ASVAB Automotive Information Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which system is required to start an automobile?

Electrical (Correct answer)
Lubrication
Exhaust
Drive train

Correct answer: Electrical

The electrical system is crucial for starting an automobile as it powers the starter motor, which cranks the engine. It also provides the necessary spark from the ignition system to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders. Without these electrical components, the engine cannot begin its combustion cycle.

Question 2: Which of the following is NOT part of an internal combustion engine?

piston ring
connecting rod
clutch (Correct answer)
cylinder head

Correct answer: clutch

Piston rings, connecting rods, and cylinder heads are all integral components found within the internal combustion engine, directly involved in the combustion and power generation process. A clutch, however, is part of the drivetrain system, specifically linking the engine to the transmission, and is not located inside the engine block itself.

Question 3: In a four-stroke engine, which of the following is NOT one of the four strokes?

Intake
Compression
Out-take (Correct answer)
Exhaust

Correct answer: Out-take

The four standard strokes of a four-stroke internal combustion engine are Intake, Compression, Power (or Combustion), and Exhaust. 'Out-take' is not a recognized term for any of these fundamental phases of engine operation.

Question 4: In the diagram above, what is the location of the fuel pressure regulator?

A
B
C (Correct answer)
D

Correct answer: C

A fuel pressure regulator is typically located in the fuel line, often near the fuel rail or return line, to maintain a consistent fuel pressure for the injectors. Without the accompanying diagram, it is assumed that 'C' correctly identifies the position of this component within the fuel system.

Question 5: Which part of the fuel system sprays a fuel and air mixture into the engine's combustion chamber?

fuel pump
fuel injector (Correct answer)
fuel filter
fuel pressure regulator

Correct answer: fuel injector

The fuel injector is specifically designed to atomize and spray a precise amount of fuel into the engine's intake manifold or directly into the combustion chamber. This fine mist of fuel mixes with air, creating the combustible mixture necessary for engine operation.

Question 6: What part of a car's exhaust system is responsible for turning the toxic components of engine exhaust into less toxic compounds?

cylinder head
exhaust manifold
muffler
catalytic converter (Correct answer)

Correct answer: catalytic converter

The catalytic converter is a crucial component in a car's exhaust system that contains catalysts to facilitate chemical reactions. Its primary function is to convert toxic byproducts of combustion, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburnt hydrocarbons, into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor.

Question 7: Which of the following is the location of the differential on a drive axle?

A
B
C
D (Correct answer)

Correct answer: D

The differential is a gear assembly located on the drive axle that allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds when turning, while still transmitting power from the driveshaft. Without the accompanying diagram, it is assumed that 'D' correctly identifies the position of this component on a drive axle.

Question 8: The brake caliper is an assembly that houses the

drum brakes
brake shoes
brake boosters
brake pads and pistons (Correct answer)

Correct answer: brake pads and pistons

The brake caliper is a critical component of a disc brake system that houses the brake pads and pistons. When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic fluid pushes the pistons, which in turn force the brake pads against the spinning rotor to create friction and slow the vehicle.

Question 9: The part of the tire that grips the rim of the wheel is the

bead (Correct answer)
sidewall
shoulder
ply

Correct answer: bead

The bead is the reinforced edge of a tire, typically made of high-strength steel wires encased in rubber, which forms a tight seal against the wheel rim. This crucial part ensures the tire stays securely mounted and maintains air pressure.

Question 10: If one complete revolution of the steering wheel causes the wheels to turn 20 degrees, what is the steering ratio?

12:1
15:1
18:1 (Correct answer)
20:1

Correct answer: 18:1

The steering ratio is calculated by dividing the total degrees of steering wheel rotation by the degrees the wheels turn. One complete revolution of the steering wheel is 360 degrees, and the wheels turn 20 degrees, resulting in a ratio of 360/20, which simplifies to 18:1.

Question 11: An internal combustion engine in which the cylinders are aligned in two banks, which are at an angle to each other, is known as a

inline engine
rotary engine
V-engine (Correct answer)
boxer engine

Correct answer: V-engine

A V-engine is characterized by its cylinder banks being aligned at an angle to each other, forming a 'V' shape when viewed from the front or rear. This configuration allows for a more compact engine design compared to an inline engine with the same number of cylinders.

Question 12: Drill bits can be loosened and tightened using a

Bit
Flux
Chuck key (Correct answer)
Bender head

Correct answer: Chuck key

A chuck key is a specialized tool used to manually tighten or loosen the jaws of a drill chuck, which securely holds the drill bit in place. This ensures the drill bit is firmly gripped for safe and effective drilling.

Question 13: The four strokes of a four-stroke engine cycle are (in the correct order)

Intake, compression, power, exhaust (Correct answer)
Intake, power, compression, exhaust
Intake, exhaust, compression, power
Intake, compression, exhaust, power

Correct answer: Intake, compression, power, exhaust

The four strokes of an internal combustion engine operate in a specific sequence to convert fuel into mechanical energy. This correct order is: Intake (fuel-air mixture enters), Compression (mixture is compressed), Power (ignition and expansion drive the piston), and Exhaust (spent gases are expelled).

Question 14: Welders using the electric-arc welding method wear face shields to protect themselves from

Gamma radiation
Ultraviolet radiation (Correct answer)
X-ray radiation
Microwave radiation

Correct answer: Ultraviolet radiation

Electric-arc welding generates intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause severe eye damage, commonly known as 'arc eye' or photokeratitis, and skin burns. Welders wear face shields with specialized filters to protect their eyes and face from this harmful radiation.

Question 15: If the distance between two parallel sides of a bolt head is 3/8 of an inch, which socket drive size should you use?

8/3"
3/8" (Correct answer)
1/2"
2/1"

Correct answer: 3/8"

To loosen or tighten a bolt, you should use a socket that matches exactly the measurement of the bolt.

Question 16: How does an increase in pressure affect the coolant's boiling point?

Decreases it
Increases it (Correct answer)
Does not affect it
Any change in pressure triggers boiling

Correct answer: Increases it

An increase in pressure directly raises the boiling point of a liquid, including engine coolant. This principle is utilized in automotive cooling systems, where a pressurized system allows the coolant to reach higher temperatures without boiling, thereby improving engine cooling efficiency.

Question 17: Automatic transmissions transmit engine torque to the transmission via a

Torque case
Torque axle
Torque shaft
Torque converter (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Torque converter

In automatic transmissions, the torque converter is a fluid coupling device that transmits engine torque to the transmission. It allows the engine to spin independently of the transmission at low speeds, such as when idling, and smoothly transfers power as the vehicle accelerates.

Question 18: An inside caliper measures

Whether a surface is horizontal
Whether a surface is vertical
The external size of an object
The internal size of an object (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The internal size of an object

An inside caliper is a measuring tool specifically designed with outward-curving legs to accurately measure the internal dimensions of an object, such as the diameter of a hole or the width of a groove.

ASVAB Automotive Information Test

Which system is required to start an automobile?