Vehicle Basic Test

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.