Questions and answers to the Maintenance and car control

Questions and answers to the Maintenance and car control for
category B – passenger car up to 3.5t
This manual includes brief and concise answers to the 25 questions from car maintenance and control.
List of questions:
1. Describe what needs to be checked before travel.
2. Describe how to check the tire pressure and the
depth of the tire tread.
3. Describe how to check the wheels and tires and
the factors influencing their life span.
4. What are the most frequent causes of the tire
tread damage and their manifestation.
5. Describe the procedure for changing the tire.
6. What is the difference between a spark ignition
and combustion ingnition engine and the type of
fuel used.
7. Describe how to check the quantity of engine oil
and its refilling, time intervals of its changing.
8. Describe how the correct functioning of the
battery and oil lubrication is signalled to the driver
and how breakdowns are signalled during travel.
9. Describe how to check and maintain the cooling
system of the car, signalling of the coolant
temperature to the driver and how to proceed in the
case of overheated engine (e.g. due to long
reversing or slow driving in a traffice jam, etc. ).
14. Describe how to check the quantity of brake
fluid and how to refill it, what the symbol for brake
fluid indicates when it is on.
15. Describe the purpose of power brakes and
power steering and why the engine must not be
switched off during travel.
16. Describe the difference between the disc brake
and drum brake, their advantages and
disadvantages.
17. Describe the purpose of antilock braking system
(ABS) of the car and how to check its correct
functioning.
18. Describe the most frequent manifestations of
the wrong streering axle geometry.
19. Describe how to maintain the battery and
factors influencing its life span.
20. Describe the function of fuses in the car
electrical system and its location.
21. Describe how to change the light bulbs of the
car lights.
22. Describe the symbols of warning lights on the
dashboard of the car.
10. Describe the function of the exhaust fume
catalyst and its location and how to influence its life
span.
23. Describe the procedure of attaching a towing
rope.
11. Describe the function of the clutch and how to
influence its life span.
12. Describe the function of the gearbox and its
synchronization.
24. Describe the procedure when attaching a trailer.
25. Describe the mandatory equipment/kit for the
car.

13. Describe the function of the shock absorber and
stabilizator, how its incorrect function influences
the technical condition of the car and driving safety.
1. Describe what needs to be checked before travel.
We can only use a car whose condition complies with the traffic regulations and which does not do
damage or dirty the road. In particular we need to check:
Quantity of oil in the engine
Quantity of cooling fluid
Quantity of brake fluid
Braking system for tightness and leak test
Quantity of fuel in the tank
Electrical system (ligts, turn signals/blinkers, stop lights/brake lights, wipers, hoot, etc.)
Registration plate for cleanliness
Tire inflation, incl. the spare tire
After the above are checked we finish checking inside the car behind the wheel:
o
o
o
Steering function incl. steering-wheel clearance
Function of the brakes incl. parking hand brake
Function of devices and warning lamps
If we check a car we are not familiar with, we need to take the instruction manual which is provided by
the manufacturer for every car.
(!) How to check the functionality of the rear stop lights (brake lights)? Reverse to a wall or another car
and when the brake is pressed the reflection of the red brake lights in the rearview mirror should be seen.
2. Describe how to check the tire pressure and the depth of the tire tread.
Tire air pressure should be checked at least once a month, before travel when the air in the tires is not
warm.The recommended values are given by the car manufacturer and can be found in the car owner´s
manual. For Škoda Favorit the right values at half load are 1.9 bar for front tires (=190kPa), 1.8 bar
(=180 kPa) for rear tires. Correct tire air pressure values are very important for driving at high speed.
How to measure tire pressure: Tire pressure is measured by a pressure gauge, which we place to the valve
of the tire and read the value measured on the gauge. In the case of a higher pressure the air needs to be
let out, in the opposite case we inflate the tire with a tire pump or air compressor. Keep measuring and

pumping the tire, or letting the air out until the required air pressure in the tire is obtained.
The depth of the tire tread is checked visually, or by a depth gauge (it is also possible to use the steel
caliper used for measuring tire tread depth). Some tires have a check point on the tire tread between the
pattern. If the pattern is worn to the check point, the tire is no longer usable for driving. The depth of the
tire tread must be min 1.6 mm.
(!) What is the correct pressure of the spare tire? The spare tire must be inflated to the highest value of
the air pressure which can be used for the car.
3. Describe how to check the wheels and tires and the factors influencing their life
span.
The condition of the wheels and tires have a great influence on a safe and economical driving. Before
each travel we need to do a visual check of the condition of the tires ( depth of the tire tread is min. 1.6
mm), we regularly check and pump up the air pressure in the tires. The tire tread needs to be checked for
objects which must be removed and for wear. Irregular wear can signalize a problem with suspension and
shock absorbers, bad condition of the axle and steering geometry. We need to check the side of the tires
as any cracks may be a case of a sudden air leak. Life span of tires is mainly influenced by the following
factors:
Inflation to the pressure given by the car manufacturer
Alignment of steering geometry
Suspension and shock absorbers
Keeping the tire tread clean of any objects
Corroded wheel rims
Not well tightened nuts and wheel bolts
Balance of the wheel as a whole
Driving technique
4. What are the most frequent causes of the tire tread damage and its
manifestation.

The condition of the tire tread has a direct influence on the driving safety and the driver must regularly
check the tires.
The body of the tire consists of carcass plies which are made from special rubber textile. Carcass plies
absorb the air pressure inside and mechanical stress to which the tire is exposed during travel. The upper
part of the tire is called tread and it has a pattern which is important for driving properties of the tire.
It is important to check regularly the air pressure in the tires to maintain the tire tread in good condition
(air pressure influences the wear of the tire tread) and also the driving technique has an influence on the
condition of the tire.
Some causes of the tire tread damage:
• Bad parking on curbs (it can damage the sides of the tire tread and wheel discs which can
lead to tire leak or imbalance of the whole wheel)
• Insufficient tire maintenance (underinflation, steering-system vibrations, dynamic imbalance
of wheels
• Bad operating conditions (bad driving style, e.g. hard stops or acceleration, which leads to
skidding)
• Hitting sharp objects
• Not slowing the car on bumpy road (it can damage the tire tread, leads to tire leak or wheel
disc deformation)
• Overinflation when pumping the tire with an air compressor ( leads to tire bulging and
deformation of the tire casing, tire air and imbalance of the whole wheel)
• Improper storage of the tire, e.g. during winter period (uneven surface, using hard objects to
support the tire casing etc., it leads to tire deformation and its unusability for the car )
• Technical defect on the car (e.g. brake blocking = damage to the tire in one place,
nonfunctional shock absorber = irregular wear of the tire tread, disaligned axle geometry =
irregular tire wear.
Damaged tire casing is demonstrated on the driving properties, e.g. it leads to one side due to
tire leak, when the casing is deformed the car vibrates and its control is hard.

5. Describe the procedure for changing the tire.
Tire damage and subsequent leak are signalled to the driver by worsened driving properities of the car
( the car usually leads to the side where the wheel is damaged). The wheel needs changing:
Drive to the side of the road
Switch on the hazard flashers/blinkers
Secure the car against motion by applying the hand brake
Place the hazard warning triangle behind the car
Insert the working jack under the car
Loosen the bolts
Lift the car (the wheel should be above the ground )
Loosen and remove the bolt
Change the wheel and tighten the bolts
Put the car down (the wheel touches the ground) and tighten the bolts securely – always diagonally
Remove the jack, check the bolts if they are well tightened
Stow all the tools and the removed wheel to their respective locations, have the flat tyre repaired in
the local garage (each axle requires tires of the same type and design so put the repaired wheel
back or buy a new one)
Check the bolts tightening after about 50 km.
6. What is the difference between a spark ignition and combustion ingnition engine
and the type of fuel used.
Both types of the engine are combustion engines. The crankshaft mechanism transfers the movement of
the piston to a rotary movement which is then transmitted to the wheels. For 4-stroke engines there are
the following strokes of the piston in the cylinder: intake, compression, power and exhaust.
In the case of spark-ignition engines the mixture of fuel and air is forced in the cylinders and
compressed and ignited by a spark plug. The fuel is gasoline (petrol).
In the case of combustion-ignition engines (also called diesel engines) air is forced in the cylinders, it
is compressed by a piston and then through a nozzle fuel – diesel is injected to compressed air, which is
ignited by the heat and sets the piston in motion.
Comparison of the two types of engine:
Spark-ignition has higher revolutions, it is less noisy, it accelerates faster, but it has

lower effectivity of combustion process.
Combustion-ignition engine has lower fuel consumption, it is more flexible, but does not
start well in winter (summer and winter diesel).
(!) What is the ratio between petrol (gasoline) and air in spark-ignition engine? The ratio of petrol
(gasoline) and air is (approximately) 1:16.
(!) What is the fuel ignition temperature? The temperature of air after it is compressed by the piston is
about 600-900 degrees C.
7. Describe how to check the quantity of engine oil and its refilling, time intervals of
its changing.
Engine oil needs to be checked when the engine is cold, preferably before
travel, the car must be on an even ground. Using the gauge with max. and
min.level mark, we measure the level of oil. It must be between the two
marks. The intervals for changing oil should be those recommended by the
manufacturer. For gasoline (petrol) engines the interval is every 15,000 km
and 10,000 km for diesel engines.
When changing oil we also need to change the oil filter. Every oil change
and filter change (date, number of km ) is recorded in the car service book.
Fig.: Oil dipstick and oil symbol on the dashboard.
8. Describe how the correct functioning of the battery and oil lubrication is
signalled to the driver and how breakdowns are signalled during travel.

The battery is charged by alternator (dynamo) and its correct function is signalled to the driver by a
battery symbol (red colour) which is lit on after the engine is started and goes off after the revolutions are
slightly increased. Defects:
The symbol does not show – the bulb is broken and needs changing
The symbol keeps flashing or does not go off even at higher revolutions – the belt of the alternator
is loose (needs tightening) or there is a defect on the alternator ( needs repairing at the garage).
Bad function of oil lubrication is signalled by a red oil symbol. If the oil pressure is sufficient, it goes off
and it switches on when the oil pressure is low. After the engine is started, the symbol goes off. If the
symbol comes on during driving or starts flashing intermittently, stop driving without delay until the
defect is repaired.
(!) What is the function of the car lubrication system? Engine oil lubricates (decreases friction between
the moving parts of the engine), cools the bottom part of the engine, cleans (removes impurities to the oil
filter), seals,, preserves (the only protection against the engine corrosion!), lowers the noise.
(!) What are the types of engine oil? Engine oils are mineral, semisynthetic and synthetic (they are the
best quality and the most expensive).
9. Describe how to check and maintain the cooling system of the car, signalling of
the coolant temperature to the driver and how to proceed in the case of
overheated engine (e.g. because of lengthy reversing or slow driving in a traffic
jam, etc. ).
Coolant removes excessive heat energy of the engine through the cooler out. The temperature of the
coolant shows the correct heat mode of the engine – temperature meter on the dashboard.
Maintenance of the cooling system consists of regular checks of the quantity of coolant before travel,
check of its density against freezing and changing the whole fluid every 2-3 years of operation. If
necessary, refill the coolant according to the max. and min. level on the expansion tank – after partial
cooling of the engine (steam gauge pressure !) or there is a danger of scalding.
During travel a brief overheating of the engine can occur, especially during stop and start driving in
the traffic jam, at normal conditions the temperature ranges between 80-90 deg.C.
What to do when the engine is overheated:
Engage a lower gear (this causes higher revolutions and power load and hence makes the flow of
coolant through the cooler faster )
Switch on the heating and fan – you need to open the windows of the car due to high temperature
in the car!
Stop the car, let the engine run at idle speed (hand brake + neutral ), open the engine space.

(!) What does the coolant consist of? Coolant is a mixture of destilled water and antifreezing fluid in
order to resist temperatures up to –20 degrees.C. In emergency cases tap water can be used instead.
(!) Why does coolant need to be changed? Coolant consists of inhibitors of corrosion – they prevent the
engine from inside corrosion. This property, however, decreases with time.
10. Describe the function of the exhaust fume catalyst and its location and how to
influence its life span.
The catalyst is a device to lower the content of harmful substances in exhaust fumes of combustion
engines. It has a great environmental significance. It is part of the front component of the exhaust pipe –
near the engine. The life span is mainly decreased by:
bad driving technique (pushing the car to start, driving pointlessly at high revolutions etc.)
bad fuel (engines with a catalyst use unleaded gasoline (petrol)).
Fig.: The bottom
of Skoda Octavia
cars – a catalyst
(marked by the red
circle) in a
protective housing.

(!) What should we keep in mind in terms of safety? When parking in the country the car must not be left
under e.g. dry fir needles – the catalyst is on the bottom of the car and it is very hot after travel – there is
a danger of fire!
11. Describe the function of the clutch and how to influence its life span.
It connects and disconnects the engine with the transmission. The clutch enables smooth start and
driving, changing different gears and stopping the car.
What shortens the life span of the clutch:
Long pressing of the clutch (when changing gears and leaving the pedal pressed afterwards – it
causes excessive wear of the bearing)
Leaving the clutch too long in the biting point when the discs start to slip which can lead to
damaged clutch lining.
(!) What is the interval of clutch change? When using the clutch correctly, the interval of its change is
approx. 60,000 km. Usually, the whole clutch unit must be changed( lining, clutch pressure plate,
bearing).
12. Describe the function of the gearbox and its synchronization.
The engine works efficiently as well as economically only at certain (optimal) revolutions. It is possible
thanks to the transmission – it is a device equipped by several speed gears. They can change engine
revolutions to the axle wheel revolutions at a certain ratio. The transmission enables the engine to work at
harder field conditions (driving up the hill, in the rough terrain ) with greater power. On the contrary,
when driving on an even surface (the vehicle has to overcome only a small rolling and air resistance), the
driver can engage higher speed gears to reach high speeds.
Further, the transmission enables to engage the neutral, reverse and power off when driving from a hill.
Modern transmissions are equipped with synchronized mechanism which equalize different revolutions of
the gears before shifting. Synchronization hence enables to engage speed gears without need to double-

clutch and without need to shifting to neutral (when changing to lower speed gear).
(!) What does transmission maintenance involve? Mainly in the change of oil (transmission oil) in the
intervals prescribed by the manufacturer (after approx. 50,000 CZK) and checking the sealing of the
gearbox.
13. Describe the function of the shock absorber and stabilizator, how its incorrect
function influences the technical condition of the car and driving safety.
Shock absorbers belong to the most important parts of the car chassis. It keeps the wheel of the car in
constant contact with the road and ensures sufficient control of the car, driving comfort and lowers the tire
wear. Effective shock absorbers also lower the risk of skidding when swerving and shorten the braking
distance of the car. Bad function of the shock absorbers causes excessive wear and load on the axle,
suspension of wheels, bearings, tires, etc. It is recommended to measure the effectivity of shock absorbers
after every 20,000 km.
The purpose of a stabilizer is to eliminate inclination of a car due to centrifugal force when going through
curves and thus ensure permanent contact between the wheels and the road and improve the control of the
car (a stabilizer is a steel bar, it is part of the front and rear axle and is usually positioned diagonally to the
car axis).
Incorrect function of the shock absorbers and stabilizers is manifested in the following way:
Worse manoeuvrability of the car, especially in curves
Longer braking distance
Irregular tire wear
14. Describe how to check the quantity of brake fluid and how to refill it, what the
symbol for brake fluid indicates when it is on.
The amount of braking fluid is to be checked visually in the expansion tank in the engine space. The level
of braking fluid must be between the two min and max level marks, usually up to the top rim of the
container cap. If the symbol for braking fluid ("!") on the dashboard is switched on, it notifies the driver
of the drop of the braking fluid under the prescribed level. We should refill an identical braking fluid
using the neck on the upper part of the container. If there is a frequent leak of braking fluid, check the
whole braking system.
The braking fluid is changed according to the manufacturer´s recommendations, usually every 1-2 years.
(!) Why does braking fluid need changing? The main parameter of braking fluid is its resistance against

high temperature ( it must not start to boil, which would cause air in the brakes) which is generated when
using brakes (over 200 deg.C). This resistance decreses with time (due to atmospheric humidity).
15. Describe the purpose of power brakes and power steering and why the engine
must not be switched off during travel.
Power brakes/brake booster (pressure power brakes – uses pressure in the inlet pipe of the engine)
facilitates the control of the brake pedal and reduces the amount of pedal pressure needed for braking.
Power steering/steering booster for lorries (trucks) as well as for passenger cars makes it easier to handle
the steering wheel when driving, especially when parking and manoeuvring in a confined space. In
passenger cars there are special servos which influence the mechanism of steering.
Power brakes and power steering work only when the engine is in motion hence it is not recommended to
switch off the engine during travel. Morevoer, when the ignition is off, some electrical systems (e.g. turn
signals) do not work and there is an increased risk of sudden wheel lock.
16. Describe the difference between the disc brake and drum brake, their
advantages and disadvantages.
Disc brakes – braking effect is caused by pressing friction parts (i.e. brake pads located in the brake
caliper) against the sides of the brake disc. They are mainly used for front axle of the car. The
advantages include:
o
o
o
o
Good braking effect and shorter braking distance
Better heat removal
Smaller weight and size
Easier control and change of lining.
Bicycle brakes work on the same principle – rubber segments (=brake pads) press against the wheel
rim (=disc).
Drum brakes - consists of a set of shoes (with lining on the external part) and brake drum. When the

driver presses the brake pedal, the shoes open and rub against the drum, which is connected with the
wheel. The wheel starts to slow down. These brakes are mainly used for our motorcycles, in passenger
cars they are used for rear axle. The disadvantages include: bigger weight and size
o
o
o
Smaller braking effect
In longer braking the braking effect is lower due to the fact that the drum expands when exposed to
heat
More difficult check, or change of brake lining
(!) Why are disc brakes mainly used for front axle? When braking hard about up to 2/3 of the car weight
is transferred on the front axle, that´s why disc brakes are more effective on the front axle.
17. Describe the purpose of antilock braking system (ABS) of the car and how to
check its correct functioning.
ABS system is antilock braking system which prevents skidding when braking heavily. It ensures good
directional stability, manoeuvrability and permanent steering control of the car, especially in curves. The
wheels do not lock even during heavy braking – braking is interrupted and controlled by electronic
control unit which receives information from wheel speed sensors and controls the braking intensity.
In certain adhesive conditions, e.g. on frost, it significantly shortens the braking distance.
If the ABS symbol (red or yellow colou) does not light, when the engine is started, it indicates a faulty
bulb. The ABS symbol should go off after about 5 km/h, if there is a defect on ABS, the system is
automatically disconnected and the ABS symbol is lit.
(!) Is it possible to proceed driving when the ABS symbol is on? If the ABS symbol is on, it is possible to
proceed, but the driver must take into account that ABS is no longer functional for heavy braking, the
defect must be repaired at the garage.
18. Describe the most frequent manifestations of the wrong streering axle geometry.
Wheel geometry is the basic position of the steering wheels against the axle. It affects manoeuvrability of
the car, directional stability, it returns wheels to the straight direction. Parameters to be set on the steering
axle are:
o
Toe - defines backlash in the steering

o
o
o
Camber - defines backlash in bearings
Steering axis inclination – it decreases the radius of turning, it helps to return the wheels in the
straight line
Caster – it creates what is referred to as positive caster, it straightens the wheels after a curve
Misalignment of steering wheels is indicated by:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Excessive and irregular tire wear
Pulling to one side from the straight direction of travel
Great sensitivity of the car to smaller lateral forces, e.g. wind
Bad manoeuvreability and car steering stability
Increased consumption of fuel
Fast wear of mechanical parts of steering, axle suspension and wheel bearings
19. Describe how to maintain the battery and factors influencing its life span.
Battery is storage of electrical current in the vehicle and its function is to charge the electrical network of
the car in the time when the engine is not in operation. The condition of the accumulator is directly linked
to the ability to start the engine. Electrolythe in the accumulator is sulphur acid with distilled water –
handle the battery with care, there is a danger of burning! Maintenance means checking the following:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Fixed position of the battery
Maintainning the surface clean, checking for cracks
Maintaining contacts with oil
Checking the level of electrolythe (up to the mark or 10-15 mm on the upper rim of steel plates,
refilling with distilled water
Density of electrolythe
Recharging with a charger before and after winter operation
Factors influencing the life span of the battery:
Level of electrolythe
Short circuit in the electrical system
Mechanical shocks and jolts
Long starting
Leaving the battery flat for a long time

Too high (over 35 deg.C) and too low (under 10 deg.C) temperatures
Incorrect charging
If the battery is regularly maintained, the life span can be several years.
20. Describe the function of fuses in the car electrical system and its location.
Each current circuit of the vehicle is secured by fuses in order to protect the different electrical appliances
(car lights, cooling fan, wipers, lights of the dashboard symbols, car radio, etc.) from damage or fire when
the electrical circuit is overloaded.
The fuse box is located on the right side under the dashboard (e.g. for Škoda Favorit, Felicia). The
mandatory vehicle kit includes one spare fuse of each type. Fuses are distinguished by Ampere rating (1A
= electric current unit) and colour (brown=7.5 A, blue=15 A). Before changing a fuse the ignition must be
off, the burnt fuse must be replaced with a fuse of the same value. The location of the fuses is described in
the car manufacturer´s manual (e.g. right high beam – fourth fuse from the left, value 7.5 A, brown fuse –
applies to S.Favorit).
(!) A burnt fuse has a melted metal wire.. The mandatory vehicle kit includes one spare fuse of each type.
If we do not have a fuse of the required value, a fuse with lower rating can be used instead.
21. Describe how to change the light bulbs of the car lights.
If a defect on the car lights is found during regular maintenance, a bulb needs to be replaced. If you are
not familiar with the type of the car, read the car owner´s manual. Changing of the bulb differs according
to where the bulb is situated. Before changing the bulb switch off the light.
E.g.: The method of changing the main halogen bulb of the front headlight of Škoda Favorit cars is as
follows:
o
o
o
o
o
Lift the hood of the car and secure it against falling. Turn the cap of the headlight in the direction
of the arrow and remove it
Detach the clips, press on the bulb and turn it to the left
Remove the broken bulb and insert a new bulb (after taking off the protective cover)
Secure the bulb with a sliding lock
Insert the terminal on the bulb

o
o
Fix the plastic cover on the light
Check the light
(!) Do not touch the glass of a halogen bulb with your fingers, the fingerprint could evaporate after the
bulb is switched on and cause spots on the bulb, in other words the light would go blind. The burn-out
bulb needs to be replaced with a bulb of the same type, there is one of each type in the car mandatory kit.
22. Describe the symbols of warning lights on the dashboard of the car.
The car signals are designed for easier and safer car maintenance. They are electric lights or scale
indicators. The following main signals are found on the dashboard:
• Parking lights – green light + light symbol
• Low beams - green light + dipped light symbol
• Main beams - blue light + main beam symbol
• Fog lights - rear orange light + fog symbol
• Fog lights - front - green light + fog symbol
• Left and right turn signals - green light in the shape of an arrow
• Heating for the back window - orange light + symbol of waves in a rectangle
• Red warning light - battery is not recharged (symbol of battery)
• Red warning light - low oil pressure (symbol of oil can)
• Red warning light - hand brake on (symbol “P")
• Red warning light - low quantity of brake fluid ( symbol “!")
• Indicator of coolant temperature (red area – engine overheating!)
• Speedometer
• Fuel, if the red control light is on, there is only about 5 l of fuel (enough fuel to arrive)
• Counter of total kilometers done and daily counter of

kilometers
Fig.: Škoda Octavia dashboard
Next the driver has the following control buttons in the car:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
buttons for switching parking and low beam lights
a set of buttons for switching fog lights (front and rear), heating of rear window, hazard
warning lights
lever under the wheel on the left for switching turn signals, switching from low to main
beams, horn
lever under the wheel on the right for front and rear wipers and washers
buttons on the right for ventilations and heating in the car
gearstick
handbrake
clutch, brake and accelerator
The locations of the buttons and levers described apply to Škoda Favorit-Felicia cars.
23. Describe the procedure of attaching a towing rope.

The car can be towed with the aid of the towing loop on the front and rear end of the car. The towing rope
is attached and secured in the loops. Both cars must be driven and before travel drivers should agree some
communication signs (using lights, hoot) – e.g. hooting once means go more slowly, hooting twice stands
for “stop”. The cars should start very slowly until the rope is tightened and the driver of the towed car
makes sure that the towing rope is tight all the time during travel. During towing drivers should change
speeds quickly and the clutch goes down and up smoothly so the car does not jerk forward.
(!) A towing rope should conform to the applicable laws. Steering and brakes of the
towed car must be functioning well! The towed car must have a warning triangle
positioned at the back and parking and low beams on. The distance between the cars
must not be lower than 2.5m or bigger than 6m. The rope must be designated with a red
flag or sticker of 300x300 mm.
More information in the Act 361/2000Sb., § 34 on towing motor vehicles.
24. Describe the procedure of attaching a trailer.
A light two-wheel trailer can be connected to the passenger car. The car needs to have a certified towing
apparatus. The bar of the trailer is fixed to the tow coupling and secured against spontaneous release.
Connect the safety wire to the loop of the coupling. Then plug the electrical cable to the socket of the
tow equipment. Check the outside lights of the trailer (parking lights, brake lights, fog lights). Before
travel check the tires for correct inflation and make sure they do not exceed the maximum load of the
trailer. When fixing the load on the trailer follow the safety rules (fixing the load with ropes, designation
of objects projecting the trailer with a red flag, etc.) Follow the traffic rules when driving with the
trailer.
(!) Maximum admissible weight of the trailer behind the passenger car cannot exceed 750 kg. Maximum
speed with the trailer cannot exceed the maximum speed of either car of the combination (stated in the
technical certificate ).
25. Describe the mandatory equipment/kit for the car.
The car mandatory kit includes:
1. spare wheel
2. jack
3. key lock for wheel bolts
4. emergency triangle

5. spare electric fuses, one of each type
6. spare bulbs of outside lights, one of each type
7. first aid kit
8. tools