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Car Safety Checks

In this series of questions, we'll walk you through practical tasks and demonstrations designed to familiarise you with fundamental aspects of vehicle maintenance and operation. From checking vital fluids like engine oil and coolant to ensuring proper functionality of lights and brakes, each question is aimed at equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a safe and proficient driver. Remember, these checks are not just for passing your test; they form the foundation for a lifetime of safe driving habits.

Labelled photo of the engine bay of a car
  • 1. Open the bonnet and TELL ME how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil?
    Answer: Identify the dipstick/oil level indicator, take it out, wipe it clean with a tissue/cloth, dip it back in, take it out again and explain checking the oil should be between minimum and maximum markers
  • 2. Open the bonnet and TELL ME how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant?
    Answer: Identify minimum and maximum level markings on the header tank and explain the coolant levels should be between minimum and maximum marker.
  • 3. Open the bonnet and TELL ME how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid?
    Answer: Identify the brake fluid tank and check the levels are between the minimum and maximum marker
  • 4. TELL ME how you check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
    Answer: Breaks should not feel spongy or slack. Breaks should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not go to one side.
  • 5. TELL ME where you are find information for the recommended tyre pressure for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?
    Answer: Manufactures guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressure when tires are cold, don’t forget spare tire and remember to refit the valve caps.
  • 6. TELL ME how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash?
    Answer: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
  • 7. TELL ME how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working? You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
    Answer: Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on the ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle seeing all bulbs are working.
  • 8. TELL ME how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system?
    Answer: Warning light should show and stay on the dashboard if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
  • 9. TELL ME how you check the tires to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that the general condition is safe to use on the road?
    Answer: There should be no cuts and bulges, 1.6 mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tire, and around the entire outer circumference of the tire.
  • 10. TELL ME how you check the direction indicators are working?
    Answer: You would switch on the indicators and then walk round the vehicle to check and see if all the bulbs are working. Note you can use the hazard lights switch, which lights up all indicator bulbs at the same time.
  • 11. TELL ME how do you check the brake lights are working on this car?
    Answer: Push down on the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help me.
  • 12. TELL ME how you check the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey?
    Answer: If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as a system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning
  • 13. TELL ME how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you know the main beam is on?
    Answer: Turn on main beam using the switch (might need to turn the ignition on), check with main beam warning light
  • 14. TELL ME how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them?
    Answer: Push/twist the switch (turn the engine on if necessary). Check warning light is on and explain “when visibility is less than 100 meters the fog lights should be switched on)
  • 15 When it is safe to do so, SHOW ME how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.
  • 16. When it is safe to do so, SHOW ME how you wash and clean the front windscreen.
  • 17 When it is safe to do so, SHOW ME how you switch on your dipped headlights.
  • 18. When it is safe to do so, SHOW ME how you switch on your side lights.
  • 19. When it is safe to do so, SHOW ME how you’d switch on your fog lights.
  • 20. When it is safe to do so, SHOW ME, how do you switch on your full beam.
  • 21. When it is safe to do so, SHOW ME how you‘d switch on your rear demister.
  • 22. When it is safe to do so, SHOW ME how you‘d operate the horn.
  • 23. When it is safe to do so, SHOW ME how you switch on your front demister.
  • 24. When it is safe to do so, SHOW ME how to open and close the side window.
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