Tell Me Questions

Question 1

Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil

Answer 1

• Identify oil level indicator
• Remove the dipstick
• Wipe with a clean cloth
• Re-insert dipstick, remove it for a true reading checking the level of oil against the minimum/maximum markings on the dipstick
• Identify oil filler cap for top up if required

Question 2

Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level of coolant.

Answer 2

• Open the bonnet
• Identify the coolant tank
  check the coolant level against the minimum/maximum markings on the coolant tank.
• If top up is required it is advisable to leave the engine to cool for at least 10 minutes and then unscrew the lid carefully allowing any remaining pressure to escape slowly.

Question 3

Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Answer 3

• Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is

- It should be topped up frequently and particularly before a long journey.

Question 4

Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid.

Answer 4

• Identify the brake fluid reservoir
• Check the brake fluid level against the minimum/maximum markings on the reservoir and that if top up is required then it is important that hygiene is observed in order to prevent any dirt entering the brake system that may lead to loss of brake performance.

Question 5

Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car

Answer 5

• You would need to turn the ignition on and operate the brake pedal
• Make use of any reflections in windows/garage doors etc or if none are available then ask someone to help.

Question 6

Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Answer 6

• The brake pedal should not feel spongy or slack and should be tested as you set off.
• The vehicle should not pull to one side when the brake is applied.

Question 7

Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this vehicle and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Answer 7

• Recommended tyre pressures can be found in the manufacturers guide and a reliable pressure gauge should be used.
• Pressures should be checked/adjusted when the tyres are cold, not forgetting to check the spare wheel and to replace the valve caps.

Question 8

Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

Answer 8

• There should be no cuts or bulges and 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the tyres breadth and around the entire outer circumference.

Question 9

Tell me how you would check that the head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

Answer 9

• The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as eye level or the tops of your ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
• Some restraints may not be adjustable.

Question 10

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti locking brake system.

Answer 10

• The warning light should illuminated if there is a fault with the anti locking braking system.