Tell me – Call2Drive

Brakes: How would you check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test the brakes as you set off; the vehicle should not pull to one side.

Tyre Pressures: Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. The information can be found in the manufacturer’s guide.

Use a reliable pressure gauge to check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre and remember to refit valve caps.

Head Restraint: 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 eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Tyre Condition: Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. Ensure there are no cuts and bulges.

The tyre should have 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Headlights and Tail Lights: Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

You don’t need to exit the vehicle. Explain that you’d operate the switch (turning on the ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

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

Direction Indicators: Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working.

You don’t need to exit the vehicle. Explain that you’d operate the switch (turning on the ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

Brake Lights: Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Explain that you’d operate the brake pedal and make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

Power-Assisted Steering: Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

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.

Rear Fog Lights: Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you’d use them.

You don’t need to exit the vehicle. Operate the switch (turning on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check that the warning light is on. Explain that fog lights are used when visibility is 100 meters or less.

Main Beam: Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

Operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary) and check for the main beam warning light.

Engine Oil: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify the dipstick/oil level indicator and describe checking the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.

Engine Coolant: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Identify high and low-level markings on the header tank (where fitted) or the radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to the correct level.

Brake Fluid: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify the reservoir and check the level against high and low markings.