Vehicle Loading

When would you increase the pressure in your tyres so that it’s above the normal value?

When carrying a heavy load

What would be affected if you carry a heavy load on your vehicle?

Control and vehicle handling characteristics - reduces stability of vehicle as centre of gravity shifts

How should a load be carried on your roof rack?

Secured fastened with suitable restraints

• Carry a load on the roof rack will increase wind resistance and make vehicle less stable

You’re planning to tow a caravan. What will help with the handling combination?

A stabiliser fitted to the tow bar

• Towing a caravan affects the way the towing vehicle handles

• A stabiliser device can give added security in side-winds and from buffeting caused by large vehicles  

You’re towing a caravan. What is the safest type of rear-view mirror to use?

Extended-arm side mirrors

What safety device must be fitted to a trailer braking system?

Breakaway cable

• In the event the trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle, the breakaway cable activates the trailer brakes before snapping

• This allows the towing vehicle to get free of the trailer and out of danger

What should you do if you towing a trailer and it starts to swing from side to side (‘snake’)?

Ease off the accelerator to reduce your speed

What restrictions apply if you’re towing a trailer on a three-lane motorway?

You mustn’t use the right-hand lane

Where would you find the maximum nose-weight for your vehicle’s tow hitch?

In the vehicle handbook

• You must know how to load your trailer so that the hitch exerts an appropriate downward force on the tow ball.