3. safety and your vehicle Flashcards
what should you check on a regular basis to make sure they are all working properly? (9)
- lights
- brakes
- steering
- exhaust systems
- seat belts
- horn
- speedometer
- wipers
- washers
what other items should you be regularly checking and why? (6)
- oil and water levels (important for long journeys, make sure not too much oil as could leak)
- brake fluid (if low, dangerous)
- battery level (unless maintenance free)
- windscreen
- tyre pressure (check once a week as can cause heavy steering, increased fuel consumption and braking)
- tyre condition (tread must be 1.6mm deep across central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference)
what can cause uneven wear on tyres? (3)
- braking system
- suspension
- wheel alignment
what could happen if the wheels are unbalanced?
cause the steering to vibrate
when should the ABS (anti-lock braking system) go out?
when the vehicle is driving 5-10mph, if not get that checked out
how do you check the condition of the shock absorbers?
you bounce the vehicle by pushing hard on each corner, shouldn’t continue to bounce when let go
when do you need to contact a garage? (2)
- steering vibrates - the wheels may need rebalancing
- vehicle pulls to one side when you brake - brakes may need adjusting
how must you not fit a rear-facing baby seat?
not in a seat w an airbag
what safety things should you do when you get into the car? (4)
- adjust seat so can reach everything
- adjust head restraint to prevent neck injury if there is a collision
- wear suitable shoes so that you can keep control of the pedals
- adjust mirrors so you can see everything - if you can’t see when reversing get someone to help you
why should you be careful with convex mirrors?
they give you a wider view but can make it look like vehicles are further away than they are
what headlights should you use if visibility is poor?
dipped headlights
what headlights should you use in thick fog?
fog lights
which direction should you park on a two-way road at night?
park in the direction of traffic
when should you use your parking lights?
when parking on a road where the speed limit is over 30mph
when should you use hazard lights?
- when you’ve broken down
- queuing traffic on a dual carriageway or motorway
how can you make it difficult for thieves to break into your car? (5)
- engaging the steering lock
- removing the keys
- locking valuables out of sight or with you
- don’t leave vehicle registration document in the car - theif could claim it is theirs
- park in a well-lit area
how can you further make it more difficult for a thief to break into your car? (3)
- fit anti-theft alarm/immobiliser
- visible security device e.g. steering wheel or handbrake lock
- have vehicle registration number etched on the windows
where should you avoid parking to not obstruct other road users? (5)
- in front of a property entrance
- at or near a bus stop
- near the brow of a hill
- where the kerb has been lowered for wheelchair access
- on a bend or opposite a side road
why should you never park on or near a level crossing or near the zigzag lines at a pedestrian crossing?
- block view of pedestrians and drivers
- endanger people using the crossing
how can motor vehicles harm the environment?
- air pollution
- damage to buildings
- using up of natural resources
how can you drive in a fuel-efficient manner? (5)
- reduce speed - 70mph uses 30% more than 50mph
- plan ahead so can drive smoothly - no rapid acceleration or heavy braking
- change up asap use highest possible gear without the engine struggling - engine revs down = less fuel
- have vehicle serviced and tuned properly
- properly inflated tyres
what should you not do in your car to help the environment? (3)
- carry unneeded weight or empty roof rack
- over-rev in lower gears
- leave engine running unnecessarily
why should you have your car serviced reguarly?
- better fuel economy
- cleaner exhausts
what is part of an MOT test to help the environment?
an emissions test
when should you not use your horn in built up places unless of a danger?
11:30pm and 7 am
why should you avoid travelling at busy times?
- less delays
- ease congestion
what charges may you have to pay for using certain roads/certain times of driving?
- congestion charge
- Ultra low emission zone (ULEZ)
- Low emission zone (LEZ)
what is dry steering and why should you not do it?
when you turn the steering wheel when the car isn’t moving, it can wear the tyres and steering mechanism
what is a catalytic converter?
device on exhaust system reduces emissions by filtering out some of the toxic waste
what are types of traffic-calming measures?
- road humps
- road narrowing
- chicanes (sharp double bend)
- reduced speed on residential streets
what is a kick-down in an automatic car?
- quick accelerration to help overtake. over use means more fuel
what are the red lines on the side of the road in london?
‘red routes’ - help traffic flow by reducing stopping on these routes
what is brake fade?
when brakes are less effective because of over-heating normally beacuse used continuslu down a long steep downhill road. use a lower gear to help braking
what scheme would help protect your car?
vehicle watch scheme
how would under-inflated tyres affect your vehicle?
vehicles gear change mechanism would become stiff
what should you do if your vehicle pulls to one side when you use the brakes?
have the brakes checked asap
what fluid should you fill your battery with?
distilled water
what driving techique can help you save fuel
missing out some gears
what level should you top your battery to with?
just above the cell plates
when may a passenger travel in a car without wearing a seatbelt
medical reasons
when should you check tyre pressure?
when tyres are cold
