Chapter 4 · 85 questions
Technical and Vehicle Safety
Vehicle checks, tyres, brakes, lights, loading, breakdowns, and roadworthiness requirements in Ireland.
Sample questions
What is the minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in Ireland?
- · 1.0 mm
- ✓ 1.6 mm
- · 2.0 mm
- · 3.0 mm
The law requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's width and around the entire circumference.
Under-inflated tyres are dangerous mainly because they:
- · Increase fuel economy
- ✓ Cause increased tyre wear on the outer edges and reduce steering response
- · Make the ride harder and increase braking distance
- · Raise the centre of gravity of the vehicle
Under-inflation causes the tyre sidewalls to flex excessively, wearing the outer edges faster and generating heat that can lead to a blowout.
When should you check your tyre pressures?
- · Only when a warning light comes on
- · When the tyres are hot after a long drive
- ✓ When the tyres are cold, before a long journey
- · Once a year during the NCT
Tyre pressure should be checked when the tyres are cold because driving heats the air inside, giving a falsely high reading.