Vehicle Basic Test

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.