In September 2003 a new test was introduced called the "Basic Maintenance Test". At the start of the practical test you will be asked questions on the basic maintenance of a car.
The following list is a list of maintenance checks which should be looked at each week in order to keep your car in good working order. It's these which you will have questions on during the BMT.
Batteries are highly combustible, take extra precaution not to expose a battery to direct flames or sparks caused by electricity.
Show the examiner where the brake fluid reservoir is located and how you would check the level of hydraulic fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high / low markings.
Show the examiner you would check the power steering before starting a journey.
There are two possible checks that can be done:
How would you check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Apply handbrake and show when it's applied that it will secure itself and has extra travelling space.
Tell examiner how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Ways to test brakes:
The braking system operates on all four wheels and is made up of two hydraulic systems; One either side of the car. If one system fails you should still be able to rely on the other set of brakes.
topDemonstrate to the examiner that you know where the coolant is put into the engine and if the level of coolant is correct.
After locating the high/low markings on the radiator, give a full description on how to add coolant to the correct level, which is between the high/low markings.
Identify where you check the engine oil and tell me how you would check the engine oil level.
You may need to open the bonnet first. Show the examiner the location of where to check the engine oil. Followed with an explaination on how you would test the dipstick for the amount of oil present and how to refill the oil, so its between min/max level.
Not enough oil can cause serious damage to the car. Oil Should be checked regularly. Be wary not to over fill the oil as this can also cause damage to the car.
Check that the direction indicators work. Tell/Show the examiner how you'd do this.
To test that all the indicators work you can put these on or the hazard lights and check by walking around the car to ensure all lights are on and are working correctly.
How would you check to see that brake lights are working. Tell the examiner how you'd do this.
Using reflective surfaces e.g. shop windows, garage doors etc. Reverse up to the and apply the brake to see whether both lights are working. Alternatively, ask someone to stand behind and take a look to check.
Tell/Show the examiner how you'd check the headlights are working.
Respond by operating the headlight switch and then walk around the car to check these are in working order.
Sidelights should be bright and of equal intensity. These are white at the front of the car and red at the back. If any of the sidelights begin to dim it means that new bulbs are needed shortly.
Where would information on tyre pressure be found and how can you check this pressure?
Information on tyre pressure can be found in a manufacturers guide book and sometimes on the inside of the door frame. Always check tyre pressure, including the spare, when tyres are cold and add accordingly the amount needed in each tyre, remembering to replace the valve caps once you've done.
How would you check the tread on tyres are of legal requirement and in good condition for being on the road?
Look at the tyres and check to make sure there are no cuts or bulges. Never run your fingers around them as there maybe something sharp sticking out. The depth of the tread on 3/4 of the central part of the tyre needs to be at least 1.6mm to fulfil legal requirements.
You can check the tyre tread by way of 10pence coin. The tread needs to cover the edge of the coin to comply with legal requirements.
The tread depth of a large vehicle or motorcycle is 1mm
Do not use a deformed tyre as this can be highly dangerous and could fail on you at any time.
The penalty points for tyres that don't fit legal requirements is 3pts and a fine of up to £2500 per tyre.
If you were to get a flat tyre on the motorway and you're going to change it yourself do not do it on the hard shoulder as your hazard lights may not be noticeable! Make sure it's safe where you do stop. Ensure passengers are out of the car and stood away in a safe area. Put your hazard warning lights on. Apply handbrake and put into 1st gear.
Make sure you're on flat surfaces not over grates etc so that the jack can lay flat. If you are on a slope put chocks (house bricks etc) at front and rear of wheel diagonally opposite to the one being removed. Before raising car remove wheel trim and use wheel nut spanner to loosen nuts anti-clockwise.
Turn the jack anti clockwise to raise car until tyres are off the ground. Remove wheel nuts and then wheel. Fit spare tyre and tighten nuts until wheel is secure. Lower car, remove jack chocks then fully tighten wheel nuts in diagonal sequence. Replace the wheel trim.
topLocate where under the bonnet the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is and how to check the level of windscreen washer fluid contained within the reservoir.
Show the examiner where exactly the windscreen washer fluid is located then explain the way to check the level of windscreen washer fluid in the reservoir.
Any sort of cleaner or chemical should not be used on windscreen wipers. If they don't clean the windscreen properly then new blades are possibly required.
If when the windscreen wipers are on and you notice any of the following, then this is a sign that they aren't cleaning properly.
Windscreen wiper blades are old they can become damaged. This may leave excess water behind and lines or bands may appear.
Lace curtains is the name given when a sheen is left on the windscreen causing poor visibility. This could be due to faulty windscreen wiper arms.
If chattering occurs, streaks maybe formed on the windscreen, caused by a faulty wiper.
Clean the outside of the windscreen with a mild detergent. Your windscreen is clean if beads do not form when rinsing with clean water.
If when you clean the wiper blades and there is no increase in the cleaning the windscreens, then new blades are required.
To change the windscreen wipers you'll need to:
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