Vehicle Safety Checks Flashcards

What should you do if your brake warning light illuminates on the dashboard?

Answer: Stop driving and have the brakes inspected by a mechanic immediately

A brake warning light may indicate low brake fluid, a brake system fault, or an engaged handbrake. Any serious brake fault requires immediate inspection — do not drive until the cause is identified.

What does a red temperature gauge warning light mean?

Answer: The engine is overheating — stop safely and switch off the engine

A red temperature warning means the engine is overheating. You must stop safely and switch off the engine immediately to prevent serious damage. Do not open the radiator cap while hot.

How do you check if your windscreen wipers are working properly?

Answer: Test them with the windscreen washer fluid before setting off

Before every journey in adverse weather, test wipers by operating them with washer fluid. Worn blades smear rather than clean — replace when they no longer clear the screen effectively.

What is the correct tyre pressure and where can you find this information?

Answer: In the vehicle handbook, on the door jamb sticker, or inside the fuel filler flap

Correct tyre pressure is vehicle-specific and found in the owner's handbook, on a sticker on the door jamb, or inside the fuel flap. It may differ between front and rear tyres and for loaded conditions.

When should you check the condition of your spare tyre?

Answer: Regularly as part of your routine vehicle checks — before it is needed

A spare tyre should be checked regularly for pressure and condition alongside the other tyres. Discovering a flat or damaged spare only when you need it is dangerous and inconvenient.

What should you check about your vehicle's lights before driving in darkness?

Answer: Headlights (dipped and full), rear lights, brake lights, indicators, and reverse lights

Before driving at night, check all external lights: headlights (both beams), tail lights, brake lights, indicators (all four corners), and reverse lights. A faulty brake light dramatically increases rear collision risk.