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United States
226. Suspension
Suspension is the system that connects a vehicle's wheels and axles to its body or chassis. It includes components such as springs, shock absorbers, control arms, joints and links that allow the wheels to move while helping keep the vehicle stable and comfortable.
The suspension helps maintain tyre contact with the road, absorbs bumps and contributes to steering, braking and vehicle stability. Worn or damaged suspension components can reduce handling and increase uneven tyre wear.
Wikimedia.org • Khaosaming • CC BY-SA
What does a vehicle suspension system do?
The suspension supports the vehicle, allows the wheels to move over uneven surfaces and helps keep the tyres in contact with the road while controlling body movement.
🔗 monroe.com • Monroe, shocks, struts and spring-support/damping functions
What are signs of worn suspension?
Possible signs include excessive bouncing, unusual noises, poor stability, uneven tyre wear, excessive body movement in bends or a vehicle that sits unevenly. These symptoms should be inspected because they can also have other causes.
🔗 monroe.com • Monroe, shocks, struts and spring-support/damping functions
227. Shock absorber
A shock absorber is a suspension component that controls the movement of a vehicle's springs and wheels. It reduces excessive bouncing after bumps and helps keep the tyres in consistent contact with the road.
Worn or damaged shock absorbers can reduce vehicle stability, increase body movement and negatively affect steering and braking behaviour. They should be inspected if the vehicle bounces excessively, handles poorly or shows signs of fluid leakage.
Wikimedia.org • Avsar Aras • CC BY-SA
What does a shock absorber do?
A shock absorber controls suspension movement by damping the repeated movement of the springs. This helps stabilise the vehicle and maintain tyre contact with the road.
🔗 monroe.com • Monroe, shocks, struts and spring-support/damping functions
Are shock absorbers the same as springs?
No. Springs support the vehicle and allow the suspension to move over bumps, while shock absorbers control and damp that movement. The two components work together as part of the suspension system.
🔗 monroe.com • Monroe, shocks, struts and spring-support/damping functions
228. Spring
A spring is a suspension component that supports the vehicle's weight and allows the wheels to move vertically over bumps and uneven road surfaces. Common types include coil springs, leaf springs, torsion bars and air springs.
Springs absorb and store energy as the suspension moves, while shock absorbers control that movement. A damaged or broken spring can change the vehicle's ride height, handling and stability and should be repaired promptly.
Wikimedia.org • Qz10 • CC BY-SA
What does a suspension spring do?
A suspension spring supports the vehicle and allows the wheels to move over uneven surfaces while helping maintain the vehicle's normal ride height.
🔗 monroe.com • Monroe, shocks, struts and spring-support/damping functions
What are signs of a damaged suspension spring?
Possible signs include one side sitting lower, a collapsed or leaning corner, or a spring displaced from its seat. A spring can also break. These signs need a garage inspection; they do not by themselves prove which suspension component has failed.
🔗 kyb-europe.com • KYB, coil-spring function and fault symptoms
229. Exhaust
An exhaust system carries combustion gases away from a vehicle’s engine and releases them safely behind or beneath the vehicle. The exhaust system can include pipes, silencers or mufflers, catalytic converters, particulate filters and other emissions-control components.
A damaged or leaking exhaust can increase noise, allow harmful gases to escape in unintended locations and interfere with the vehicle's emissions-control system. Exhaust components should therefore remain securely attached and in good condition.
Wikimedia.org • Steevven1 • CC BY
What does a vehicle exhaust system do?
The exhaust system carries combustion gases away from the engine and directs them out of the vehicle. It can also reduce exhaust noise and use emissions-control equipment to reduce pollutants.
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust system components and design
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust gas aftertreatment, catalytic converters and particulate filters
What is included in an exhaust system?
Depending on the vehicle, the system can include an exhaust manifold, pipes, silencers, catalytic converters, particulate filters, sensors and other emissions-control components.
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust system components and design
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust gas aftertreatment, catalytic converters and particulate filters
230. Exhaust gas
Exhaust gas is the mixture of gases and particles produced by an internal-combustion engine and discharged through the vehicle's exhaust system. It contains combustion products such as carbon dioxide and water vapour and can also contain pollutants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulate matter.
Modern vehicles use emissions-control systems such as catalytic converters and particulate filters to reduce harmful exhaust emissions. The amount and composition of exhaust gas depend on factors including the fuel, engine design, operating conditions and condition of the emissions-control system.
Wikimedia.org • Santeri Viinamäki • CC BY-SA
How are harmful exhaust emissions reduced?
Vehicles can use technologies such as catalytic converters, particulate filters and electronic engine-management systems to reduce pollutants. Emission standards also limit the amount of certain pollutants that vehicles may produce.
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust system components and design
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust gas aftertreatment, catalytic converters and particulate filters
231. Soot
Soot is a dark, carbon-rich form of particulate matter produced by incomplete combustion. In road vehicles, it is mainly associated with exhaust from diesel engines and consists of very small particles that can contribute to air pollution.
Modern diesel vehicles use particulate filters to trap much of this material before it leaves the exhaust. Excessive soot emissions can indicate problems with combustion, the engine or the emissions-control system.
Wikimedia.org • Ilya Plekhanov • CC BY-SA
What causes soot in vehicle exhaust?
Soot is produced when fuel does not burn completely. Diesel engines can produce particularly significant amounts of particulate matter, especially when combustion or emissions-control systems are not functioning correctly.
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust system components and design
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust gas aftertreatment, catalytic converters and particulate filters
Can excessive soot indicate a vehicle problem?
Yes. Unusually high soot emissions can result from engine faults, poor combustion, a defective particulate filter or other problems with the emissions-control system.
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust system components and design
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust gas aftertreatment, catalytic converters and particulate filters
232. Catalytic converter
A catalytic converter is an emissions-control device fitted in a vehicle's exhaust system. It uses chemical reactions to convert harmful exhaust pollutants into less harmful substances before the exhaust gases are released into the atmosphere.
Depending on the engine and system, a catalytic converter can reduce pollutants such as carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. It must reach an appropriate operating temperature to work effectively and can be damaged by contamination, overheating or engine faults.
Wikimedia.org • Oak Ridge National Laboratory • CC BY
What does a catalytic converter do?
A catalytic converter reduces harmful pollutants in engine exhaust by converting them through chemical reactions into less harmful substances before they leave the exhaust system.
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust system components and design
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust gas aftertreatment, catalytic converters and particulate filters
What are signs of a faulty catalytic converter?
An emissions or engine warning, or an unsatisfactory emissions test, can lead to checks of the catalytic converter along with the engine-management system and sensors. These signs do not prove that the converter itself is faulty; proper diagnosis is needed.
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust system components and design
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, exhaust gas aftertreatment, catalytic converters and particulate filters
233. Engine
An engine is the machine that produces the power needed to propel a motor vehicle. In conventional vehicles, an internal-combustion engine burns fuel such as petrol or diesel, while electric vehicles use one or more electric motors instead of a combustion engine.
An engine contains many components that work together to convert energy into mechanical power. Proper lubrication, cooling, maintenance and emissions control are important for reliable operation and vehicle safety.
Wikimedia.org • Yanko Malinov • CC BY-SA
What does a vehicle engine do?
An engine converts energy into mechanical power that can be used to drive the vehicle's wheels. Internal-combustion engines obtain this energy by burning fuel, while electric vehicles use electrical energy in traction motors.
🔗 energy.gov • US Department of Energy, Internal Combustion Engine Basics
🔗 afdc.energy.gov • US Department of Energy AFDC, electric traction motors
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, petrol/diesel exhaust aftertreatment and pollutant control
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, maintenance; national guidance example
Why is regular engine maintenance important?
Maintenance helps keep lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition and emissions systems working correctly. Following the manufacturer's service requirements can improve reliability and help prevent serious mechanical damage.
🔗 energy.gov • US Department of Energy, Internal Combustion Engine Basics
🔗 afdc.energy.gov • US Department of Energy AFDC, electric traction motors
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, petrol/diesel exhaust aftertreatment and pollutant control
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, maintenance; national guidance example
234. Petrol engine
A petrol engine is an internal-combustion engine that normally uses spark plugs to ignite a mixture of air and petrol. For this reason, it is also known as a spark-ignition or positive-ignition engine.
Petrol engines convert the energy released by combustion into mechanical power that drives the vehicle. Modern petrol engines use electronic engine management and emissions-control systems such as catalytic converters to improve efficiency and reduce harmful exhaust emissions.
Wikimedia.org • Florian Lindner • CC BY
How does a petrol engine work?
A petrol engine draws or injects fuel and air into the engine, compresses the mixture and ignites it using a spark plug. The resulting combustion produces pressure that moves the pistons and generates mechanical power.
🔗 energy.gov • US Department of Energy, Internal Combustion Engine Basics
🔗 afdc.energy.gov • US Department of Energy AFDC, electric traction motors
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, petrol/diesel exhaust aftertreatment and pollutant control
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, maintenance; national guidance example
What emissions can a petrol engine produce?
Petrol-engine exhaust can contain pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and, particularly with some direct-injection engines, particulate matter. Modern emissions-control systems are designed to reduce these pollutants.
🔗 energy.gov • US Department of Energy, Internal Combustion Engine Basics
🔗 afdc.energy.gov • US Department of Energy AFDC, electric traction motors
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, petrol/diesel exhaust aftertreatment and pollutant control
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, maintenance; national guidance example
235. Diesel engine
A diesel engine is an internal-combustion engine that normally ignites fuel through the heat created by highly compressed air rather than by using spark plugs. For this reason, it is also known as a compression-ignition engine.
Diesel engines are commonly used in passenger cars, trucks, buses and machinery because they can provide strong low-speed torque and efficient fuel use. Modern diesel engines use emissions-control systems such as particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction to reduce harmful exhaust emissions.
Wikimedia.org • Vitaly V. Kuzmin • CC BY-SA
How does a diesel engine work?
A diesel engine compresses air inside the cylinder until it becomes very hot. Diesel fuel is then injected into the compressed air and ignites because of the high temperature.
🔗 energy.gov • US Department of Energy, Internal Combustion Engine Basics
🔗 afdc.energy.gov • US Department of Energy AFDC, electric traction motors
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, petrol/diesel exhaust aftertreatment and pollutant control
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, maintenance; national guidance example
What emissions can a diesel engine produce?
Diesel engines can produce pollutants including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter or soot. Modern vehicles use systems such as diesel particulate filters and other emissions-control technologies to reduce these pollutants.
🔗 energy.gov • US Department of Energy, Internal Combustion Engine Basics
🔗 afdc.energy.gov • US Department of Energy AFDC, electric traction motors
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, petrol/diesel exhaust aftertreatment and pollutant control
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, maintenance; national guidance example
236. Electric motor
An electric motor is a machine that converts electrical energy into mechanical power. In an electric or hybrid vehicle, one or more electric motors can provide the torque needed to drive the wheels.
Electric motors can deliver torque from very low speeds and operate without the combustion process used by petrol or diesel engines. During regenerative braking, some electric motors can also operate as generators and convert part of the vehicle's motion back into electrical energy.
Wikimedia.org • Oleg Alexandrov • CC BY-SA
What does an electric motor do in a vehicle?
An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical power that can propel the vehicle. Depending on the drivetrain, one or more motors may drive the wheels.
🔗 afdc.energy.gov • US Department of Energy AFDC, all-electric vehicle components
🔗 afdc.energy.gov • US Department of Energy AFDC, fuel-cell electric vehicle components
🔗 afdc.energy.gov • US Department of Energy AFDC, hybrid-electric vehicle components
Can an electric motor generate electricity?
Yes. In vehicles equipped with regenerative braking, the traction motor can operate as a generator while the vehicle slows down, converting part of its kinetic energy into electrical energy that can be stored in the traction battery.
🔗 afdc.energy.gov • US Department of Energy AFDC, all-electric vehicle components
🔗 afdc.energy.gov • US Department of Energy AFDC, fuel-cell electric vehicle components
🔗 afdc.energy.gov • US Department of Energy AFDC, hybrid-electric vehicle components
237. Timing belt
A timing belt is a toothed belt in an internal-combustion engine that synchronises the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft so that the engine's valves open and close at the correct time relative to piston movement.
The timing belt is a wear component and must be replaced according to the vehicle manufacturer's maintenance schedule. If it becomes excessively worn or breaks, the engine can stop suddenly and, in many engine designs, serious internal engine damage can occur.
Wikimedia.org • Thesupermat • CC BY-SA
What does a timing belt do?
The timing belt synchronises the crankshaft and camshaft so that the pistons and valves move in the correct sequence while the engine is operating.
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, toothed-belt/coolant-pump kits, timing function and failure risk
What happens if a timing belt breaks?
Loss of timing-belt drive disrupts the engine’s timing and can stop the engine or cause serious damage. The consequences depend on the engine and failure. Follow the manufacturer’s replacement and inspection requirements rather than assuming all designs fail in the same way.
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, toothed-belt/coolant-pump kits, timing function and failure risk
238. Glow plug
A glow plug is an electrical heating element used in diesel engines to help ignite the fuel during cold starting. It heats the combustion chamber so that the compressed air reaches conditions suitable for reliable combustion.
Modern glow plugs can continue operating briefly after the engine starts to improve combustion, reduce cold-start emissions and help the engine run smoothly while warming up.
Wikimedia.org • Chris828 • CC0
Do diesel engines use glow plugs instead of spark plugs?
Diesel engines normally ignite fuel through compression rather than an electrical spark. Glow plugs therefore assist cold combustion but do not continuously ignite the fuel in the same way that spark plugs do in a petrol engine.
What are signs of faulty glow plugs?
Possible signs include difficult cold starting, rough running shortly after startup, increased cold-start smoke or a glow plug or engine warning light. Similar symptoms can have other causes, so proper diagnosis may be necessary.
239. Cylinder
A cylinder is a chamber inside a reciprocating internal-combustion engine in which a piston moves up and down. Air or an air-fuel mixture is compressed inside the cylinder, and combustion produces pressure that pushes the piston and helps generate mechanical power.
Most car engines have several cylinders arranged in configurations such as inline, V-shaped or horizontally opposed layouts. The combined swept volume of all cylinders is known as the engine displacement or cylinder capacity.
Wikimedia.org • Nick johns • CC0
What happens inside an engine cylinder?
A piston moves inside the cylinder while the engine draws in air or an air-fuel mixture, compresses it and uses combustion to create pressure. This pressure acts on the piston and contributes to turning the crankshaft.
🔗 energy.gov • US Department of Energy, Internal Combustion Engine Basics
🔗 afdc.energy.gov • US Department of Energy AFDC, electric traction motors
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, petrol/diesel exhaust aftertreatment and pollutant control
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, maintenance; national guidance example
240. Engine oil
Engine oil is a lubricant used inside an internal-combustion engine to reduce friction and wear between moving components. It also helps remove heat, keep internal surfaces clean and protect components against corrosion.
The oil level and condition should be checked according to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions. Only oil with the correct specification and viscosity should be used, and the oil and oil filter should be replaced at the recommended maintenance intervals.
Wikimedia.org • Dvortygirl • CC BY-SA
How do you check the engine oil level?
Depending on the vehicle, the level is checked with an oil dipstick or an electronic oil-level system. The vehicle manufacturer's instructions should be followed because the required procedure can vary between engines.
Can you use any engine oil?
No. Engine oils have different viscosity grades and technical specifications. Only oil meeting the requirements specified by the vehicle manufacturer should be used.
241. Coolant
Coolant is a fluid that circulates through a vehicle's cooling system to remove excess heat from the engine or other components. It usually contains water mixed with antifreeze and corrosion inhibitors so that the cooling system can operate safely across a wide range of temperatures.
The coolant level should be checked according to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions. The correct coolant specification must be used, and the cooling system should only be opened when it is safe to do so because hot coolant can be under pressure.
Wikimedia.org • Gasper12345 • CC BY-SA
What does engine coolant do?
Coolant absorbs heat from the engine and carries it to the radiator, where the heat can be released. It also helps protect the cooling system against freezing, corrosion and excessive temperatures.
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, engine cooling, Engine cooling; 🔗 cdn.group.renault.com • Dacia, Sandero / Stepway / Jogger owner manual, Coolant reservoir safety instructions
Should you open the coolant reservoir when the engine is hot?
No. A hot cooling system can be pressurised and opening it can release hot coolant or steam. Allow the system to cool and follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions before opening the reservoir.
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, engine cooling, Engine cooling; 🔗 cdn.group.renault.com • Dacia, Sandero / Stepway / Jogger owner manual, Coolant reservoir safety instructions
242. Maintenance
Maintenance is the regular inspection, servicing and repair of a vehicle to keep it safe, reliable and in good working condition. It includes tasks such as checking fluids, tyres, brakes, lights and other components and replacing worn parts when necessary.
Maintenance should follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended service schedule. Regular maintenance can help prevent breakdowns, reduce wear, maintain safety systems and identify defects before they become more serious.
Wikimedia.org • Nigel Sandridge • CC0
Why is regular vehicle maintenance important?
Regular maintenance helps keep safety-critical and mechanical systems working correctly, reduces the risk of breakdowns and can identify worn or damaged components before they cause larger problems.
🔗 volvocars.com • Volvo, engine oil checking/filling; model-specific example
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, engine cooling system function
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, vehicle maintenance; national guidance example
How often should a vehicle be serviced?
Service intervals depend on the vehicle, engine, mileage, age and operating conditions. Drivers should follow the maintenance schedule provided by the vehicle manufacturer.
🔗 volvocars.com • Volvo, engine oil checking/filling; model-specific example
🔗 hella.com • HELLA, engine cooling system function
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, vehicle maintenance; national guidance example
243. Spare tyre
A spare tyre is an additional tyre, usually already mounted on a wheel, carried in a vehicle so that a damaged or punctured road wheel can be temporarily replaced. Vehicles may carry a full-size spare wheel, a compact temporary spare or a tyre-repair kit instead.
A temporary spare wheel is normally intended only for emergency and short-term use. Drivers must follow the manufacturer's restrictions concerning speed, distance, tyre pressure and installation and should replace or repair the damaged normal tyre as soon as possible.
Wikimedia.org • Mike-fiesta • CC BY-SA
What is a spare tyre?
A spare tyre is an additional tyre, normally mounted on a wheel, that can temporarily replace a punctured or damaged road wheel.
🔗 michelin.co.uk • Michelin, tyre sidewall markings and sizing
🔗 michelin.co.uk • Michelin, winter tyres, conditions and markings
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, tyres and pressures; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 228–231, snow and ice; national guidance example
What should you do after fitting a spare wheel?
Drive cautiously, respect any temporary-wheel restrictions and have the damaged tyre repaired or replaced as soon as reasonably possible.
🔗 michelin.co.uk • Michelin, tyre sidewall markings and sizing
🔗 michelin.co.uk • Michelin, winter tyres, conditions and markings
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, tyres and pressures; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 228–231, snow and ice; national guidance example
Is carrying a spare tyre compulsory?
This depends on the country and vehicle category. Some jurisdictions require particular breakdown equipment, while others allow vehicles to operate without a spare wheel.
🔗 michelin.co.uk • Michelin, tyre sidewall markings and sizing
🔗 michelin.co.uk • Michelin, winter tyres, conditions and markings
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, tyres and pressures; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 228–231, snow and ice; national guidance example
244. Flat tyre
A flat tyre is a tyre that has lost enough air pressure that it can no longer support the vehicle or operate safely. It can result from a puncture, damaged valve, damaged wheel, tyre failure or a gradual air leak.
A flat tyre can seriously affect steering, braking and vehicle stability. The driver should reduce speed smoothly, avoid sudden steering or braking and stop in a safe place as soon as possible rather than continuing to drive on the damaged tyre.
Wikimedia.org • Stian Martinsen • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a tyre becomes flat while driving?
Keep control of the vehicle, reduce speed gradually and move to a safe stopping place. Avoid sudden braking or steering because the vehicle's handling may be significantly affected.
🔗 michelin.co.uk • Michelin, tyre sidewall markings and sizing
🔗 michelin.co.uk • Michelin, winter tyres, conditions and markings
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, tyres and pressures; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 228–231, snow and ice; national guidance example
What can cause a flat tyre?
Common causes include punctures or damage to the tyre or wheel assembly. Have unexpected pressure loss or damage after an impact checked. Regular pressure and condition checks can help reveal a problem before the next journey.
🔗 michelin.co.uk • Michelin, tyre sidewall markings and sizing
🔗 michelin.co.uk • Michelin, winter tyres, conditions and markings
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, tyres and pressures; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 228–231, snow and ice; national guidance example
245. Jack
A jack is a portable lifting device used to raise part of a vehicle off the ground, commonly when changing a wheel. Vehicle jacks can be mechanical, hydraulic or electrically operated.
A jack should only be used at the lifting points specified by the vehicle manufacturer and on a firm, stable surface. The parking brake should be applied and the vehicle secured against movement before lifting.
Wikimedia.org • Santeri Viinamäki • CC BY-SA
Is it safe to work underneath a vehicle supported only by a jack?
No. A jack is primarily a lifting device and should not be relied upon as the sole support when working underneath a raised vehicle. Appropriate supporting equipment should be used for work beneath the vehicle.
🔗 michelin.co.uk • Michelin, tyre sidewall markings and sizing
🔗 michelin.co.uk • Michelin, winter tyres, conditions and markings
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, tyres and pressures; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 228–231, snow and ice; national guidance example
246. Vehicle inspection
A vehicle inspection is an official check to determine whether a vehicle is safe, roadworthy and compliant with applicable technical and environmental requirements. Depending on the country and type of vehicle, inspections may check the brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights, emissions, identification and other safety-related components. Inspection rules and intervals vary between countries: some vehicles require regular periodic inspections, while others may also need an inspection after major modifications, an accident, importation or a change of ownership.
Wikimedia.org • Roman Zázvorka • CC BY-SA
What is a vehicle inspection?
A vehicle inspection is an official examination of a vehicle to check whether it meets applicable safety, technical and environmental requirements.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe, registration and roadworthiness documents; EU example
What is checked during a vehicle inspection?
The inspection may include the brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights, vehicle identification and emissions. The exact inspection points depend on the country, vehicle type and type of inspection.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe, registration and roadworthiness documents; EU example
How often does a vehicle need to be inspected?
The inspection interval depends on the country and type of vehicle. Some countries require annual inspections, while others use longer intervals based on the vehicle's age, use or condition.
🔗 europa.eu • Your Europe, registration and roadworthiness documents; EU example
247. Key
A key is a device used to unlock a vehicle and authorise its operation. Traditional vehicle keys use a mechanical blade, while modern vehicles commonly use electronic transponders, remote-control key fobs or keyless systems that communicate electronically with the vehicle.
Many modern keys work together with an immobiliser that prevents the engine or propulsion system from being activated unless an authorised key is detected. Replacement or duplicate keys may therefore need to be electronically programmed to the vehicle.
Wikimedia.org • chen chin • CC BY
What does a modern car key do?
A modern car key can unlock and lock the vehicle and authorise the engine or electric propulsion system to start. It may use a mechanical blade, electronic transponder, remote-control functions or a keyless system.
What should you do if you lose a vehicle key?
Use a spare key if available and arrange a replacement through an appropriate dealer, locksmith or vehicle specialist. Modern replacement keys often need to be programmed to the vehicle's electronic security system.
248. Dashboard
The dashboard is the area in front of the driver that displays important information about the vehicle and provides access to controls and warning indicators. It commonly includes the speedometer, fuel or battery level, warning lights, indicators and information about the engine, brakes and safety systems. Modern vehicles may use a digital instrument display instead of traditional gauges. Drivers should understand the main dashboard symbols and respond appropriately when a warning light appears.
Wikimedia.org • Petar Milošević • CC BY-SA
What information is shown on the dashboard?
A dashboard may show the speed, fuel or battery level, engine information, warning lights, turn indicators and safety-system status. The exact display depends on the vehicle.
What do dashboard warning light colours mean?
Colour is a clue, not a complete diagnosis. Red or amber can indicate a warning or operating state, while green or blue commonly identifies an active function. Read the exact symbol and vehicle instructions before deciding what action is safe.
249. Windscreen wiper
A windscreen wiper is a device that removes rain, snow, dirt and other moisture from a vehicle’s windscreen to maintain a clear view of the road. Most vehicles use electrically powered wipers with replaceable rubber blades and several operating speeds, often together with a windscreen washer system. Drivers should replace worn or damaged wiper blades when they leave streaks, skip across the glass or no longer clean the windscreen effectively.
Wikimedia.org • Lothar Spurzem • CC BY-SA
What is a windscreen wiper?
A windscreen wiper is a device that moves across the windscreen to remove rain, snow, dirt and moisture so the driver can maintain a clear view of the road.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, clear windows and wipers; national guidance example
Why are windscreen wipers important?
Windscreen wipers help maintain clear visibility in bad weather and when the windscreen becomes dirty. Poor visibility can make it harder to detect traffic, pedestrians, signs and hazards.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, clear windows and wipers; national guidance example
When should windscreen wiper blades be replaced?
Wiper blades should be replaced when they are worn, cracked, damaged or no longer clean the windscreen effectively. Common signs include streaking, skipping, squeaking or areas of the windscreen remaining wet.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Annex 6, clear windows and wipers; national guidance example
250. Doors
Doors provide access to the vehicle and help protect occupants while the vehicle is moving. They must open and close correctly, remain securely closed during driving and have functioning hinges, catches and locking mechanisms. Damaged or loose doors can create a serious safety risk, especially if they can open unexpectedly or cannot be closed properly.
Wikimedia.org • Guyon • CC BY
Why are vehicle doors important for safety?
Vehicle doors help protect occupants and keep them safely inside the vehicle. They should close securely and must not open unexpectedly while driving.
What parts of a vehicle door should work correctly?
The door, hinges, catches, locking mechanism and surrounding structure should be secure and in good condition so the door can open and close properly.
Can you drive with a door that does not close properly?
A door that cannot remain securely closed can be dangerous and may make the vehicle unroadworthy. It should be repaired before the vehicle is used.