MTO Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How often should you check your vehicle's engine oil level?
- Once a year during annual inspection
- At every fuel fill-up or at least monthly (Correct answer)
- Only when the oil warning light comes on
- Every 10,000 miles
Correct answer: At every fuel fill-up or at least monthly
Checking oil at every fill-up or monthly helps catch leaks or burning oil before engine damage occurs.
Question 2: What does a vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light indicate?
- Tires need rotation
- One or more tires are significantly under-inflated (Correct answer)
- Tire tread is below legal limit
- Wheel alignment is off
Correct answer: One or more tires are significantly under-inflated
The TPMS light illuminates when tire pressure drops 25% or more below the recommended PSI.
Question 3: Which component should be inspected if your vehicle pulls to one side while braking?
- Exhaust system
- Brake calipers or pads (Correct answer)
- Fuel injectors
- Alternator
Correct answer: Brake calipers or pads
Uneven brake pad wear or a stuck caliper causes the vehicle to pull toward the side with more braking force.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve?
- Controls fuel delivery to the engine
- Recirculates harmful crankcase gases back into the intake (Correct answer)
- Regulates coolant flow to the heater core
- Adjusts ignition timing
Correct answer: Recirculates harmful crankcase gases back into the intake
The PCV valve prevents pressure buildup and reduces emissions by routing crankcase gases to be burned in the engine.
Question 5: When should you replace your vehicle's cabin air filter?
- Every 3,000 miles
- Every 15,000–25,000 miles or per manufacturer recommendation (Correct answer)
- Only when the AC stops working
- Every oil change
Correct answer: Every 15,000–25,000 miles or per manufacturer recommendation
Cabin air filters trap dust and pollen for the HVAC system and typically need replacement every 15,000–25,000 miles.
Question 6: A musty smell from your car's air conditioning is most likely caused by:
- Low refrigerant levels
- Mold or bacteria growth in the evaporator (Correct answer)
- A leaking exhaust manifold
- Worn serpentine belt
Correct answer: Mold or bacteria growth in the evaporator
Moisture accumulates on the evaporator core, creating an environment where mold and bacteria thrive.
Question 7: Which fluid is responsible for transferring heat away from your vehicle's engine?
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Coolant (antifreeze) (Correct answer)
- Power steering fluid
Correct answer: Coolant (antifreeze)
Coolant circulates through the engine and radiator to absorb and dissipate excess heat.
How often should you check your vehicle's engine oil level?