Tell me questions and answers

Answer:

1) Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?

Answer: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.

2) Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended for this car tyre pressures and how tyre pressures should be checked?

Answer: Manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

3) Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash?

Answer: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable

4) Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

Answer: No cuts and bulges, minimum 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

5) Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.

Answer: As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights. Explain how you would operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle to check if the lights are working.

6) Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system?

Answer: Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system

7) Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working?

Answer: As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the indicators. Explain how you would operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle to check if the indicators are working.

8) Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car?

Answer: Explain how you would operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, or ask someone to help.

9) Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey?

Answer: If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

10) Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them?

Answer: Explain how you would operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on.

11) Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car?

Answer: Explain how you would operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

12) Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil?

Answer: Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe checking of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers only when engine is cold.

13) Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level?

Answer: Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level only when engine is not hot.

14) Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid?

Answer: Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.