Technical Matters Flashcards
Why should headlights be aligned?
Enables the driver to see properly
What effect could incorrectly aligned headlights have?
Could dazzle oncoming drivers
How frequently should headlights be checked?
Daily before driving
What effect can a broken lens have on headlights?
Reduce and distort the beam
If you wish to drive at night but the right headlight bulb is blown, what should you do?
Not drive until the bulb is replaced
How would a driver know that a brake-light bulb is not working?
By standing at the rear and checking as another person presses the brake pedal
Can you drive on a public road when brake lights aren’t working?
No
What should a driver do if a system warning light lights up while driving?
Stop and check the problem
What is the purpose of the red reflectors at the rear of the vehicle?
Reflect light at night to make other road users aware of the vehicle
When a driver operates the indicator switch and hears a more rapid clicking noise than normal, what could this mean?
An indicator bulb may have blown
What does anti-lock braking system do?
Prevents the wheels from locking under harsh braking conditions
If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy when applied, what does this mean?
Fault in the brake fluid system
If a driver applies the foot brake and hears a scraping noise, what is the most likely cause?
Brake linings or pads are worn
What may indicate a problem with the vehicle’s braking system?
Stopping ability is affected
After changing a wheel what should be checked after a short distance?
Wheel nut tightness
When driving an automatic vehicle, what should the driver be aware of?
Engine braking power is reduced
What does a rev counter provide information on?
Engine revolutions
If the engine power is lower than normal, what should a driver do?
Have the vehicle checked by a competent person
What is the purpose of engine oil?
Lubricates the engine
If the oil pressure gauge shows little or no pressure, or the warning light comes on, what could the problem be?
Oil level is low
What happens if the vehicle’s engine oil is not changed as required?
Engine may suffer increased wear
If the vehicle’s oil-pressure gauge is low or the red oil-pressure warning light comes on, what should the driver do?
Drive to a safe place, stop the vehicle and check the oil level
What should a driver do before checking the engine oil level?
Make sure the engine is switched off and cold
What should you do if while driving there is a strong smell of fuel?
Stop where safe and investiage
What does the warning light or red zone on a fuel gauge mean?
Level of fuel in the tank is low
When is it recommended to use coolant?
All year round
What should you do if the temperature gauge shows red?
Stop in a safe place and have the problem investigated
What should you do if you notice steam rising from the engine compartment?
Stop where safe and investigate the cause
If you notice that part of the car’s body have rusted what should you do?
Have it repaired by a competent repair shop
What effect can a worn shock absorber have?
causes the vehicle to ‘bounce’ in an unstable manner
What happens if the vehicle has a flat battery?
The engine will not start
What is the primary purpose of the battery fitted to a petrol or diesel powered motor engine?
To start the engine
What effect would a weak battery have on a vehicle’s driving performance?
None
What should a driver be able to see in the vehicle mirrors when they are properly adjusted?
The area behind and to the side of the vehicle
What should the driver be able to see in the exterior mirrors?
Area to the side of the vehicle
What should the driver do if the exterior mirrors are covered by mud and dust?
Clean them with a cloth or tissue before starting the journey
When a driver is making a left-hand turn, what mirrors should they particularly concentrate on?
Interior and left exterior mirror
What effect can wet weather have on a vehicle’s exterior mirrors?
Water droplets can obscure the reflected image
What does blue smoke coming from the vehicle’s exhaust mean?
The engine is burning oil
What is the effect of a worn exhaust?
The filtering of fumes is reduced and the engine noise is louder
What effect can a faulty exhaust system have?
It can increase the vehicle’s noise and pollution levels
What is the purpose of a catalytic converter?
It filters exhaust gases and reduces air pollution
What does the speed rating of a tyre indicate?
The maximum speed for which the tyre is designed
Why should the valve be replaced when having a tubeless tyre fitted?
To ensure the tyre will remain inflated
After changing a wheel on a vehicle, which of the following should be checked soon afterwards?
The wheel nuts
In general, how often should a driver check the tyre pressure of a vehicle?
Regularly
What is the main reason for maintaining the correct tyre pressures?
To help provide optimum road holding
A fault in which component may lead to uneven or excessive tyre wear?
Suspension
What can be affected by driving on under-inflated tyres?
Fuel consumption
When should tyre pressure be checked?
When tyres are cold
What effect does low tyre pressure have?
Braking and cornering are impaired
During a weekly check, a driver notices a badly worn front tyre. What should they do?
Have the worn tyre replaced
What effect could hitting or mounting the kerb have on a vehicle’s tyres?
It could damage the sidewalls
What does worn tread along the edge of the inside of a tyre suggest?
Steering alignment may be faulty
What should a driver do in relation to their tyres before a long journey?
Check the tyres are inflated to normal air pressure
Under what circumstances would a driver increase the air pressure in the tyres?
When taking a long journey with additional passengers
What is an effect of under-inflated tyres on a vehicle?
Impaired braking and steering
What can be affected by driving on under-inflated tyres?
Braking abillity
What should the driver do to secure the vehicle when changing a front nearside wheel?
Ensure that the vehicle cannot roll when jacked up
When driving at higher speeds, what does a continuous vibration in the steering indicate?
The wheel balance is uneven
What is the most common cause of heavy steering?
Under-inflated tyres
When driving where should the driver rest their left foot?
On the floor or foot rest
