DTT Vehicle Safety Checks 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How often should you check your vehicle's engine oil level?
- Regularly — at least once a week or before a long journey (Correct answer)
- Only during scheduled servicing
- Once a month is sufficient
- Only when the oil warning light comes on
Correct answer: Regularly — at least once a week or before a long journey
Engine oil should be checked at least weekly and before long journeys. Low oil can cause serious engine damage rapidly — waiting for the warning light may already mean damage has occurred.
Question 2: What should you check about your tyres before a long journey?
- Pressure, tread depth, and condition (cracks or damage) (Correct answer)
- Only the tread depth
- Tyre pressure only — check at every fuel stop
- Visual check for punctures only
Correct answer: Pressure, tread depth, and condition (cracks or damage)
Before any long journey, check tyre pressure (including spare), tread depth (minimum 1.6mm), and condition — look for cracks, bulges, or foreign objects embedded in the tyre.
Question 3: What level should the brake fluid reservoir be at?
- Between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir (Correct answer)
- Full to the top at all times
- Below the maximum mark to allow for expansion
- Only needs checking during an NCT
Correct answer: Between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir
Brake fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the reservoir. Low brake fluid can indicate a leak or worn brake pads and should be investigated immediately.
Question 4: Why is it important to check the coolant level in your vehicle?
- To prevent the engine from overheating and seizing (Correct answer)
- Coolant only needs checking in winter for antifreeze protection
- Only relevant for older vehicles without modern cooling systems
- To ensure windscreen washer function
Correct answer: To prevent the engine from overheating and seizing
Coolant prevents the engine from overheating. If the level drops and the engine overheats, serious and expensive engine damage can result. Check when cold — never open a hot radiator cap.
Question 5: How should you check if your headlights are working correctly?
- Switch them on and walk around the vehicle, or check reflections in a window or wall (Correct answer)
- Ask a passenger to confirm they can see them from inside the car
- Check the instrument panel indicator light only
- Headlights only need checking at annual NCT
Correct answer: Switch them on and walk around the vehicle, or check reflections in a window or wall
To check headlights, switch them on and walk around the vehicle, or park close to a wall or garage door and observe the light projected. Ensure dipped and full beam work on both sides.
Question 6: What is the NCT (National Car Test) and how often is it required?
- A roadworthiness test — required every 2 years for cars up to 10 years old, annually after that (Correct answer)
- An annual safety check for all cars over 3 years old
- A voluntary inspection offered by authorised garages
- Required only after a vehicle collision or major repair
Correct answer: A roadworthiness test — required every 2 years for cars up to 10 years old, annually after that
The NCT is a mandatory roadworthiness test in Ireland. Cars under 4 years old are exempt. Cars 4-10 years old are tested every 2 years. Cars over 10 years are tested annually.
DTT Vehicle Safety Checks 1
How often should you check your vehicle's engine oil level?