Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection Flashcards
7 cards from real MTO 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 Maintenance & Inspection flashcards as text
What does it mean when your vehicle's brake pedal feels spongy or goes to the floor?
Answer: Air is in the brake lines or brake fluid is low
Air in the hydraulic brake lines compresses unlike fluid, causing a spongy pedal that reduces braking effectiveness.
What minimum tire tread depth is generally required in most U.S. states before a tire is considered unsafe?
Answer: 2/32 inch
Most states legally require at least 2/32 inch of tread depth, which is the wear indicator bar level.
What does white smoke from the exhaust typically indicate?
Answer: Coolant burning in the combustion chamber
White smoke often signals a blown head gasket allowing coolant to enter and burn in the cylinders.
How often should a vehicle's serpentine belt typically be inspected?
Answer: Every oil change or at least annually
The serpentine belt drives critical components like the alternator and water pump, so regular inspection prevents sudden failure.
What could cause a grinding noise when turning the steering wheel?
Answer: Worn CV joint or low power steering fluid
A worn CV joint or low power steering fluid can cause grinding or clicking sounds during turns.
What is the role of the alternator in a vehicle?
Answer: Generates electricity to charge the battery while driving
The alternator converts mechanical energy from the engine into electricity to power the vehicle's systems and recharge the battery.
A vibration felt in the steering wheel at highway speeds most commonly indicates:
Answer: Unbalanced or improperly inflated tires
Unbalanced tires create a rhythmic vibration that is most noticeable at higher speeds through the steering wheel.