Vehicle knowledge
Voertuigkennis · 11 min
You need to use your car safely: the right lights, good tyres, understanding warning lights and using your mirrors well.
Lights
- Dipped headlights: in the evening, at night, in tunnels and when visibility is poor, for example at dusk and in rain.
- High beam: only on dark roads. Switch back to dipped lights when someone comes towards you or when you drive close behind someone.
- Front fog lights: when visibility is seriously reduced by fog, snow or rain.
- Rear fog light: only when you can see less than 50 metres because of fog or snow.
Tyres
The tread of your tyres must be at least 1.6 mm deep. With less tread you have much less grip in the rain.
Check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, for example before a long trip. Pressure that is too low makes your braking distance longer and uses more fuel.
Warning lights
- Red light: act now. If, for example, the red oil-pressure light comes on, stop as soon as it is safe and switch off the engine.
- Amber light: take note, have it checked soon.
- Green or blue: information, for example your lights are on.
If you don't know what a light means, check the owner's manual.
Mirrors and the blind spot
Before changing lanes or turning, look in this order: interior mirror, door mirror, over your shoulder. The last look is for the blind spot: the area next to you that you cannot see in any mirror.
Braking with ABS
In an emergency stop with ABS, press the brake pedal hard and keep it pressed. ABS stops the wheels from locking, so you can keep steering. You feel the pedal vibrate; that is normal.
Load and hazard lights
Load, also on a roof rack, must be secured so that it cannot slide or fall off, not even in an emergency stop.
Use your hazard lights when you have broken down and are a danger to others, or to warn traffic behind you of a sudden queue on the motorway.
Fog lights
- Rear fog light: only on when fog or snow reduces visibility to less than 50 metres. Otherwise you dazzle the driver behind you.
- Front fog lights may be used when visibility is seriously reduced by fog, snow or rain.
Switch them off as soon as visibility improves.
Colours of dashboard lights
- Red: serious problem. Stop as soon as it is safe (for example oil pressure, brakes, temperature).
- Orange/yellow: warning. Have it checked soon (for example engine light, ABS, tyre pressure).
- Green or blue: information (for example indicator, high beam).
Electric and hybrid cars
An electric car is almost silent at low speed. Pedestrians and cyclists may not hear you coming; take extra care.
Many electric cars slow down on the motor when you release the accelerator (regenerative braking). The brake lights do not always come on.
Clear view all round
You must be able to see well all around. In winter clear all windows of ice, not just a small hole. Keep windows, mirrors and lights clean, and make sure wipers and washer fluid are in order.
Before you drive off
1. Adjust the seat: you can press the pedals all the way.
2. Head restraint at the height of your head.
3. Adjust the mirrors.
4. Seat belt on, for passengers too.
5. Look around the car: children, obstacles.