Show Me - Tell Me
Show-me Tell-me Questions
Q Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A Identify dipstick and describe how you would check the oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
Q Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
A Identify the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how the coolant level should be checked against the maximum/minimum markers.
Q 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 the brake fluid reservoir and describe how the level should be checked against the maximum/minimum markers.
Q Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A Identify the washer reservoir and explain that as the level cannot be seen the reservoir should be regularly topped-up to ensure there is always water in the reservoir.
Q Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
A Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.
Q Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A Before starting the car press the brake pedal end make sure that it is firm, the pedal should not feel spongy or slack. Test the brakes again as you drive off, the vehicle should stop in a straight line and not pull to one side.
Q Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A The information can be found in the owners manual or the inside of the drivers door.
Use a reliable pressure gauge and check the pressures when the tyres are cold, don't forget the spare tyre. Remember to refit the valve caps.
Q 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 Use the were guide built into the tyre to check that the tread depth is above 1.6mm for ¾ of the breadth of the tyre around the entire circumference. Check that there is no damage to the side-wall of the tyre i.e. cuts or bulges.
Q 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 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.
Q Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Q Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
A Press the horn ( switch on the ignition if necessary)
Q Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A Switch on the ignition and then each indicator, walk around the car and check that each indicator light is working.
Q Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working
A Switch on the ignition then the light switch walk around the car and check that all the lights are working.