handouts

 Ken Roden Driving Tuition

www.kenrodendrivingtuition.com

Show me – Tell me

Show me & explain how you would check that the power steering is working before starting a journey.

Before starting a journey a simple check can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel will show its hard to turn with the engine off. Once the engine has started it should be evident that the steering wheel will turn with little effort. If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly.

Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify dipstick.(Front central small yellow dipstick) Describe how you would remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and replace it. Remove the dipstick again and check oil against the minimum and maximum marks.

Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

Identify header tank (Left hand side round bottle) Check high/low level markings and describe how to top up with correct anti-freeze mixture to correct level using header tank. (Engine must be cold)

Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Open the bonnet, Identify the Brake Fluid Reservoir (right hand side) and explain that you check the fluid against the Min/Max marks on the side of bottle. Top up using correct Hydraulic Brake Fluid as required.

Identify where the Windscreen Washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the Windscreen Washer Level.

Open the bonnet and identify the Windscreen Washer Reservoir Top-Up funnel. Explain that there is no gauge so it needs to be topped up regularly using water/windscreen detergent.

Show me how you would check the parking (hand) brake for excessive wear.

Explain while demonstrating that you apply the foot brake (to keep the car stationary) then release the parking brake. When the hand brake is fully applied again it stays up and you have not had to pull it up too far to hold the car when you release the foot brake.

Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Explain that the horn is active at all times. If the examiner wants you to sound the horn, push the horn firmly but briefly.

Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Switch on the Hazard Warning Lights. Walk around the car ensuring all 6 indicators are working. Switch off Hazards on completion.

Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (The examiner will assist you)

Switch on the ignition. Operate brake pedal, make use of reflectors in windows, garage doors, etc. or ask the examiner to check them for you.

Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen. (You will need to turn the Ignition On)

Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.

Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. (Engine does have to be started for this demonstration)

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

Operate switch (turn on ignition and headlights first). Check warning light is on. Explain that fog lights should only be used when visibility is less than 100 metres.

Show 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.

Switch on the ignition and headlights. Pull the light stalk towards you to switch on main beam. Check blue warning light comes on.

Tell me how you would check that the Headlights & Tail lights are working.

Explain that you would need to turn on ignition and Operate light switch to Dipped Headlights. Then you would walk around the vehicle checking front and rear lights are working.

Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Explain that you would start the engine then apply the footbrake. You should feel a firm pressure but not feel spongy or slack. When driving the vehicle should not pull to one side when braking.

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

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part 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 (Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable)

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.

A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

Tell me how you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Explain that you would check the Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge and check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold not forgetting spare tyre. Remember to refit valve caps.

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.

Explain that you would use a tread depth gauge ensuring that there is a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference .Also ensure there are no cuts or bulges on the walls of the tyres