Video lessons · Unit 13: Your car, road-ready

When Your Car Overheats

Scorching heat, A/C on max, full speed? What could go wrong? Grandpa explains it in one minute.

What you'll learn

• In extreme heat, watch the temperature gauge.
• Don't drive at high speeds for long periods. And turn off the air conditioner.
• In extreme cold, watch it too: the engine may not have enough antifreeze.

Test yourself: 5 exam-style questions

1. 1. Before you get in the car, what's worth checking with a quick walk around it?

   1. Only the gas level and the oil change sticker
   2. Tires, lights, glass, and nothing behind it
   3. Only that the radio and the A/C both work
   4. Nothing, the shop checks all that once a year
   Show answer

   Answer: Tires, lights, glass, and nothing behind it

   A quick lap around the car, kiddo. Tires, lights, glass, and no kid or pet behind it.

2. 2. Where do you find the right air pressure for your tires?

   1. The maximum number printed on the tire's sidewall
   2. Whatever looks right when you kick the tire
   3. Whatever the gas station air machine suggests
   4. On the label in the driver's door frame
   Show answer

   Answer: On the label in the driver's door frame

   The door label says what your car needs, checked cold. The sidewall only shows the maximum.

3. 3. You're about to start an automatic car. How do you do it?

   1. In reverse, so it can't roll forward
   2. Foot on the gas, shifter in Drive
   3. In neutral while pressing the gas
   4. Foot on the brake, shifter in Park
   Show answer

   Answer: Foot on the brake, shifter in Park

   Foot on the brake and in Park. That way the car can't get away from you.

4. 4. What's smart to always keep in the car in case you break down?

   1. Triangles, a flashlight, jumper cables, water
   2. Just your phone, that's all you'll ever need
   3. Nothing, the tow truck brings everything
   4. An extra can of gas inside the passenger area
   Show answer

   Answer: Triangles, a flashlight, jumper cables, water

   A small kit can save your night: triangles, flashlight, cables, water, and first aid.

5. 5. Why are bald tires dangerous in the rain?

   1. They aren't; smooth tires grip pavement better
   2. They can't clear water, so you may hydroplane
   3. They make your brakes get wet a lot faster
   4. They overheat and burst when they get wet
   Show answer

   Answer: They can't clear water, so you may hydroplane

   Tread channels the water away. No tread, and your tire floats like a boat.