AK DMV Vehicle Operation and Maintenance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before driving in remote areas of Alaska, your vehicle emergency kit should include:
- Blankets, food, water, flashlight, and a first-aid kit (Correct answer)
- Only a cell phone charger
- Just a spare tire and nothing else
- Extra windshield wipers only
Correct answer: Blankets, food, water, flashlight, and a first-aid kit
Alaska's remote roads and extreme cold mean you may wait hours for help, so survival supplies are essential.
Question 2: If a tire blows out while you are driving, you should:
- Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and slow gradually without braking hard (Correct answer)
- Brake as hard as possible immediately
- Turn sharply toward the shoulder
- Accelerate to maintain stability
Correct answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and slow gradually without braking hard
Hard braking or sharp steering during a blowout can cause a loss of control, so slow down gradually while keeping the vehicle straight.
Question 3: How can you check that your vehicle's headlights, brake lights, and turn signals work?
- Test them regularly, using a helper or reflective surface to confirm the rear lights (Correct answer)
- Wait for a police officer to tell you one is out
- Assume they work if the dashboard shows no warning
- Check them only at your annual registration renewal
Correct answer: Test them regularly, using a helper or reflective surface to confirm the rear lights
Regular checks with a helper or a reflection in a window ensure all lights work, which is critical during Alaska's long dark winters.
Question 4: What is the purpose of engine coolant (antifreeze) in an Alaska vehicle?
- It prevents the engine from overheating and keeps the cooling system from freezing (Correct answer)
- It lubricates the transmission gears
- It cleans the fuel injectors
- It powers the heater fan
Correct answer: It prevents the engine from overheating and keeps the cooling system from freezing
Coolant regulates engine temperature and its antifreeze properties prevent the system from freezing and cracking in subzero weather.
Question 5: If your vehicle starts to overheat while driving, you should:
- Turn off the air conditioner, turn on the heater, and pull over safely to let the engine cool (Correct answer)
- Immediately remove the radiator cap to release pressure
- Pour cold water directly on the hot engine block
- Keep driving faster to increase airflow
Correct answer: Turn off the air conditioner, turn on the heater, and pull over safely to let the engine cool
The heater draws heat away from the engine, and you should never open a hot radiator cap because pressurized coolant can cause severe burns.
Question 6: Why should you keep your fuel tank at least half full during Alaska winters?
- It prevents fuel line freeze-up and provides fuel for heat if you become stranded (Correct answer)
- It makes the vehicle lighter and easier to handle
- Gasoline is cheaper when purchased in small amounts
- A full tank improves tire traction on ice
Correct answer: It prevents fuel line freeze-up and provides fuel for heat if you become stranded
A fuller tank reduces condensation that can freeze in fuel lines and lets you run the engine for warmth in an emergency.
Question 7: What does it likely mean if your steering feels loose or the vehicle wanders on the road?
- The steering or suspension components may be worn and need inspection (Correct answer)
- The fuel mixture is too rich
- The battery charge is low
- The exhaust system has a leak
Correct answer: The steering or suspension components may be worn and need inspection
Loose steering or wandering usually points to worn steering linkage, alignment, or suspension parts that require prompt service.
AK DMV Vehicle Operation and Maintenance 3
Before driving in remote areas of Alaska, your vehicle emergency kit should include: