DTT Vehicle Safety Checks 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a low tyre pressure warning light (TPMS) mean?
- One or more tyres has pressure significantly below the recommended level (Correct answer)
- The tyre pressure monitoring system needs reset after a tyre rotation
- The tyres are overinflated
- A tyre sensor battery is low
Correct answer: One or more tyres has pressure significantly below the recommended level
The TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) warning indicates one or more tyres is significantly under-inflated. Check all tyres including the spare and inflate to the correct pressure immediately.
Question 2: What are the dangers of driving with underinflated tyres?
- Increased stopping distance, poor handling, overheating, and possible tyre failure (Correct answer)
- Only fuel consumption is affected
- Underinflation has no safety impact below 0.5 bar below recommended
- Reduced rolling resistance improves fuel economy
Correct answer: Increased stopping distance, poor handling, overheating, and possible tyre failure
Underinflated tyres increase stopping distance, reduce handling precision, cause excessive heat build-up (leading to potential blowout), and increase fuel consumption.
Question 3: What does the power steering warning light indicate?
- The power steering system has a fault — steering will be heavier and more difficult (Correct answer)
- Steering fluid is at the correct level
- Sport steering mode is active
- The wheel alignment needs checking
Correct answer: The power steering system has a fault — steering will be heavier and more difficult
A power steering warning light indicates a fault in the power steering system. The vehicle may still be steerable but with much greater effort — especially at low speeds and when parking.
Question 4: Before setting off, what is the purpose of adjusting your mirrors correctly?
- To maximise your field of view and minimise blind spots around the vehicle (Correct answer)
- To comply with NCT requirements
- To reduce wind resistance at highway speed
- Mirrors only need adjustment when a different driver uses the car
Correct answer: To maximise your field of view and minimise blind spots around the vehicle
Properly adjusted mirrors (both wing mirrors and rear-view mirror) maximise the driver's field of view to the sides and rear, reducing but not eliminating blind spots.
Question 5: What does the ABS warning light mean if it stays on while driving?
- The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) has a fault and may not function in an emergency stop (Correct answer)
- ABS is actively operating — normal braking situation
- The vehicle is heavier than normal — ABS has adjusted
- ABS is disabled for improved performance driving
Correct answer: The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) has a fault and may not function in an emergency stop
If the ABS light stays on, the anti-lock braking system has detected a fault and is likely disabled. Normal braking still works but ABS-assisted emergency stops will not function correctly.
Question 6: What checks should you do on the windscreen and windows before driving?
- Ensure they are clear of frost, condensation, dirt, and cracks that impair visibility (Correct answer)
- Only check for frost in winter
- A quick wipe with a cloth is sufficient in any weather
- Cracks are only a concern if they are in the driver's direct line of sight
Correct answer: Ensure they are clear of frost, condensation, dirt, and cracks that impair visibility
Before driving, ensure all glass is fully clear — free from frost, condensation, dirt, or mud. Cracks in the windscreen can distort vision and may fail an NCT. A partially clear windscreen is illegal.
DTT Vehicle Safety Checks 3
What does a low tyre pressure warning light (TPMS) mean?