Liquid which keeps your engine cool.Some very basic technical check questions became a part of the Driving Test on February 14th. 2005
These are usually done at the car before the candidate commences to drive their test route.
I would stress that these are merely questions, put to the candidate by the
Tester;
and, other than having to open and close the car bonnet, the
candidate does not have to physically perform the checks.
You will be asked to explain how a check would be performed on any three
of the following-
(a) tyres, (b) lights, (c) reflectors, (d) indicators, (e) engine oil, (f)
coolant,
(g) windscreen washer fluid, (h) steering, (i) brakes, (j) horn.
In most, but NOT all, cases you will be asked to open the car bonnet, and prop
it open.
Please make sure that you can do
this properly
Nothing looks worse than a test
candidate struggling under the bonnet for ages looking for the second release
catch.
It gives a very poor impression to
the Tester of your 'knowledge'
The photographs below are those in my Skoda Fabia. They give an indication of what to look for in a modern car. If you are unsure, check your manufacturers handbook or ask your Driving Instructor to help you locate the necessary items. Most of these items should normally be checked visually on a weekly basis and should be built into your own routine safety checks on your car. Get to know them, do not leave it to your car service technician.
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Liquid which keeps your engine cool.
Visually check the level of the fluid in the container. This should be between the 'MAX & MIN' marks
The fluid which makes your footbrakes operate
The level should be maintained between the 'MAX & MIN' marks
(If fluid level goes too low or no fluid at all - you have NO Brakes !!! - Check regularly)
Where you should check your engine oil level
With car on level ground and the engine cool, pull out the dipstick, and wipe the end clean. Put the dipstick back into its hole, take it out again, making sure the level of oil is between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. If low, top up with the correct oil in the oil filler.
Where you top-up your engine oil to the correct level
You would need to twist the cap and remove it, then pour the correct grade of oil in to bring the level up to the correct place.
Where you fill / top up your windscreen washers In most modern cars only the cap is visible. The washer fluid container is usually hidden somewhere in the bodywork. Lift the cap and top up / fill with the correct mixture of a good quality windscreen wash liquid and water.
Where you check the level of your power steering fluid. Sometimes this is not located in an easily accessible place and may need to be checked at a garage. (In the Skoda Fabia it is located underneath the battery and cannot be viewed without removing the battery)
When finished, you will be asked to close the bonnet. Make sure you do this correctly. The usual method is to drop the bonnet from a height of 0.5 metre or so. DO NOT push down on the bonnet or you may easily dent the surface. Check that it is closed securely.
TYRES -
The question may be "explain how you would check if your tyres were safe and legal"
ANSWER:-
LIGHTS
The question may be "explain how you would make sure your head/stop/brake/indicator etc. lights were working properly
ANSWER:-
- Turn on the lights, get out of the car, walk around the car making sure all the bulbs work properly. (if brake lights you may need someone to stand at the back to check the bulbs while you press the brake pedal)
- Make sure that the lens over the bulb is clean and not broken or damaged (a broken red or amber lens may have a white bulb behind it and would therefore show an incorrect light colour when operated and could mislead other motorists and cause danger)
INDICATORS
The question may be "explain how you would make sure your INDICATORS are working properly
ANSWER:-
- Turn on the indicators (or hazard lights), get out of the car, walk around the car making sure all the bulbs work properly.
- Make sure that the lens over the bulb is clean and not broken or damaged (a broken amber lens may have a white bulb behind it and would therefore show an incorrect light colour when operated and could mislead other motorists and cause danger)
REFLECTORS
The question may be "explain how you would make sure your reflectors were working properly
ANSWER:-
- Go to the rear of your car and identify the reflector lenses
- Make sure that the lens is clean and not broken or damaged. (a dirty or damaged lens would not be visible in the headlights of a following motorist and could be DANGEROUS if your own lights were turned off or failed)
STEERING
The question may be "explain how you would check that your power steering works properly"
ANSWER:-
- With the engine switched off - gently attempt to turn the steering wheel (it should be hard/difficult)
- Now turn on the engine - again carefully turn the steering wheel. (it should now turn easily and smoothly)
BRAKES
The question may be "explain how you would make sure that your handbrake/foot brake is operating correctly"
ANSWER - Handbrake
- While stationary, from the drivers seat, pull up the handbrake
- It should engage (resist your attempt to pull it up)
- When you release the button the handbrake should catch / remain up
- Make sure the brake operates at the lower end of its travel upwards
ANSWER - Foot Brake
- Whilst stationary, with engine on, press down the brake pedal
- You should feel some resistance / the pedal should not go all the way down to the floor
- If you are in any doubt - move away slowly, press footbrake gently, the car should stop in a straight line without pulling to either side
HORN
The question may be "explain how you would make sure that your horn is working correctly"
ANSWER
- Press the Horn
- It should make an audible sound
- NOTE:- Do not do this in a built up area between the hours of 11.30pm and 7am or where it would frighten anyone
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