QUIZ: Even Mechanics Can’t Pass This Car Parts Quiz

Many of us think we know the basics when it comes to car parts because we’ve watched our mechanics work on our car or we have a mechanic in the family. But this car parts quiz is not as easy as it seems and many of us would be lucky to get even half of these questions right.

Many of us think we know the basics when it comes to car parts because we’ve watched our mechanics work on our car or we have a mechanic in the family. But this car parts quiz is not as easy as it seems and many of us would be lucky to get even half of these questions right.

What is the device called that keeps the engine from overheating?

  • Converter
  • Cooler
  • Radiator
  • Water Pump

Water pumps move coolant liquid around the engine and other vehicle components. This prevents the engine from overheating and cracking, which can lead to costly and sometimes permanent damage.

Water pumps move coolant liquid around the engine and other vehicle components. This prevents the engine from overheating and cracking, which can lead to costly and sometimes permanent damage.

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This device is designed to make a car’s exhaust less toxic. What is it called?

  • Muffler
  • Fuel filter
  • Catalytic converter
  • Emissions reducer

The catalytic converter uses chemical reactions to turn car exhaust pollutants into emissions that are far less harmful. Some converters can reduce pollution by as much as 40%.

The catalytic converter uses chemical reactions to turn car exhaust pollutants into emissions that are far less harmful. Some converters can reduce pollution by as much as 40%.

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Name this cylindrical object...

  • Spark plug
  • Fuel cell
  • Lithium
  • Battery

Every vehicle has one of these per cylinder and it is used to ignite the gas in the combustion chamber, which is why we can’t get our cars started if these babies start to fail.

Every vehicle has one of these per cylinder and it is used to ignite the gas in the combustion chamber, which is why we can’t get our cars started if these babies start to fail.

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Shift into different speeds using this joystick:

  • Driving Stick
  • Gearshift
  • Lever
  • Mover

The gearshift is a vital component of cars with manual transmission because it helps the driver shift into different speed gears. However, this component isn’t necessary in vehicles with automatic transmission.

The gearshift is a vital component of cars with manual transmission because it helps the driver shift into different speed gears. However, this component isn’t necessary in vehicles with automatic transmission.

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Drivers might need to get a replacement for this every 3,000 miles or so.

  • Carburetor
  • Oil filter
  • Stem bolt
  • Spark plug

Engine oil is required to lubricate engine parts and the oil filter ensures that contaminants are strained so that it won’t damage the engine. But after 3,000 miles, mechanics suggest replacing the filter.

Engine oil is required to lubricate engine parts and the oil filter ensures that contaminants are strained so that it won’t damage the engine. But after 3,000 miles, mechanics suggest replacing the filter.

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What are the lower headlights on a vehicle called?

  • Extra lighting
  • Energy beams
  • Lighting enhancers
  • Fog lights

These types of lights are placed lower on a vehicle and are a real lifesaver during foggy weather because they keep the fog from reflecting light back into the driver’s eyes.

These types of lights are placed lower on a vehicle and are a real lifesaver during foggy weather because they keep the fog from reflecting light back into the driver’s eyes.

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These devices are vital when a driver needs to come to a complete stop. What are they?

  • Friction cushions
  • Stoppers
  • Decelerators
  • Brake pads

When a driver hits the brakes, these brake pads put pressure on the rotor in order to slow the car down. It’s important to replace the pads when they start to wear out to avoid slipping and sliding when someone pulls the brakes.

When a driver hits the brakes, these brake pads put pressure on the rotor in order to slow the car down. It’s important to replace the pads when they start to wear out to avoid slipping and sliding when someone pulls the brakes.

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What is the car part used to check fluid levels called?

  • Inserter
  • Probe
  • Dipstick
  • Oil Indicator

A dipstick is used to check the fluid levels of a vehicle. To do this, a driver will pull the dipstick out, clean it and then stick it into the tank. When it’s pulled out again, the driver will be able to see if the engine has sufficient lubricant or not.

A dipstick is used to check the fluid levels of a vehicle. To do this, a driver will pull the dipstick out, clean it and then stick it into the tank. When it’s pulled out again, the driver will be able to see if the engine has sufficient lubricant or not.

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These components move up and down when the car is running. What are they?

  • Pistons
  • Coils
  • Undulators
  • Carburetor

The pistons are part of the engine’s cylinders and cause the crankshaft to spin by moving up and down. But when the pistons aren’t working properly, a driver will hear the engine rattling and may even experience difficulty getting the car to start.

The pistons are part of the engine’s cylinders and cause the crankshaft to spin by moving up and down. But when the pistons aren’t working properly, a driver will hear the engine rattling and may even experience difficulty getting the car to start.

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What is the system that connects the wheels to the engine?

  • System’s core
  • Transmission
  • Fuel drive
  • Engine core

The transmission processes the power created by a vehicle’s engine and then releases it through gears that keep the energy in check as it flows through the mechanism that turns the wheels.

The transmission processes the power created by a vehicle’s engine and then releases it through gears that keep the energy in check as it flows through the mechanism that turns the wheels.

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Which of these devices stores rotational energy?

  • The storage grid
  • The power receptable
  • The flywheel
  • The power coupling

This device stores rotational energy. Basically, it’s a heavy wheel that uses a large amount of force to spin and is attached to a rotating shaft that delivers energy from the engine to the rest of the vehicle.

This device stores rotational energy. Basically, it’s a heavy wheel that uses a large amount of force to spin and is attached to a rotating shaft that delivers energy from the engine to the rest of the vehicle.

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What is the part of the wheel that’s there just for show?

  • Tire logo
  • Tire cover
  • Tire shield
  • Hubcap

Hubcaps come in different shapes, sizes and color. Some even rotate, but they serve another purpose beyond decking a car’s wheel out. They also prevent a tire’s lug nuts from corroding or getting rusty.

Hubcaps come in different shapes, sizes and color. Some even rotate, but they serve another purpose beyond decking a car’s wheel out. They also prevent a tire’s lug nuts from corroding or getting rusty.

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The British call this part the silencer:

  • Muffler
  • Brakes
  • Axle
  • Quieter

This device was designed to muffle the noise caused by an engine’s exhaust and is recognizable for its twin pipes sticking out of the back of the car. And when cars get really noisy, there’s something wrong with the muffler.

This device was designed to muffle the noise caused by an engine’s exhaust and is recognizable for its twin pipes sticking out of the back of the car. And when cars get really noisy, there’s something wrong with the muffler.

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What is the skirt guard that some cars and trucks place behind their wheels?

  • Wheel shield
  • Mudflap
  • Mud guard
  • Wheel protector

Mudflaps are highly flexible and, in some cases, made of metal. As far as their purpose, drivers add them to protect their wheels, people, and other vehicles from mud flying in their direction.

Mudflaps are highly flexible and, in some cases, made of metal. As far as their purpose, drivers add them to protect their wheels, people, and other vehicles from mud flying in their direction.

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This item is practically invisible inside a car until it is needed.

  • Turbo boost
  • Joystick
  • Flame thrower
  • Emergency hand brake

Some drivers might call it a parking brake because they usually lift it up after their car is parked on a slope. This device causes a corkscrew mechanism to push a piston into the brake pads to ensure the car won’t roll back.

Some drivers might call it a parking brake because they usually lift it up after their car is parked on a slope. This device causes a corkscrew mechanism to push a piston into the brake pads to ensure the car won’t roll back.

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It’s a panel full of multi-colored fuses, but what is it called?

  • Fuse panel
  • Connector box
  • Junction case
  • Circuit breaker

The fuses in the panel protect the electrical and wiring components of the vehicle, and while some cars have more than one panel in different locations, the most common location is under the steering wheel.

The fuses in the panel protect the electrical and wiring components of the vehicle, and while some cars have more than one panel in different locations, the most common location is under the steering wheel.

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It sits on top of the engine and is round. What is it?

  • Power core
  • Fuel tank
  • Air filter
  • Steering wheel receptacle

Most cars have one or more of these filters and they are designed to keep the air inside the cabin nice and clean while the others protect the engine from dust and other pollutants that can taint the purity of the oxygen needed to maintain the engine’s combustion.

Most cars have one or more of these filters and they are designed to keep the air inside the cabin nice and clean while the others protect the engine from dust and other pollutants that can taint the purity of the oxygen needed to maintain the engine’s combustion.

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What are the two posts that stick out of a car’s battery called?

  • Plugs
  • Power ports
  • Stalks
  • Terminals

A car’s battery has a positive and negative terminal and these posts are used to connect it to the vehicle. They are also used to connect charging cables when helping to jump another driver’s dying car battery.

A car’s battery has a positive and negative terminal and these posts are used to connect it to the vehicle. They are also used to connect charging cables when helping to jump another driver’s dying car battery.

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What is the coiled, spring-like part found beneath cars called?

  • Impact cushioning device
  • Shock absorber
  • Vibration reducer
  • Impact absorber

Shock absorbers were designed to dampen or cushion impact while driving across roads that are very bumpy so that drivers can have a smoother ride and passengers don’t feel like they’re on a roller coaster.

Shock absorbers were designed to dampen or cushion impact while driving across roads that are very bumpy so that drivers can have a smoother ride and passengers don’t feel like they’re on a roller coaster.

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What is the name of the metal cage in racing cars?

  • Roll cage
  • Slide cage
  • Safety girder
  • Support pipe

A roll cage is designed to keep a driver and passengers safe if a car is rolling over. But this design isn’t just for race cars. Some expensive vehicles have computers that deploy roll hoops in the event that a car starts to roll over.

A roll cage is designed to keep a driver and passengers safe if a car is rolling over. But this design isn’t just for race cars. Some expensive vehicles have computers that deploy roll hoops in the event that a car starts to roll over.

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What is hiding behind the grill of the front of most cars?

  • Radiator
  • Heater
  • Evaporator
  • Cooler

A radiator is designed to take the hot coolant from the car’s engine and release it into the atmosphere. If a driver's car breaks down on the side of the road and the radiator is hot, the car may have overheated.

A radiator is designed to take the hot coolant from the car’s engine and release it into the atmosphere. If a driver's car breaks down on the side of the road and the radiator is hot, the car may have overheated.

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A lot of sports cars have one of these on top of the back of the car. What are they called?

  • Down wing
  • Stabilizer
  • Spoiler
  • Trunk topper

The spoiler was designed to spoil the airflow over the back of a car to reduce dragging and boost fuel efficiency. But most car owners would agree that it adds a sense of style, too.

The spoiler was designed to spoil the airflow over the back of a car to reduce dragging and boost fuel efficiency. But most car owners would agree that it adds a sense of style, too.

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What is the name of the top part of a car seat?

  • Head pillow
  • Head cushion
  • Skull Cushion
  • Headrest

The headrest was designed to help prevent drivers and passengers from getting whiplash. But most people only think of it as a place to rest their heads on when they lean back.

The headrest was designed to help prevent drivers and passengers from getting whiplash. But most people only think of it as a place to rest their heads on when they lean back.

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Which vehicle component is responsible for creating electricity?

  • Alternator
  • Fuel core
  • Electricity core
  • Carburetor

An alternator is responsible for generating the electricity needed to power electronic devices in a vehicle like the radio and even external devices like headlights and taillights. It also helps the battery to recharge while the car is in motion.

An alternator is responsible for generating the electricity needed to power electronic devices in a vehicle like the radio and even external devices like headlights and taillights. It also helps the battery to recharge while the car is in motion.

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How does gasoline enter the combustion chamber in a modern vehicle?

  • Fuel coil
  • Fuel injector
  • Muffler
  • Carburetor

The fuel injector sprays combustible material into the engine. But back in the day, older models relied on carburetors to pump air and gasoline in the combustion chamber which led to the engine flooding.

The fuel injector sprays combustible material into the engine. But back in the day, older models relied on carburetors to pump air and gasoline in the combustion chamber which led to the engine flooding.

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Which is not a fluid your car needs?

  • Headlight fluid
  • Oil
  • Brake fluid
  • Gas

While a vehicle needs many different fluids, headlight fluid isn't a real thing. These lights use electricity, like the other lights in your vehicle.

While a vehicle needs many different fluids, headlight fluid isn't a real thing. These lights use electricity, like the other lights in your vehicle.

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You should always have a spare of this in your trunk.

  • Radio
  • Tire
  • Steering wheel
  • seatbelt

While you may never need to use it, having a spare tire in your trunk is always a good idea. A car cannot drive very well on three tires, so a spare will ensure you can always keep going.

While you may never need to use it, having a spare tire in your trunk is always a good idea. A car cannot drive very well on three tires, so a spare will ensure you can always keep going.

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What oil is used for in your car?

  • Lubricate the engine
  • Nothing
  • Burn fuel
  • Make it run

Without oil to lubricate and clean the engine, it would be full of deposits that could cause friction. This can lead to potential issues and costly repairs.

Without oil to lubricate and clean the engine, it would be full of deposits that could cause friction. This can lead to potential issues and costly repairs.

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What is something you don't need to do when changing lanes?

  • Signal
  • Honk your horn
  • Shoulder check
  • Check mirrors

When changing lanes, it is important to make sure no one is driving where you want to go. This can be checked by looking over your shoulder, using mirrors, and utilizing a turn signal to make your intentions known.

When changing lanes, it is important to make sure no one is driving where you want to go. This can be checked by looking over your shoulder, using mirrors, and utilizing a turn signal to make your intentions known.

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Which vehicle is the best-selling of all time?

  • Toyota Corolla
  • Ford F-series
  • GMC Sierra
  • Chevrolet Corvette

The Toyota Corolla has remained among the top spots since its inception in the 1960s. Can you believe that tens of millions of them have been produced since 1966? Since they also last a looooong time, you still see some of those super-old ones on the road.

The Toyota Corolla has remained among the top spots since its inception in the 1960s. Can you believe that tens of millions of them have been produced since 1966? Since they also last a looooong time, you still see some of those super-old ones on the road.

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Who designed what many believe to be the world's first affordable car?

  • Henry Ford
  • Louis Chevrolet
  • Karl Rupp
  • Elon Musk

While automobiles were around before Henry Ford released the Ford Model T, it was generally seen as the first reliable and affordable mass-produced car. The Model T is still among the best-selling cars of all time.

While automobiles were around before Henry Ford released the Ford Model T, it was generally seen as the first reliable and affordable mass-produced car. The Model T is still among the best-selling cars of all time.

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Which of the following options is not a good situation in which to use your horn?

  • Alert people of your presence
  • Scare people
  • Avoid a collision
  • Make drivers aware of something

A car's horn is very important, but shouldn't be abused. It is meant to alert other drivers that you are there, or to get their attention, not to mess around with friends or startle people.

A car's horn is very important, but shouldn't be abused. It is meant to alert other drivers that you are there, or to get their attention, not to mess around with friends or startle people.

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Which Japanese manufacturer is the largest on the planet?

  • NIssan
  • Honda
  • Suzuki
  • Toyota

While Volkswagen is right on its tail, Toyota is still the largest auto manufacturer on the planet. In 2016, they produced well over 10 million vehicles.

While Volkswagen is right on its tail, Toyota is still the largest auto manufacturer on the planet. In 2016, they produced well over 10 million vehicles.

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What is the difference between a V6 and a V8 engine?

  • 600 horsepower vs. 800 horsepower
  • V6 is always more fuel efficient while V8 is more powerful
  • Only marketing
  • Six-cylinders vs. eight-cylinders

While it's true that most V6s are more fuel efficient than V8s and most V8s are more powerful, this isn't always the case. The main different between the two is the number of cylinders the engine uses.

While it's true that most V6s are more fuel efficient than V8s and most V8s are more powerful, this isn't always the case. The main different between the two is the number of cylinders the engine uses.

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What is the alternator's role in a car?

  • Alternates gears in a car
  • Keeps oil clean
  • powers horn
  • Huge component in the charging system

As you drive your car, the alternator will charge your car battery. As long as it's still working well, your car's battery should never fail, unless the battery itself is the issue. That is, as long as you don't leave the lights on.

As you drive your car, the alternator will charge your car battery. As long as it's still working well, your car's battery should never fail, unless the battery itself is the issue. That is, as long as you don't leave the lights on.

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According to most experts, how often should you get an oil change?

  • 1,000 miles
  • 5,000 miles
  • 10,000 miles
  • 25,000 miles

While there is some disagreement, it is generally believed that you should get your oil changed every 5,000 miles or so. Your car's manufacturer usually sets parameters which you should follow to keep your vehicle operating at its maximum capacity.

While there is some disagreement, it is generally believed that you should get your oil changed every 5,000 miles or so. Your car's manufacturer usually sets parameters which you should follow to keep your vehicle operating at its maximum capacity.

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When should you replace your windshield wipers?

  • When they start to show wear
  • Every 6 months
  • When your mechanic says so
  • Never

There is no set amount of time that should pass before you replace windshield wipers. It all depends on when they start to wear down. This will generally lead to streaky windows and wipers that don't fully touch the windshield to wipe it appropriately.

There is no set amount of time that should pass before you replace windshield wipers. It all depends on when they start to wear down. This will generally lead to streaky windows and wipers that don't fully touch the windshield to wipe it appropriately.

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What quality isn't important in a mechanic?

  • They're trustworthy
  • They can drive well
  • They have a reputation
  • How much experience they have

When looking for a mechanic, you want to make sure they are experienced, respectful, trustworthy and have a good reputation. You are putting a lot of trust into them and their work, so be sure to take your time finding the right person for the job!

When looking for a mechanic, you want to make sure they are experienced, respectful, trustworthy and have a good reputation. You are putting a lot of trust into them and their work, so be sure to take your time finding the right person for the job!

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When did airbags become mandatory in the USA?

  • 1998
  • 1965
  • 2009
  • 1910

While cars indeed did have airbags before 1998, that was the year in which they became mandatory. Airbags have proven time and time again to prevent injuries and death compared to having no airbags.

While cars indeed did have airbags before 1998, that was the year in which they became mandatory. Airbags have proven time and time again to prevent injuries and death compared to having no airbags.

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How do you check the tire pressure in your car's tires?

  • Use a tire gauge
  • Check with your hand
  • Take it to a mechanic
  • If you don't notice a difference, it should be fine

A tire gauge is incredibly easy to use and can be found at most automotive stores. Just plug them into a tire's valve and it should give you an accurate reading. Make sure to check all four tires, as well as the manufacturer's recommended pressure, which can be found on a sticker on your vehicle and in the owner's manual.

A tire gauge is incredibly easy to use and can be found at most automotive stores. Just plug them into a tire's valve and it should give you an accurate reading. Make sure to check all four tires, as well as the manufacturer's recommended pressure, which can be found on a sticker on your vehicle and in the owner's manual.

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Which item shouldn't be kept in your glove box?

  • Car registration
  • Driving gloves
  • Spare keys
  • Owner's manual

Having your spare set of keys in the car won't do you any good. They should instead be kept either in your home or a safe place that will be easy for you to remember.

Having your spare set of keys in the car won't do you any good. They should instead be kept either in your home or a safe place that will be easy for you to remember.

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How should you control your vehicle when it begins to slide?

  • Turn away from the slide
  • Hammer the brakes
  • Pull the handbrake
  • Turn into the slide

While your first instinct might be to brake or pull the e-brake, this is likely just going to make you slide even further. Instead, you should look to turn into the slide, as it can sometimes correct the slide.

While your first instinct might be to brake or pull the e-brake, this is likely just going to make you slide even further. Instead, you should look to turn into the slide, as it can sometimes correct the slide.

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Which is the best tip for winter driving?

  • Slow down
  • get winter tires
  • Keep your distance from other cars
  • All the above are helpful

Driving in the winter and driving in the summer are very different. You need to be sure to drive slower, be more cautious and leave some space between vehicles for the inevitable sliding and skidding.

Driving in the winter and driving in the summer are very different. You need to be sure to drive slower, be more cautious and leave some space between vehicles for the inevitable sliding and skidding.

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What is the right way to pass other cars in America?

  • Pass on the left
  • Pass on the right
  • Honk until they move out of the way
  • Only pass on the left after a stop street

Normally, it is customary in America for the left lane to be used primarily as a passing lane. Traffic will often move much faster.

Normally, it is customary in America for the left lane to be used primarily as a passing lane. Traffic will often move much faster.

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When should you read the owner's manual for your vehicle?

  • Only when something bad happens
  • As soon as you get the vehicle
  • When you're bored
  • Never

While they can belong, it is a good idea to read or skim the owner's manual as soon as you get a vehicle. It will feature a ton of useful information, from what each light means, how often you should perform maintenance on the vehicle, and more.

While they can belong, it is a good idea to read or skim the owner's manual as soon as you get a vehicle. It will feature a ton of useful information, from what each light means, how often you should perform maintenance on the vehicle, and more.

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Which option is not a benefit of winter tires?

  • Offer better traction
  • Offer better handling
  • Make your car go faster
  • They stay flexible even when the weather drops

Winter tires offer many benefits, but helping your car go faster isn't one of them. They do, however, help improve traction, remain flexible with temperature changes and offer drivers better handling in the winter.

Winter tires offer many benefits, but helping your car go faster isn't one of them. They do, however, help improve traction, remain flexible with temperature changes and offer drivers better handling in the winter.

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What does RPM stand for?

  • Rapid piston movement
  • Revolutions per minute
  • Rounds per minute
  • Real precision management

The RPMs on your vehicle stand for revolutions per minute. It is a unit of rotational speed, the number of times per minute the engine's crankshaft makes a full rotation. In essence, it's a measure of how fast the car is operating.

The RPMs on your vehicle stand for revolutions per minute. It is a unit of rotational speed, the number of times per minute the engine's crankshaft makes a full rotation. In essence, it's a measure of how fast the car is operating.

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When did Tesla release its first vehicle?

  • 2008
  • 2003
  • 2016
  • 2010

While Tesla was formed in 2003, it wasn't until 2008 that the company released its first vehicle, the Roadster. Since then, Tesla has released a number of other vehicles and has become one of the most exciting companies in the auto industry.

While Tesla was formed in 2003, it wasn't until 2008 that the company released its first vehicle, the Roadster. Since then, Tesla has released a number of other vehicles and has become one of the most exciting companies in the auto industry.

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When was the first Corvette introduced?

  • 1927
  • 1953
  • 1989
  • 1965

The Chevrolet Corvette was first introduced in 1953. While it has undergone several design changes and even a few name changes, the model is still going strong in 2019.

The Chevrolet Corvette was first introduced in 1953. While it has undergone several design changes and even a few name changes, the model is still going strong in 2019.

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What should you do before driving your car in cold conditions?

  • Don't drive in cold conditions
  • Run it for a few minutes
  • Drive like normal
  • Pour hot water to melt the ice

The cold, especially extreme cold, can be very rough on your car. As a result, it's a good idea to let it warm up a bit before driving. It will ensure your car runs well and no damage is done.

The cold, especially extreme cold, can be very rough on your car. As a result, it's a good idea to let it warm up a bit before driving. It will ensure your car runs well and no damage is done.

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