What this topic covers
A roadworthy car is a safer car. This covers routine checks, legal tyre tread, warning lights, and simple steps that cut fuel use and emissions.
Practice questions
Q1What is the minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in the UK?
The legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. Below this you risk a fine, penalty points and poor grip.
Q2A red warning light appears on your dashboard while driving. You should:
Red usually means a serious problem. Stop safely as soon as you can and investigate, as continuing may damage the car or be dangerous.
Q3Which of these reduces fuel consumption and emissions?
Gentle acceleration, reading the road to avoid hard braking, and keeping tyres correctly inflated all cut fuel use and emissions. Remove unused roof racks too.
Q4How can you tell your tyres are correctly inflated?
Use a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold and compare with the figures in your vehicle handbook. Correct pressures improve safety and economy.
Q5Your brakes feel spongy or the car pulls to one side when braking. You should:
Spongy brakes or pulling can mean a fault. Get them checked by a garage promptly — brakes are critical safety equipment.
Q6How should you check your engine oil level?
Park on level ground with the engine off and cool, then read the dipstick and top up to the correct mark if needed.
Q7Your windscreen washers have stopped working and the screen is dirty. You should:
A dirty windscreen badly reduces your view. Refill the washer bottle and fix the washers before driving — clear vision is essential.
Q8How should you get rid of used engine oil?
Used oil is highly polluting. Never put it down drains or onto the ground — take it to a local authority or garage disposal point.
Q9Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are designed to help you:
ABS stops the wheels locking under heavy braking so you can keep steering. It won't always shorten the stopping distance, especially on loose or wet roads.
Q10You notice one of your brake lights isn't working. You should:
Brake lights warn drivers behind that you're slowing. A failed bulb is dangerous and illegal — replace it as soon as you can.
Q11You find a deep cut or bulge in a tyre's sidewall. You should:
A cut or bulge can cause a sudden blow-out. Don't use the car until the tyre is replaced.
Q12The temperature gauge shows your engine is overheating. You should:
Stop when safe and let it cool. Never remove the coolant cap while hot — escaping steam can scald you.
Q13Your car pulls to one side when you're driving straight. This may be caused by:
Pulling to one side can mean unequal tyre pressures, worn tyres or a steering or brake fault. Get it checked.
Q14To cut pollution when you're parked and waiting for a while, you should:
A stationary idling engine wastes fuel and pollutes. Switch it off if you'll be waiting more than a short moment.
Q15Before a long night journey you should check that:
Working lights and a clean, clear windscreen are essential for seeing and being seen in the dark.
Ready for the real thing?
Mix this topic with all the others in a full, timed mock test.