Vehicle Safety and Maintenance Flashcards
7 cards from real Driver Licensing practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Vehicle Safety and Maintenance flashcards as text
What is the purpose of the vehicle's antilock braking system (ABS)?
Answer: To prevent the wheels from locking up so steering control is maintained during hard braking
ABS pulses the brakes automatically to prevent wheel lock-up, allowing the driver to steer while braking hard.
What does a spongy or soft brake pedal most likely indicate?
Answer: Air in the brake lines or low brake fluid
Air in hydraulic brake lines compresses instead of transmitting pressure, causing a spongy pedal that reduces braking effectiveness.
What should you do before driving if you notice your vehicle is pulling to one side when you brake?
Answer: Have your brakes inspected — uneven braking can cause loss of control
Brake pull often indicates a stuck caliper, uneven pad wear, or brake fluid leak — all serious safety hazards requiring immediate inspection.
Why is it important to keep your gas tank at least one-quarter full in cold weather?
Answer: It prevents fuel line freeze and ensures the fuel pump stays cool and lubricated
Moisture can accumulate in a nearly empty tank and freeze in fuel lines; the fuel also lubricates and cools the electric fuel pump.
What is the correct way to check engine oil level?
Answer: Wait a few minutes after turning off the engine, then pull and wipe the dipstick, reinsert, and read
Letting the oil drain back into the pan for a few minutes ensures an accurate dipstick reading; checking it immediately gives a false low reading.
At what tread depth should you begin planning to replace your tires, even though they are still technically legal?
Answer: 4/32 of an inch
Safety experts recommend replacing tires at 4/32 inch because wet-weather performance degrades significantly below this point before reaching the legal minimum.
What does an illuminated battery warning light typically indicate?
Answer: The charging system is not properly charging the battery
The battery light signals a problem with the charging system — usually the alternator — meaning the battery is draining and the car may soon stall.