All control questions / Safety and warning lights

Control questions about safety and warning lights

Seatbelts, the warning triangle and the warning lights on the dashboard.

1. How do you check that the seatbelts work?

   I pull the belt sharply, and it should lock. It must also click into the buckle and roll back in neatly.

   The belt reel must lock on a sharp pull or hard braking. The belt must not be frayed, and the buckle must hold securely.

   How to show it on the car:

   1. Pull the belt out sharply: it should lock.
   2. Fasten it and pull: it should stay locked in the buckle.
   3. Let go and check that it rolls back in and isn't frayed.

2. Where should the warning triangle be placed if the car is stopped on the road?

   Well behind the car, typically about 50 m on an ordinary road and about 100 m on a motorway.

   The triangle must warn traffic from behind in good time. Also switch on the hazard lights, and put on a reflective vest when you get out of the car.

3. What does it mean if the red oil warning light comes on while driving?

   The oil pressure is too low. I stop as soon as possible in a safe place and switch off the engine.

   Red warning lights mean you must stop. Without oil pressure the engine can be ruined in a short time. Yellow lights usually mean the car needs checking soon.

4. How do you use the warning lights when you start the car?

   The lights come on briefly when the ignition is switched on and should go out once the engine has started. If one stays on, there is a fault.

   When the ignition is switched on, the car tests its warning lights. If a light is still on after the engine has started, it shows a fault you need to act on.

   How to show it on the car:

   1. Switch the ignition on without starting the engine and see the warning lights come on.
   2. Start the engine and check that the lights go out.

5. How do you check that the airbag is ready for use?

   The airbag light should come on briefly when the ignition is switched on and then go out by itself.

   The car tests the airbag system every time the ignition is switched on. If the light stays on, the airbag may not work in a crash, and the car must go to a garage.

   How to show it on the car:

   1. Switch the ignition on and point to the airbag light.
   2. Show that the light goes out after a few seconds.

6. What does it mean if the battery (charging) light comes on while driving?

   The battery isn't being charged. I switch off unnecessary power use and drive to a garage as soon as possible.

   The charging light means the alternator isn't charging the battery. The car runs on the battery alone until it is flat, and then it stops – including the lights and wipers.

7. How do you adjust the head restraint correctly?

   The top should be level with the top of your head, and it should be as close to the back of your head as possible.

   A correctly adjusted head restraint protects against whiplash if the car is hit from behind. If it is too low, your head can be thrown back over it.

   How to show it on the car:

   1. Sit properly and feel where the head restraint meets your head.
   2. Press the button and slide it up or down until the top is level with the top of your head.

8. How do you adjust the driver's seat correctly?

   I must be able to press the pedals fully with slightly bent knees and reach the wheel with slightly bent arms.

   Sitting correctly lets you brake hard and turn the wheel quickly without losing your grip. Adjust the seat before you adjust the mirrors.

   How to show it on the car:

   1. Slide the seat forward or back until you can press the clutch or brake fully with a slightly bent knee.
   2. Adjust the backrest so your wrists can rest on top of the wheel with your shoulders against the seat.

9. What does it mean if the engine temperature warning light is red while driving?

   The engine is overheating. Pull over as soon as safely possible and switch off the engine.

   An overheated engine can suffer serious damage. The cause may be low coolant, a faulty water pump or thermostat, or a leaking radiator hose. Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot – the fluid is under pressure.

10. What does it mean if the ESP light (the yellow skid light) flashes while driving?

    The system is intervening because the car is about to skid. You should reduce your speed and drive carefully.

    ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) brakes individual wheels to prevent skidding. When the light flashes, the system is actively working. If the light stays on, ESP is off or faulty – drive to a workshop.