Vehicle Maintenance and Pre-Trip Checks
A pre-trip check takes minutes and prevents breakdowns. Walk around the vehicle: look for tyre damage, fluid leaks, loose parts, and obstructions. Check tyre pressure and tread when tyres are cold; low pressure increases fuel use and heat, and worn tread reduces grip in rain. Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid levels. Test lights - headlights, indicators, brake lights, and hazard lights - and confirm the horn works. Verify mirrors and wipers are clean and functional.
Inside the cabin, check that the seat, mirrors, and belt are adjusted, the handbrake releases fully, and the fuel level is adequate for the journey. Brakes should feel firm, not spongy; a spongy pedal may indicate air in the brake lines or low fluid, and the vehicle should not be driven until checked. Warning lights on the dashboard - oil pressure, battery, engine, brake - must be understood; a red light that stays on after starting usually means stop and investigate.
Question traps: candidates assume tyre pressure should be checked after a long drive, when tyres are hot and readings are inflated. Another trap is ignoring a dashboard warning light as "normal". Also remember that maintenance records and a valid fitness certificate support both safety and legal compliance.
Worked example: A question asks when to check tyre pressure. Answer: when tyres are cold, before driving, because hot tyres give falsely high readings.