Safety and Your Vehicle

Question 0

Oil and coolant levels

Answer 0

Especially important before a long journey ( be careful not to overfill with oil as this can cause oil leaks)

Question 1

Battery

Answer 1

The battery may need topping up with distiller water, unless it’s a maintenance-free battery

Question 2

Brake fluid

Answer 2

If this is low, air may enter the system and the brakes won’t work properly

Question 3

Tyre condition

Answer 3

Uneven wear can be caused by faults in the braking system, suspension or tracking. If the front wheels are unbalanced, they could make the car vibrate.

Tread must be 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre

Question 4

Tyre pressures

Answer 4

Check at least once a week, when the tyres are cold. 
Under-inflated tyres can: 
Make the steering feel heavy 
Increase fuel consumption 
Increase your stopping distance

Question 5

Dry steering

Answer 5

When you turn the steering wheel while the car isn’t moving- it can cause unnecessary wear to the tyres and steering mechanism

Question 6

ABS

Answer 6

Anti lock braking system- should go out when the car is travelling at 5-10mph

Question 7

Brake fade

Answer 7

When the brakes become less effective because of overheating.

This may happen if you use them continuously- such as on a long, steep downhill stretch of road. Use a lower gear to help you control the vehicles speed

Question 8

Balancing

Answer 8

Make sure that the wheels and tyres are adjusted to minimise any vibrations in the vehicle

Question 9

Seat belts

Answer 9

14 and over- must wear seatbelt
3-12- must use a suitable child restraint
Under 3- use suitable child seat

Question 10

Before you start driving

Answer 10

1. Adjust the seat
2. Adjust head restraint
3. Suitable shoes
4. Adjust mirrors
5. Seat belt

Question 11

Dipped headlights

Answer 11

Fog or heavy rain

Question 12

Fog lights

Answer 12

Heavy fog but turn off when visibility improves

Question 13

Parked on a two-way road at night

Answer 13

Park in the direction of the traffic

If the speed limit is more than 30mph- switch on your parked lights

Question 14

Hazard warning

Answer 14

Warn road users of a hazard ahead, such as:
When you’ve broken down
Queuing traffic in a dual carriageway or motorway

Question 15

Parking safely

Answer 15

Avoid parking where your car would block access or visibility for others, such as:

Infront of a property entrance
At or near a bus stop
Brow of a hill- limited view
Dropped curb- wheelchair access.

Question 16

Zig zag lines

Answer 16

Must not stop or park!

Will block the view of pedestrians and road users, endanger people trying to use the crossing

Question 17

Kick down (automatic car)

Answer 17

Mechanism that gives a quick acceleration when needed, for example to overtake.

Excessive use of this will burn more fuel. Eco safe

Question 18

Red routes

Answer 18

Red lines on the side of the road- restrict stopping on these routes to help traffic flow

Question 19

Congestion charge

Answer 19

Those exempt are:

Disabled people who hold a blue badge
Drivers of electrically powered or alternative fuel vehicles
Riders of two wheeled vehicles

Question 20

Traffic calming measures

Answer 20

Road humps, chicanes and narrowings

Question 21

Catalytic converter

Answer 21

Reduce a large percentage of toxic emissions