AK DMV Vehicle Operation and Maintenance 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Alaska, how often should you check your tire pressure during winter months?
- At least once a month, since cold air lowers tire pressure (Correct answer)
- Only when the low-pressure warning light comes on
- Once per year during your annual inspection
- Only before long highway trips
Correct answer: At least once a month, since cold air lowers tire pressure
Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop about 1 PSI for every 10°F decrease, so monthly checks are essential in Alaska.
Question 2: What should you do if your accelerator pedal sticks while driving?
- Shift to neutral and apply the brakes (Correct answer)
- Turn off the ignition immediately while moving
- Pump the accelerator harder to free it
- Pull the parking brake as hard as possible
Correct answer: Shift to neutral and apply the brakes
Shifting to neutral removes engine power to the wheels while keeping steering and braking control.
Question 3: Which fluid should be rated for extreme cold before winter driving in Alaska?
- Windshield washer fluid (Correct answer)
- Power steering fluid only
- Air conditioning refrigerant
- Fuel injector cleaner
Correct answer: Windshield washer fluid
Standard washer fluid can freeze on the windshield in Alaska's cold, so a low-temperature-rated formula is needed.
Question 4: When starting a vehicle in extremely cold Alaska weather, an engine block heater is used to:
- Warm the engine coolant and oil so the engine starts more easily (Correct answer)
- Heat the passenger cabin before you enter
- Prevent the fuel tank from freezing solid
- Charge the battery overnight
Correct answer: Warm the engine coolant and oil so the engine starts more easily
Block heaters keep engine fluids warm, reducing wear and making cold starts reliable in subzero temperatures.
Question 5: If your brakes suddenly fail, what is the FIRST thing you should do?
- Pump the brake pedal rapidly to build pressure (Correct answer)
- Immediately steer into oncoming traffic to slow down
- Turn off the engine while moving
- Open the door and drag your foot
Correct answer: Pump the brake pedal rapidly to build pressure
Pumping the pedal can rebuild hydraulic pressure in many braking systems before you resort to downshifting or the parking brake.
Question 6: Worn or bald tires are especially dangerous on Alaska roads because they:
- Reduce traction on ice, snow, and wet pavement and increase hydroplaning risk (Correct answer)
- Improve fuel economy too much
- Make the steering wheel heavier
- Only affect performance above 65 mph
Correct answer: Reduce traction on ice, snow, and wet pavement and increase hydroplaning risk
Tread depth is what channels away water and grips snow, so worn tires drastically reduce control in Alaska conditions.
Question 7: What does a check engine light that is FLASHING typically indicate?
- A serious problem such as an engine misfire that needs immediate attention (Correct answer)
- The gas cap is slightly loose
- The vehicle is due for an oil change soon
- The cruise control is engaged
Correct answer: A serious problem such as an engine misfire that needs immediate attention
A flashing check engine light signals an active problem, often a misfire, that can damage the catalytic converter if you keep driving.
AK DMV Vehicle Operation and Maintenance 2
In Alaska, how often should you check your tire pressure during winter months?