Finding your way around our Yaris Cars
In 2003, the driving test was upgraded to include TWO questions on car maintenance. Another reason we choose the Yaris is that all the items that the candidate will need to point out when answering these questions are easy to see and easy to reach. For example the bonnet of a Yaris is quite small, so it is easy for anyone of any build to lift up, even on a windy day.
The main bonnet catch is situated below the steering column, level with the drivers right knee. It is easy to locate and light to pull and release the bonnet.
Walking round to the front of the car, the safety catch is in the centre of the bonnet and can be reached even by short fingers. The bonnet can then be raised and held up by the “prop”.
The dipstick for checking the oil is near the front of the car and has a bright yellow handle. Very easy to see and to point out to the examiner.
At this stage, the candidate would describe removing the dipstick, wiping splashed oil from it and then inserting and removing the dipstick to get a true reading of the actual oil level, which should of course be in between the minimum and maximum markers.
The Headlight switches are located on the stalks to the left of the steering column. The same stalk is pushed up/down for the indicators in the same direction as the wheel would turn. Twisting the stalk activates the sidelights and then a further twist for dipped headlights. To activate the main beam, you simply push the stalk away from you. A blue light on the dashboard will tell you this main or full beam has been activated. Twisting the inner part of this stalk will switch on the rear fog light and an orange light on the dash will indicate this has been done. REMEMBER, fog lights should only be used when normal visibility has dropped to a 100m (The length of a straight sprint running track or an average football field)
The washers and wipers are operated by the right hand stalk with the horn in the centre of the steering column. The Yaris has a very modern look and feel to the dashboard. The panel actually sits in the centre of the car. The speed is displayed digitally as simple numbers rather than a dial so there is no doubt when you are driving at 30mph. The full range of warning lights will illuminate when you first switch on the ignition and most of these (air bag, ABS, engine management etc) will go out shortly after or as soon as you start the engine. As a safety feature, the YARIS can only be started with the clutch pedal pushed fully in, so turning the key should not result in accidentally firing up the engine.
