Vehicle Safety and Maintenance Flashcards
7 cards from real Driver Licensing practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Vehicle Safety and Maintenance flashcards as text
How should you properly load cargo in the trunk or bed of a vehicle?
Answer: Distribute weight evenly and place heavy items low and toward the center
Heavy cargo placed low and centered keeps the vehicle's center of gravity stable and reduces the risk of rollover or handling problems.
What is the danger of driving with underinflated tires?
Answer: Increased risk of blowout, reduced fuel economy, and poor handling
Underinflated tires flex excessively, building heat that can cause a sudden blowout, and they also reduce fuel efficiency and steering precision.
Which of the following is a sign that your vehicle's alternator may be failing?
Answer: Dimming headlights and multiple electrical systems malfunctioning simultaneously
A failing alternator cannot supply enough electricity, so the vehicle draws from the battery, causing lights to dim and multiple systems to underperform.
When is it safe to drive with a cracked windshield?
Answer: It is generally not safe; have it inspected — cracks impair structural integrity and visibility
Even cracks outside the driver's line of sight weaken the windshield's structural role in a crash and can spread to obstruct vision; inspection and likely replacement is needed.
What does it mean if your vehicle vibrates strongly when you apply the brakes at highway speed?
Answer: The brake rotors are likely warped and need resurfacing or replacement
Warped brake rotors have an uneven surface that causes the brake pads to grab intermittently, producing a pulsating vibration felt through the pedal and steering wheel.
How does overloading a vehicle beyond its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) affect safety?
Answer: It strains the brakes, suspension, and tires, increasing stopping distance and risk of component failure
Exceeding GVWR puts dangerous stress on brakes, tires, and suspension — all of which were engineered for a specific maximum load.
What should you do if a tire blows out while driving at highway speed?
Answer: Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas gradually, and steer straight to slow down before gently braking
Sudden braking after a blowout can cause a spin; gradually reducing speed while maintaining steering control lets the driver bring the vehicle safely to the shoulder.