failing battery, a faulty alternator, or a problem with the electrical system. If this light stays on while driving, the vehicle may lose power, and immediate inspection is recommended.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Driving with under-inflated tyres can affect fuel consumption. When tyres are under-inflated, they create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder, leading to higher fuel consumption.

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.

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.

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

When you change to a lower gear, the engine provides more resistance, which slows down the vehicle without relying too much on the brakes. This technique, known as engine braking, helps maintain control, especially on steep descents or in slippery conditions.

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.

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.

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.

A properly serviced vehicle runs more efficiently, which can improve fuel economy and overall performance. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, tire checks, and engine servicing, helps the vehicle operate at its best.

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.

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

Your car horn should be used as a safety tool to alert others of your presence, especially in situations where visibility is limited, or to prevent an accident.

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.

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.

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 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.