A working snowplow ahead is moving slowly and throwing snow into the air. What is the safer response?
Correct answer: Stay well back and let the plow work.
Do not crowd a snowplow. It moves slowly, stops, overlaps lanes and may reduce visibility with blowing snow.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Driving Tips — Driving in Winter Weather — The Basics. ↗
A child’s thick winter coat prevents the car-seat harness from fitting snugly. What does NHTSA recommend?
Correct answer: Use thinner warm layers under the harness and add a blanket over it.
Bulky clothing can interfere with harness fit. Use thin warm layers, secure the harness correctly and place a blanket over it if needed.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Driving Tips — Changes You May Notice — Car Seats. ↗
An Arizona high-country road is covered with snow or ice. Which adjustment is appropriate?
Correct answer: Drive more slowly and increase the distance behind other vehicles.
Snow and ice reduce control and increase stopping difficulty. Slow down and leave additional following distance.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Driving Tips — Driving in Winter Weather — The Basics. ↗
Before a trip where freezing weather is expected, what should you check for windshield visibility?
Correct answer: Working wipers and defrosters, plus suitable winter washer fluid.
Inspect the wipers, ensure defrosters work and use winter washer fluid designed for freezing conditions.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Driving Tips — Preparing Your Vehicle — Windshield Wipers. ↗
Your car has working anti-lock brakes and you need an emergency stop. How should you apply the brake pedal?
Correct answer: Use firm, continuous pressure.
With ABS, maintain firm continuous pressure so the system can help prevent wheel lock. Do not substitute the pumping technique used with some non-ABS brakes.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Driving Tips — Changes You May Notice — Safety Technologies. ↗
A car without ABS locks its wheels during braking on a slippery surface. Which response may be needed to regain control?
Correct answer: Ease and reapply the brakes rather than keep the wheels locked.
NHTSA notes that vehicles without ABS may require pumping the brakes when wheels lock. This differs from the firm continuous pressure used with ABS.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Driving Tips — Changes You May Notice — Safety Technologies. ↗
A tire suddenly loses pressure while you are driving. What should you prioritize with your hands?
Correct answer: Hold the steering wheel with both hands to control the vehicle.
Maintain balanced vehicle control. NHTSA’s blowout guidance begins with holding the wheel using both hands.
Source: NHTSA, Tires — Tire Blowouts — What should I do if I have a tire blowout while driving? ↗
A tire blows out at highway speed. Which reaction can make control worse?
Correct answer: Slamming on the brakes.
Hard braking immediately after a blowout can upset the vehicle. Focus on control and avoid an abrupt stop.
Source: NHTSA, Tires — Tire Blowouts — What should I do if I have a tire blowout while driving? ↗
While controlling a vehicle after a tire blowout, how should you reduce accelerator pressure?
Correct answer: Release it gradually rather than abruptly.
Avoid abruptly releasing the accelerator after a blowout. Gradual release helps preserve vehicle balance while you regain control.
Source: NHTSA, Tires — Tire Blowouts — What should I do if I have a tire blowout while driving? ↗
After a blowout, the vehicle is beginning to track steadily again. When should you move off the roadway?
Correct answer: After stabilizing, slow down and pull off where it is safe.
First stabilize the vehicle. Then slow and leave the roadway when and where you can do so safely.
Source: NHTSA, Tires — Tire Blowouts — What should I do if I have a tire blowout while driving? ↗
Where should you find the recommended inflation pressure for your car’s tires?
Correct answer: On the vehicle’s tire-information label or in its owner’s manual.
Use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation, commonly on the driver-door label or in the manual. A tire sidewall marking is not the vehicle’s recommended setting.
Source: NHTSA, Tires — Maintenance — Tire Pressure. ↗
Your TPMS warning light is off. Does that remove the need to check tire pressures?
Correct answer: No; check them regularly because TPMS warns of significant underinflation.
NHTSA recommends monthly pressure checks, including the spare. TPMS is a warning system, not a replacement for routine checks.
Source: NHTSA, Tires — Maintenance — Tire Pressure; Tire Pressure Monitoring System. ↗
For NHTSA’s recommended cold-tire pressure check, how long should the vehicle have been parked without being driven?
Correct answer: At least three hours.
For this maintenance recommendation, cold tires have not been driven for at least three hours. This is a tire-check guideline, not an Arizona parking law.
Source: NHTSA, Tires — Maintenance — Tire Pressure. ↗
Tire tread has worn down to 2/32 inch. What does NHTSA recommend?
Correct answer: Replace the tires.
NHTSA recommends replacement at 2/32 inch of remaining tread. Worn tread reduces the tire’s ability to grip, especially on wet or icy roads.
Source: NHTSA, Tires — Maintenance — Tire Tread. ↗
A replacement floor mat slides forward toward the pedals. What should you do before driving?
Correct answer: Correct the fit and secure it using the specified retention system.
Improperly fitted or unsecured mats can interfere with the accelerator or brake. Use the correct mat and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Driving Tips — Changes You May Notice — Floor Mats. ↗
Your car is stranded safely off the roadway in snow. If you run the engine briefly for warmth, which precaution is important?
Correct answer: Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and avoid continuous running.
A snow-blocked exhaust creates a carbon-monoxide hazard. Keep it clear and run the engine only intermittently; do not run it for long periods in an enclosed space or with the windows up.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Driving Tips — Driving in Winter Weather — What to Do in an Emergency. ↗
