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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.