Auto and Shop: Vehicle Braking, Cooling, and Electrical Systems Flashcards
6 cards from real ASVAB practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Auto and Shop: Vehicle Braking, Cooling, and Electrical Systems flashcards as text
Which principle explains how pressing the brake pedal transmits force through brake fluid to the wheel cylinders or calipers?
Answer: Pascal's law
Pascal's law states that pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted equally in all directions. Hydraulic braking systems use this principle: foot pressure on the pedal pressurizes brake fluid, which multiplies the force at each wheel.
What is the primary function of the thermostat in a vehicle's cooling system?
Answer: To regulate coolant flow based on engine temperature
The thermostat is a temperature-sensitive valve that stays closed when the engine is cold (keeping coolant in the engine to warm up quickly) and opens when the engine reaches operating temperature to allow coolant to flow to the radiator.
Which vehicle component converts mechanical energy from the engine into electrical energy to recharge the battery while the vehicle is running?
Answer: Alternator
The alternator is a generator driven by the engine's serpentine belt. It produces AC electricity, which is converted to DC to charge the battery and power the vehicle's electrical systems while running.
Disc brakes use which component to squeeze against the rotor and create stopping friction?
Answer: Brake caliper and pad
In a disc brake system, the caliper clamps brake pads against both sides of the spinning rotor (disc). This friction slows wheel rotation. Drums and shoes are found in drum brake systems, not disc systems.
What is the purpose of a vehicle's radiator?
Answer: To transfer heat from the coolant to the surrounding air
The radiator is a heat exchanger. Hot coolant flows through its tubes while air passes over fins surrounding those tubes, removing heat from the coolant before it recirculates back into the engine.
A vehicle's fuse blows repeatedly on the same circuit. What is most likely the root cause?
Answer: There is a short circuit or excessive current draw in that circuit
Fuses are protective devices that blow when current exceeds safe levels. Repeated fuse failure on the same circuit points to a short circuit (unintended path to ground) or a component drawing more current than the circuit is designed for — replacing the fuse without fixing the underlying fault is unsafe.