Show me, Tell me. Vehicle Safety questions

Q – 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. 

A – Engine must be cold. Locate dipstick – Remove dipstick and wipe off excess oil. Replace and then remove checking that oil is between the max/Min markers. DO NOT over fill as this causes internal engine damage. If the oil is under the minimum level this can cause excess wear to you engine.

 

Q – 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. 

A – Locate header tank – check the Max/Min mark. NEVER EVER undo cap until the engine is cold or you will be scalded. The fluid is a mixture of coolants which raise the boiling temperature stopping it from over heating and stops the liquid from freezing in the winter. Never use normal tap water.

 

Q – Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

A – Lift off cap and check levels, new cars have it electronically displayed on the dashboard. 

 

Q – 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 brake fluid.

A – Locate the reservoir and check max/min mark. Brake fluid comes in DOT 4 quality.

 

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

A – Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and should not pull to one side. Test as you set off.

Q – 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.

A – Tyres should not have any cuts or bulges in the side wall. Tyre rubber should have a minimum of 1.6mm tread for ¾ of the tyres central width for the whole circumference.

 

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

A – Manufacturers guide book or the drivers door. Levels are different depending on the load of the car. Check with a gauge when cold including the spare.

 

Q – Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash. 

A – Adjusted so that the rigid part of restraint is at least as high as the eyes and as close to the back of the head as possible.

 

Q – Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

A – Explain that you would switch on lights but not start the ignition, walk around vehicle and look.

Q – Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your Antilock Braking System? (ABS)

A – Warning light (ABS) should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system. This would appear on your dash. It does not mean that your brakes are not working just the ABS

 

Q – Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively; this should include both front and rear screens.

A – Set all relevant controls including: fan, temperature, air direction/source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows.

 

Q – Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.

A – Switch on your dipped headlights. Operate switch and check the main beam warning light is illuminated. This will show as a blue warning light.

 

Q – Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them. (no need to exit vehicle).

A – Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary) check warning light is on and then explain use. Fog lights should only be used when visibility is less than 100 metres. ( Seriously reduced ) Fog lights must be turned off when it clears. It is an offence to keep them on when visiblity is clear and you may receive a fine by the Police.

 

Q – Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

A – Turn ignition on if necessary and operate control to wash and wipe windscreen.

 

Q – Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A – Steering is heavy whilst engine is off. Hold slight pressure on your steering wheel with your left hand and then start the engine, steering should become noticeably lighter.

 

Q – Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

A – Turn on your hazard warning lights as this puts all your indicators on simultaneously. Walk around your car and check each individual indicator. 

 

Q – Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

A – By pressing the horn button. It is illegal to use your horn after 23:30 hours and 07:00 hours except when another vehicle poses a danger.

 

Q – Show me how you would check the handbrake for excessive wear.

A – When the handbrake is pulled on it should stay in place, and should not be at the end of the working travel. It should secure the vehicle

 

Q – Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.

A – Ignition on if necessary, operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows garage doors etc., or ask someone to help look at the lights