Vehicle Technical Knowledge and Maintenance: What the Driver Must Check
Tyres and grip
The tyres are the only contact with the road, so questions here are common. Know the legal minimum tread depth, the meaning of the wear indicator, and why tyre pressure is checked cold. Under-inflation raises fuel consumption and heat, and can cause a blowout at speed. The trap is a question suggesting that lower pressure improves grip in rain: it does not, because it increases the risk of aquaplaning.
Brakes and fluids
Understand the difference between disc and drum brakes, the role of brake fluid, and the warning signs of a failing brake system: a spongy pedal, a pulling car, or a warning light. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and must be replaced on schedule. Engine oil, coolant, and washer fluid are checked with the engine cold and the car level.
Lights and electrical systems
A candidate must know when to use dipped headlights, fog lights, and hazard lights. Fog lights are for fog, heavy rain, or snow, not for everyday driving. Hazard lights warn others of a stationary hazard; they do not grant permission to park illegally.
Worked example
A steering wheel vibrates at high speed. The likely cause is wheel imbalance or a deformed tyre, not the brakes. If the vibration appears only when braking, suspect warped discs. Match the symptom to the system before choosing an answer.