A 4-minute lesson from the Iowa course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
A well-maintained vehicle saves money and gives you an advantage in an emergency. Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, and know the equipment Iowa requires—several of these numbers appear on the test.
Know the rule
Cars, trucks, and ATVs/UTVs need two separate braking systems: a foot brake and a parking brake. Motorcycles and mopeds need at least one.
Check signals, brake lights, taillights, and headlights from outside the vehicle. If you have trouble seeing at night or other drivers keep flashing their headlights at you, have a mechanic check the headlights—a misaligned one can blind others.
Worn, bald, or unbalanced tires can increase stopping distance, cause hydroplaning, wear faster, reduce fuel economy, and make the vehicle harder to steer and stop.
Keep tires properly inflated—check with an air pressure gauge. The correct pressure is commonly listed on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner's manual.
Stick a penny into the tread, Lincoln's head first. If the tread doesn't reach at least the top of Lincoln's head, the tire is unsafe and should be replaced.
Your car pulls to the right and the steering wheel shakes at highway speed. Those are tire or balance warning signs—have a mechanic check it before your next long drive.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Your vehicle's rear red light must be visible from at least how far away?
At least 100 feet
At least 500 feet
At least 1,000 feet
At least 50 feet
Answer: At least 500 feet
You need at least one red light on the back of the vehicle visible for at least 500 feet.
