Automatic Driving Lessons In North Dublin Under The Bonnet
On the day of your driving test, you will be asked to “pop” the bonnet. This simply means open the bonnet by pulling the lever from inside the car. The term “pop” is used because of the sound it makes when you pull the lever. When you pull the lever, you must walk to the front of the car where the tester will be standing and lift the bonnet up. All cars are different and all cars have different locks which you must open to lift the bonnet up. (see yellow lever above the Ford symbol) Always practice opening the bonnet before your test. Practice this a few times so it comes easy to you on test day. Once you have the bonnet open, there is usually a metal rod which holds the bonnet up. Some cars have bonnets that stay open automatically but again, always practice as all cars are different. Leave nothing to chance on the day of your test.
Once you have the bonnet securely open, the tester can ask you a number of questions about different components in the engine. They could ask you about oil, coolant, windscreen washer fluid, steering fluid, brake fluid and where you would put these fluids. Oil is the most common question asked by testers. The tester could ask “where does the oil go?” or “how do I measure the oil level in the engine?” These are commonly asked questions and having a short, sharp answer is best. The tester knows the majority of us are not mechanics and they don’t want a long technical answer. Simply say “oil goes in here” and point to the engine block where the cap is for oil. (see the black cap on the engine block) In your pretests, your instructor will show you the cap. “I measure the oil level by taking out the dipstick, wiping the end of the dipstick with a rag or tissue, reinsert the dipstick back into its holder and take it back out. The oil level should be displayed at the end of the dipstick.” Your instructor will show you where the dipstick goes. Keep your answers short and to the point.
Coolant. The tester could ask you “where do I add coolant?” or “why do I need coolant?” The coolant tank is easy to spot as it is usually a big white, transparent tank with pink fluid inside. (see top left corner the tank with pink fluid) You would simply say “When the engine is cold, I open the cap and fill the tank with coolant up to the maximum line.” I could also say “I need coolant because coolant prevents my engine from overheating when I am driving” Again short, sharp answers keeps the tester happy and also reverse your answers so you can say them smoothly.
Windscreen washer fluid. The tester could ask “where do I add windscreen washer fluid?” or “why do I need windscreen washer fluid?” Sometimes this cap can be hard to find so always know where it is because you will be definitely asked about this. Always have this tank full on your test as you will be asked to demonstrate the use of them later on in the test. (see blue cap on the right side of the picture, the cap will have a diagram of a windscreen and a wiper with water splash)
Steering and brake fluid. This question is not asked as frequently as the others but if it is asked to be prepared to give an answer. This is usually the same tank and it is a smaller tank. If the tester asks “how do I know if I need fluid?” simply say “if my fluid level is below the minimum mark on the tank.” (see the small tank above the coolant tank)
Keep the answers short and sweet. All cars are different and familiarize yourself with all the components before the day of your test. Practice your answers and it will be easy for you.
The car used in the picture is a 2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2 petrol
