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Test Your Car Smarts
Oct 26 2007 by Sara Lacey
10/26/2007
Basic Knowledge Goes a Long Way
I’ve learned a lot about cars during my tenure here at Mother Proof. When I write about the vehicles I drive, I always focus mostly on mom-friendly features, but sometimes I can’t help but mention horsepower or torque. I might even be in danger of becoming a gearhead, folks. (OK, not really.) It’s just that the more I learn, the more I appreciate the stuff under the car’s hood.
What I’ve realized is that a very basic knowledge of your car goes a long way. Simple maintenance is key and can help avoid major incidents. Maybe you’re not a burgeoning gearhead, but take this short quiz to figure out if you need to brush up on your vehicular knowledge.
1) Cars take one of several types of motor oil. An example of a motor oil is:
a. 10W-40
b. Canola
c. V05
2) Gasoline octane ratings are:
a. 2%, 1%, skim
b. 85, 87, 91
c. A+, B-, F
3) My tires’ optimal psi is:
a. 36-32-36
b. 36 front, 32 rear
c. Depends on the car
4) The thing I enjoy most about cars is:
a. The rumble of the engine
b. The unabashed high of freedom
c. The backseat
5) Exhaust is:
a. Something you need to say “excuse me” about
b. A bunch of pollutants that come out of my car
c. What I get after running my kids around all day
6) ABS stands for:
a. Ask the boys, silly
b. Antilock braking system
c. Already been shoppin’
7) A VIN is:
a. Vintage Bordeaux
b. Latin for “the end”
c. Vehicle identification number
Answers:1) a, 2) b, 3) c, 4) free point, 5) b, 6) b, 7) c
How did you do? If you missed any of the above answers, they’re easy to look up. In fact, the only way you’re beyond help is if you’ve lost both your car’s manual and your ability to use the internet. I found a neat site called carbibles.com that has a ton of information. It’s European, but the information is easily digestible, particularly the basic maintenance page. Tell you what, why don’t you click on that link and do some homework of your own tonight while your kids do theirs! You smart mama, you.
