Show me, tell me questions

Before starting the engine, press the pedal: The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. After starting, and immediately after setting off and finding a safe place to do so, the brakes should be tested by applying them firmly.

The vehicle should pull up smartly without pulling to one side.

The correct tyre pressures can be found in the manufacturer’s guide (or in the vehicle handbook). Often they are printed on the inside of the fuel filler lid or inside one of the front door-frames.

You should use a reliable pressure gauge, checking and adjusting the pressures when the tyres are cold.

Don’t forget to check and adjust the spare tyre’s pressure and remember to refit all of the valve caps.

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. Note however, some restraints might not be adjustable.

There should be no cuts or bulges anywhere in the tread or in the sidewall and a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. A simple and cheap depth gauge can give an accurate measure of the tread depth

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

A warning light will illuminate on the dashboard if the anti lock braking system has a fault.

Turn on the hazard warning lights and walk around the car to check that all of the indicator bulbs are operating. This test can also be carried out by using the indicator switch – but for this, the ignition must usually be on and it is not recommended that you turn on the ignition unless you are sitting in the driver’s seat.

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

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 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.

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on and explain use.

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

Before carrying out the check, ensure that the car is on level ground and that the oil has had time to settle.

Locate and pull the bonnet release handle, raise and support the bonnet with the strut. Identify the dipstick/oil level indicator.

Remove the dipstick and wipe.

Replace the dipstick fully, remove a second time and observe oil level relative to the maximum and minimum markings.

Replace the dipstick securely.

Identify the high/low level markings on the header tank (where fitted) or show how you would remove the radiator filler cap. You can find the location of the header tank using the owners manual.

Describe how you would top up to the correct level using a coolant mixture.

Identify reservoir, using owners manual if needed, check level against high and low markings.