Vehicle Structure, Maintenance and Inspection
Vehicle questions test whether you can read a warning and know a limit. You are not expected to repair anything; you are expected to recognise a fault, know the service threshold, and know when to stop driving.
The four assemblies
Engine, chassis, bodywork and electrical system. The chassis splits into transmission, running gear, steering and braking.
Fluids and levels
The 'five oils and three waters' are engine oil, fuel, transmission oil, power-steering fluid and brake fluid; coolant, washer fluid and battery electrolyte.
- Engine oil: car level, engine off for a few minutes, dipstick reading between the marks.
- Coolant: between MIN and MAX when cold. Never open the cap on a hot engine - scalding is the classic exam answer.
- Brake fluid absorbs water and is replaced roughly every 2 years or 40,000 km; a spongy pedal means air or moisture in the system.
Tyres and brakes
- Tread depth at least 1.6 mm on a passenger car; replace at the wear bars.
- Pressures checked cold, with the same size and type on each axle. A space-saver spare has a low speed limit and is for emergencies only.
- Brakes: pedal feel, handbrake travel, and any pull to one side when braking.
Warning lights
- Red means stop: oil pressure, coolant temperature, charging, brake system, tyre pressure.
- Amber means check soon: engine management, ABS, ESP.
- A red oil-can light with the engine running means switch off immediately, not drive to the next garage.
Checks and servicing
Before a long trip: tyres, lights, brakes, fluids, wipers, mirrors, horn. Routine servicing falls at roughly 5,000–10,000 km or six months. Belts, airbags (SRS), ABS and stability control assist the driver but never replace a safe speed.
Worked example
The coolant gauge climbs into the red and the red lamp comes on while driving. Correct response: pull over safely, switch off, let the engine cool, then check the level and look for a leak. Pouring cold water into a hot engine, or opening the radiator cap immediately, can crack the block and burn you - and both appear as distractors.
Traps
- Topping oil above the upper mark, which makes it foam.
- Reading tyre pressure straight after a long drive, when it is artificially high.
- Treating an amber engine light as an emergency stop, or a red oil light as 'drive on carefully'.