F80 Inspection Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a vehicle inspection, which brake component must be checked for minimum thickness?
- Brake fluid reservoir
- Brake rotor or drum (Correct answer)
- Brake pedal pad
- Brake light switch
Correct answer: Brake rotor or drum
Brake rotors and drums must meet minimum thickness specifications to ensure adequate heat dissipation and stopping power.
Question 2: What is the correct procedure when inspecting a vehicle's steering for excessive play?
- Rev the engine to full RPM while turning
- Turn the steering wheel with the vehicle in motion on a highway
- Measure free movement before the front wheels begin to move (Correct answer)
- Check play only with the ignition off
Correct answer: Measure free movement before the front wheels begin to move
Steering free play is measured as the amount the wheel turns before the front tires begin to respond.
Question 3: During an inspection, a tire is found to have a tread depth of 1.5/32 inch. What is the correct action?
- Pass the vehicle — 1/32 inch is the legal limit
- Fail the vehicle — tread is below the 2/32 inch minimum (Correct answer)
- Require the driver to replace within 30 days
- Mark as advisory only
Correct answer: Fail the vehicle — tread is below the 2/32 inch minimum
Federal and most state standards require a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inch; 1.5/32 inch fails inspection.
Question 4: An inspector notices that a vehicle's horn does not sound when activated. This finding results in a:
- Warning sticker only
- Rejection — the horn is a required safety device (Correct answer)
- Pass with a note in the record
- Second inspection within 10 days
Correct answer: Rejection — the horn is a required safety device
A functioning horn is a required safety device; a non-functioning horn is grounds for rejection.
Question 5: When inspecting seat belts, which condition would cause a vehicle to fail?
- A belt that has minor surface dirt
- A retractor that is slow but still retracts
- A belt with frayed webbing or a damaged buckle latch (Correct answer)
- A belt mounted with a slightly worn bolt
Correct answer: A belt with frayed webbing or a damaged buckle latch
Frayed webbing or a damaged buckle latch compromises restraint effectiveness and is grounds for rejection.
Question 6: What should an inspector verify about a vehicle's fuel system during a safety inspection?
- That the fuel tank is at least half full
- That there are no visible fuel leaks and the cap seals properly (Correct answer)
- That the fuel is the correct octane grade
- That the fuel injectors have been recently serviced
Correct answer: That there are no visible fuel leaks and the cap seals properly
Inspectors check for visible fuel leaks and a properly sealing fuel cap to prevent fire hazards.
Question 7: During a windshield wiper inspection, at what condition would an inspector reject the vehicle?
- Wiper blades that leave minor streaks on a dry windshield
- Wiper blades that completely fail to clear the driver's line of sight (Correct answer)
- Wipers that operate only on the highest speed setting
- A wiper arm with minor surface rust
Correct answer: Wiper blades that completely fail to clear the driver's line of sight
Wipers must adequately clear the driver's field of vision; complete failure to do so is a rejection criterion.
F80 Inspection Procedures 3
During a vehicle inspection, which brake component must be checked for minimum thickness?