MTO Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does a squealing noise when you first apply the brakes typically indicate?
- Rotors need resurfacing immediately
- Brake pad wear indicators are contacting the rotor (Correct answer)
- Brake fluid needs to be replaced
- The ABS system is activating
Correct answer: Brake pad wear indicators are contacting the rotor
Most brake pads have a built-in metal wear indicator that squeals when pads are worn and need replacement.
Question 2: Which of the following signals that a car's wheel bearings may be failing?
- Vibration only during braking
- A humming or growling noise that changes with vehicle speed (Correct answer)
- Smoke from wheel wells
- Difficulty shifting gears
Correct answer: A humming or growling noise that changes with vehicle speed
Failing wheel bearings produce a characteristic hum or growl that increases in pitch and volume with vehicle speed.
Question 3: What is the correct procedure when adding coolant to an overheated engine?
- Add cold water immediately to speed cooling
- Wait for the engine to cool completely before opening the radiator cap (Correct answer)
- Add coolant while the engine runs to circulate it faster
- Remove the thermostat first before adding coolant
Correct answer: Wait for the engine to cool completely before opening the radiator cap
Opening the radiator cap on a hot engine releases pressurized steam that can cause severe burns.
Question 4: What does it mean if your vehicle's power steering becomes suddenly heavy or unresponsive?
- Tires are over-inflated
- Power steering fluid is low or the pump has failed (Correct answer)
- The wheel alignment is severely off
- Brake calipers are seized
Correct answer: Power steering fluid is low or the pump has failed
Loss of power steering assist is typically caused by low fluid, a broken belt, or a failed electric or hydraulic pump.
Question 5: How long can a typical car battery last before needing replacement?
- 1–2 years
- 3–5 years (Correct answer)
- 8–10 years
- 10+ years with proper care
Correct answer: 3–5 years
Most automotive batteries have a lifespan of 3–5 years depending on climate, usage, and maintenance.
Question 6: What is the purpose of the vehicle's catalytic converter?
- Converts gasoline into a more combustible form
- Reduces harmful pollutants in exhaust gases (Correct answer)
- Converts AC power from the alternator to DC
- Increases fuel efficiency by recapturing heat
Correct answer: Reduces harmful pollutants in exhaust gases
The catalytic converter uses chemical reactions to convert CO, hydrocarbons, and NOx into less harmful CO2, water, and nitrogen.
Question 7: What maintenance step helps prevent rust and corrosion on brake rotors during long storage periods?
- Applying engine oil to the rotor surface
- Taking short drives periodically to clean rust from rotor surfaces (Correct answer)
- Wrapping rotors in plastic sheeting
- Applying brake fluid directly to rotors
Correct answer: Taking short drives periodically to clean rust from rotor surfaces
Surface rust on rotors is normal after sitting but is cleared by the brake pads during normal driving within a short distance.
MTO Vehicle Maintenance & Inspection 5
What does a squealing noise when you first apply the brakes typically indicate?