Where should you find the recommended inflation pressure for the tires on your car?
Correct answer: The vehicle’s tire-information label or owner’s manual.
Use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation, usually on the driver-side door area and in the manual. The tire sidewall’s maximum is not the vehicle’s recommended setting.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Maintenance — Tire Pressure; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
For a routine pressure check, what does NHTSA mean by checking tires when they are cold?
Correct answer: The vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours.
Cold inflation pressure is measured after the tires have rested, not simply when the weather is cold. Driving warms tires and can change the reading.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Maintenance — Tire Pressure; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
How often should you routinely check tire pressure, even with a tire-pressure warning system?
Correct answer: At least once a month.
A warning system does not replace regular pressure checks. NHTSA recommends checking all tires at least monthly with an accurate gauge.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Maintenance — Tire Pressure; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Which tire is easily forgotten during pressure checks but also needs attention?
Correct answer: The spare tire, if the vehicle carries one.
A spare is useful only if it is serviceable when needed. Include it in the tire checks instead of checking just the four tires on the road.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Maintenance — Tire Pressure; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
The low tire-pressure warning stays illuminated while you drive. What should you do?
Correct answer: Inspect the tires and check their pressure as soon as safely possible.
The warning generally means at least one tire is significantly underinflated. Appearance alone may not reveal the problem; measure and correct pressure.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Tire Pressure Monitoring System — symbol illuminates; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
On cold mornings the tire-pressure light comes on, then goes off after driving. What is the appropriate response?
Correct answer: Check tire pressure rather than assuming nothing is wrong.
Marginally low pressure may fall below the warning threshold overnight and rise as tires warm. An intermittent warning still calls for inspection and pressure measurement.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Tire Pressure Monitoring System — warning goes on and off; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
In a 2008-or-newer car, the TPMS lamp flashes for about a minute and then stays on. What may this pattern mean?
Correct answer: The monitoring system has a malfunction and needs inspection.
Flashing for 60–90 seconds followed by steady illumination can indicate a TPMS fault. Have the system inspected and continue checking actual tire pressure.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Tire Pressure Monitoring System — flashes then remains illuminated; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
The tread has worn down level with the built-in treadwear indicators. What is the appropriate action?
Correct answer: Replace the worn tire.
The indicators show that tread is worn to its replacement level. Air pressure and cosmetic products cannot restore worn tread.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Maintenance — Tire Tread; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Why is adequate tire tread particularly important on a wet road?
Correct answer: It helps provide the grip needed to resist slipping and sliding.
Tread supports traction, especially in wet or icy conditions. Good tread helps, but it does not make high speeds or poor visibility safe.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Maintenance — Tire Tread; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You notice a new bulge or crack in a tire sidewall. What should you do?
Correct answer: Have the tire evaluated by a qualified tire service professional.
Visible damage can indicate an unsafe tire even when tread remains. Get professional evaluation instead of relying on tread depth alone.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Aging — Should I replace my tires?; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
A tire has deep tread because the car is rarely used. Does that alone prove the tire is safe indefinitely?
Correct answer: No; tire materials can deteriorate with age and storage conditions.
Tire aging occurs over time, including during storage and infrequent use. Follow manufacturer guidance and evaluate age as well as tread and damage.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Aging — What is tire aging? / Should I replace my tires?; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What should guide your choice of replacement tire size?
Correct answer: The original size or another size recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Use the tire-information label, manual and qualified advice. Tire size must suit the vehicle; appearance alone is not a safe selection method.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Maintenance — Tire Size; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Before rotating tires, what should you check?
Correct answer: The vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pattern and whether rotation is permitted.
Rotation recommendations differ, and some vehicles with different front and rear tire sizes may not permit normal rotation. Follow the manual.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Maintenance — Tire Rotation; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You had to add air to a significantly low tire during a trip while it was warm. What follow-up is important?
Correct answer: Recheck and adjust it when a cold reading can be obtained.
A warm-tire adjustment may be a temporary step. NHTSA advises checking again when the tire is cold to obtain the appropriate inflation setting.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure — warm-tire temporary adjustment; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Your vehicle has summer tires and a trip will involve freezing temperatures and snow. What should you recognize?
Correct answer: Summer tires are not designed for those conditions.
NHTSA distinguishes warm-weather summer tires from tires intended for winter use. Match tires and travel decisions to the expected conditions.
Source: NHTSA, TireWise; Buying — What type of tire should I buy?; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
A replacement floor mat can slide toward the pedals. What should you do before driving?
Correct answer: Fit and secure a correctly sized mat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
An incorrectly installed mat may interfere with the accelerator or brake. Use the correct fit and retention clips rather than layering loose mats.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Changes You May Notice — Floor Mats; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
What should you check before driving in freezing, slushy conditions?
Correct answer: Working wipers and defrosters, with suitable winter washer fluid.
Winter driving can use considerable washer fluid. Prepare working wipers and defrosters and fluid designed for the expected cold conditions.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Preparing Your Vehicle — Windshield Wipers; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
How should you choose coolant for cold-weather vehicle preparation?
Correct answer: Use coolant meeting the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Check the coolant level, condition and manufacturer requirements. Also address leaks or deteriorated hoses before travel.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Preparing Your Vehicle — Cooling System; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
A child is wearing a thick puffy coat in a car seat. What is the safer way to keep the child warm?
Correct answer: Use thin warm layers under a snug harness and add warmth over it.
Bulky coats can prevent a proper harness fit. Secure the harness snugly over thinner layers, then add a coat or blanket over the secured child.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Changes You May Notice — Car Seats; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Before a long trip, which lights should you check?
Correct answer: Headlights, brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers.
Other drivers need to see your vehicle and your intended movements. Check the exterior safety lights even for a journey expected to be mostly in daylight.
Source: NHTSA, Winter Weather Driving Tips; Preparing Your Vehicle — Lights; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You are carrying a large object on a trailer. How should it be secured?
Correct answer: Tie the object directly to the vehicle or trailer with suitable restraints.
Large objects need direct securement with suitable rope, netting or straps. Weight alone does not prevent movement during braking, bumps or a collision.
Source: NHTSA, Drive Safe: Secure Your Load; Tips for Securing Your Cargo Properly; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Small items may blow out of an open load. What additional protection should you consider?
Correct answer: Secure a sturdy cover or net over the load.
A secured tarp or net can help contain loose material. It must be part of effective securement, not a loose object that can itself blow away.
Source: NHTSA, Drive Safe: Secure Your Load; Tips for Securing Your Cargo Properly; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
Before driving with cargo, which question is most useful for checking its security?
Correct answer: Could it shift or escape if I brake suddenly or hit a bump?
Securement must handle real driving events, not just a parked vehicle. Consider braking, bumps and impacts before setting off.
Source: NHTSA, Drive Safe: Secure Your Load; Ask Yourself — sudden braking or bumps; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
The cargo you want to carry exceeds what the vehicle or trailer can safely handle. What should you do?
Correct answer: Reduce the load or arrange suitable transport.
NHTSA advises against excessive loads. Restraints do not increase the vehicle’s safe load capacity.
Source: NHTSA, Drive Safe: Secure Your Load; Tips for Securing Your Cargo Properly; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
You have finished tying down a load. What should happen before you leave?
Correct answer: Double-check that the load is secure on all relevant sides.
Check securement before moving, including the possibility of material falling or blowing out. A short trip still includes braking and road disturbances.
Source: NHTSA, Drive Safe: Secure Your Load; Tips for Securing Your Cargo Properly — double-check; checked September 15, 2026. ↗
