Safety check questions for practical car tests & other ... · PDF filePage 1 of 17 Safety...

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Safety check questions for practical car tests & other information on Suzuki Swift controls etc

The information in this booklet is specifically for the Suzuki Swift DDiS and gives the Q&As required for the “Show me / tell me” section of the practical test, which will be conducted at the beginning of the test.

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Safety check questions for practical car tests

Background:

Vehicle safety checks have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive. The source material can be found in the Driving Standards Authority (DSA) publication 'Driving the essential skills' and ' The official DSA driving test'. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook. However, as from September 2003, the DSA introduced the safety check questions as part of the practical car test. These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels. This booklet tells you about the type of questions which are asked at the beginning of the practical test – you will be asked to answer 2 questions. If you fail to answer either or both correctly then the examiner will mark a maximum of 1 driving fault on your marking sheet (DL25) (You can only make15 driving faults during the test - 16 or more results

in failure).

The numbers in brackets refer to the appendices at the back of the booklet e.g. “Open the bonnet(1)”, refers to Appendix 1 which gives more

information on that procedure. The appendices also give additional information on other aspects of the controls of the Suzuki Swift.

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windscreen washer

reservoir

brake fluid reservoir-

check level against high/low

markings

Dip-stick to check oil level against the minimum/maximum

markers.

engine coolant level-

Identify high/low level markings on header

tank

Suzuki Swift Diesel DDiS

Oil top-up

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Q1 Open the bonnet(1), identify where you would check the engine oil level

and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A

The handle of the dipstick is coloured yellow for easy identification.

Explain that you pull out the dipstick, wipe oil off with a clean cloth or tissue, replace the dipstick all the way into the engine, then remove it again.

The oil on the stick should be between the MIN and MAX limits shown at the bottom of the stick. If the level is close to ‘MIN’ limit, then add enough oil to bring the level to the ‘MAX’ limit. If the oil is constantly having to be topped up then the car should be examined by an approved dealer to investigate the cause. (Note that in order to obtain an accurate reading the car must be parked on a level surface and the engine must be switched off! If the engine has only just been switched off then the oil must be allowed to return to the ‘sump’ where the dipstick ‘dips’ into. Allow about 5 minutes for this to happen)

1. MIN 2. MAX 3.DIPSTICK

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Q2 Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted

steering is working before starting a journey.

A 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 change in the sound of the engine as the system begins to operate – the revs reduce as the power transfers to the steering mechanism. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Q3 Open the bonnet(1), identify where you would check the engine

coolant(2) level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

A After opening the bonnet, Identify high/low level markings on header tank and

explain that, with the engine cool, the coolant level should be between High and Low marks. If the coolant level is Low more coolant should be added. With the engine cooled, remove the header tank cap slowly to release the pressure. Add coolant until it reaches Full / High mark. Never over-fill above High/Full mark.

Q4 Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for

excessive wear.

A Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) that when it is fully

applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel. The Swift’s handbrake should secure the rear wheels between the 4th and the 9th ratchet ‘click’. If it does not, then it needs adjustment by an approved technician.

High/

Full

Low

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Q5 Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you

would check the windscreen washer level.

A Open the bonnet(1) and identify reservoir. Explain that windscreen washer

fluid(3) is poured into the reservoir, which has the blue cap, until it can be seen to be full.

Q6 Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road

only).

A Press horn pad on steering wheel (don’t keep your hand on it for too long and

there is no need to turn on ignition key ! )

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Q7 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.

A Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Q8 Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are

working.

A Turn the ignition key(4) to the ‘on’ position (don’t start the engine!). Apply the

indicators by moving the stalk on the left of the steering column up (right indicators) or down (left indicators). Walk around the car to check the operation of the lights.

Right side

indicators

Left side

indicators

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Q9 Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this

car.

A Explain that you press the brake pedal and make use of reflections in

windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to look whilst you press the footbrake !

Q10 Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before

starting a journey.

A Explain that brakes should not feel spongy or slack and that they can be

tested as you set off. The car should not pull to one side.

Q11 Show me how you would check that the headlights (or sidelights) &

tail lights are working.

A Operate switch, walk round vehicle. (See Appendix 5)

Q12 Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended

tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

A Explain that it can be found in the manufacturer’s guide (also on column

between driver and rear door on Suzuki Swift.

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

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Q13 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.

A Explain that you would examine tyres visually looking for cuts and bulges.

Also 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. If you aren’t sure ask at a garage specializing in tyres e.g. ATS

Q14 Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is

correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

A The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the

head restraint is at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

Q15 Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen

washer and wipers.

A Make sure that the ignition key is in the “on” position – two turns clockwise

from the “lock” position.

(dashboard lights come on). Gently pull the wiper control lever towards you until the screen wash and wipers commence, then let go of it. The wipers will stop after one wipe and you may need to repeat the process or lift the lever to give another screen wipe to get rid of excess screen wash. The lever will then return to the “off” position

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Q16Show 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 / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

A quick all-round demist would be set as shown above i.e.

1. Make sure the temperature controller is on the hot air setting by turning dial clockwise as shown

2. Ensure that the fan speed controller is on at number 2 speed or higher

3. Switch on the rear window heater/demister (a light will show on it when it’s on)

4. Turn the air vent direction controller to windscreen and window vents

5. Window vents pointing to side windows.

Hot

Rear window heater/demister

switch

Fan speed controller

Position on windscreen & window

vents

Air vent direction controller

1

2

3

4

5

Heater Temperature

controller

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Q17 Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain

when you would use it. (No need to exit vehicle, Please don't start the engine.)

The lights stalk on the left of the steering column must be on the headlights position and then you can twist the rear-fog lamp ring-switch anticlockwise so that the rear fog lamp is activated. (There’s no need to switch on the ignition for this one.) You would then need to explain that this can only be used when visibility is 100metres or less and must be switched off as soon as the visibility is more than 100metres

Q18 Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam

and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car

You will see the fog

light indicator appear

on the dashboard

Twist the end of the light switch lever until the white dot is in-line with the headlights symbol. If the blue light symbol does not appear on the rev counter then the main beam is dipped. Flick the lever towards the dashboard and the main beam lights will come on, which will be confirmed by the blue light on the dash as shown.

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Q19 Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-

lock braking system

Explain that a light appears on the dashboard showing a symbol as follows:

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Appendix 1

Opening and closing bonnet(1)

To open the bonnet, pull the handle located above and to the right of the gas pedal :

Push the under-bonnet release lever up with your finger, as shown in the illustration below. Then release the prop rod from its holding clip and secure the bonnet in its upright position with the prop rod.

To close the bonnet, lift the bonnet slightly and remove the prop rod from the

hole. Replace the prop rod in its holding clip! Lower the bonnet to about 12-15 inches from its closed position then let it drop down. Make sure the bonnet is locked after closing, by applying pressure down on the bonnet ( just above the bonnet release lever) with your hand. If there is movement then it is not closed properly. Press down firmly to secure in locked position.

Failure to close the bonnet properly can result in it lifting up whilst driving and obscuring your vision! A serious fault in a practical test and maybe a fatal one as well!

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Appendix 2

Coolant(2)

It is dangerous to remove the expansion / reservoir cap when the water temperature is high, because scalding fluid and steam may be blown out under pressure. Wait until the coolant temperature has lowered before removing the cap. The mixture you use should contain 50% antifreeze and water. If the coolant needs to be topped up often, then the vehicle should be checked by an approved dealer, as there is a fault in the system. If the engine is run with insufficient coolant levels, serious engine damage will follow. After a while the antifreeze properties of the coolant diminish and a full coolant replacement will be required. Since special procedures are needed, it is recommended in the Suzuki Swift’s handbook that the vehicle is taken to a Suzuki dealer for coolant replacement as specified in the service manual.

Appendix 3

Windscreen Washer Fluid(3)

This is simply windscreen washer (available at all good car accessory shops) which you dilute with water. It is also possible to buy it already diluted and can therefore be placed directly into the reservoir. Some fluids have frost-free properties, which can be useful, but not to be used in place of purpose made defroster liquids. These are sprayed directly onto the windscreen when frozen over. Using the windscreen washer to ‘defrost’ the windscreen is not recommended as the windscreen wipers will also be turned on and the rubber blades can become frayed on contact with the abrasive screen frost!!

Appendix 4 Ignition key positions (4)

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LOCK - This is the normal parking position. It is the only position in which the key can be removed.

ACC - Accessories such as the CD player / radio can be operated but the engine will be off.

ON - This is the normal operating position. All electrical systems are on – such as indicators.

START - This is the position for starting the engine using the starter motor. The key must be released from

this position as soon as the engine starts.

Appendix 5

Lights control lever

Twist controller –

Anticlockwise = ON

Position 2 =

Side / tail / instruments

Position 1 = off

Position 3 = Headlights

ON

This ‘dot’ lets you know

which position the

selector is in -

OFF in this example !

Sidelights

Taillights

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Appendix 6

Wipers control lever

Headlights

1 POSITION UP FROM RESTING

GIVES ONE-OFF WIPE

OFF or RESTING POSITION

INTERMITTENT WIPE – OPERATES

AUTOMATICALLY WITH DELAY

CONSTANT WIPE AT LOW SPEED

CONSTANT WIPE AT HIGH SPEED

Front wipers twist controller

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Rear Wiper – twist controller

Twist clockwise 1 to obtain

intermittent wipe

twist clockwise 2 times for constant

wipe

twist all the way forward & hold to

activate screenwash

Appendix 7

The Dashboard Lights Just before the car starts (when the key is in the “on” position) the following lights are

displayed, some temporarily, others stay on if there’s a problem.

e.g. you have forgotten to put on your seatbelt or there may be a problem with some

component of the car. If any lights remain on after putting on the seat belt and

starting the car, then you need to have the car inspected by a qualified Suzuki

mechanic.

1

4

6 5

2

3

7

8

9

1.Electronic Power Steering 2. Service Soon Light or minor problem (SVS) 3. Diesel heater plugs on 4. Engine

oil 5. Battery 6. Seat belt 7. Engine Management system (EMS) 8. Brake function light 9. Anti-lock Braking

System (ABS)

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