Glossary
This page define or explains a list of words, phrases and terms relating to driving.
- Tyre tread - the raised rubber of the tyre which contacts the road. You can measure the depth of it (usually in millimeters) by seeing how far the top of the tread is from the bottom of one of the grooves in the tread. You should do this on the inside, middle and outside of the tyre, as tyres to not always wear evenly across thier width.
- Clutch - a mechanical part of the engine which engages the gears. It is operated by the left pedal in manual cars. Automatic cars do not have a clutch pedal.
- Emergency stop - a hard-braking reduction of speed. You may be asked to perform an emergency stop in your driving test. The brake should be pressed firmly and quickly, whilst holding the steering wheel with both hands. Once the car is almost stopped, depress the clutch pedal to prevent the car stalling.
- Gearbox - a set of cogs which is used to turn the drive shaft. It is engaged by the clutch. Gears are usually selected by the gear stick in manual cars. Automatic cars do not have a gear stick. Some manual and automatic cars use paddle-shift levers attached to the steering column to change gear.
- Dip stick - the long thin metal probe which it used to measure the level of oil in the engine. The dip stick usually has a coloured handle so you can see it easily and use it. There are two markers on the end of the dip stick, which the oil level must be between.
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