A 3-minute lesson from the Nevada course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Safe trips start before the car moves. A quick routine — seat, mirrors, belts, lights and tires — catches problems while you're still parked, and keeps you able to hear and see traffic.
Before you start the engine:
Adjust your seat for visibility and so you can comfortably reach all controls
Make sure the windshield and windows are clean
Buckle up — and make sure your passengers do too
Check your attitude: are you calm and in control?
Check that rear and side mirrors are properly adjusted
Before getting in, check tire pressure with a tire gauge and adjust to the recommended psi listed in the owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb.
You do the penny test before a road trip and can see all of Lincoln's head in the lowest groove. The tread is below the safe level, so your grip on wet or icy roads would be greatly reduced — deal with the tire before you go.
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.
When doing the penny test, your tire has a safe amount of tread if:
All of Lincoln's head is visible
The penny slides in without touching
Tread covers part of Lincoln's head
Lincoln's body is fully covered
Answer: Tread covers part of Lincoln's head
If any part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, the tire has a safe amount of tread.