The police officer asked me to open the back of the car to check my luggage. Which part of the car did I open?
β The trunk
π In American English itβs trunk, in British English itβs boot. This is the space at the back of the car for luggage, groceries, or tools.
The traffic officer waved at me to stop the car at the side of the road. What did he ask me to do?
β Pull over
π To pull over means to move your car to the side of the road and stop. Common in police situations or emergencies.
π Collocation: The police asked me to pull over.
My car wouldnβt move because one of the tires had no air in it. What problem did I have?
β A flat tire
π A flat tire happens when a tire loses air. Synonym: a puncture.
π Useful phrase: We had to change a flat tire on the way to work.
Every 5,000 miles I take my car to the mechanic so they can replace the engine oil. What is this service called?
β An oil change
π An oil change keeps the engine running smoothly by replacing old, dirty oil with new oil.
π Collocations: get an oil change, do an oil change, change the oil regularly.
π§ Example: You should get an oil change every 5,000 miles to protect the engine.
You canβt drive at night without these β they help you see the road ahead.
β The headlights
π Headlights are the strong lights at the front of the car. In American English high beams = stronger lights, low beams = normal.
I was stuck behind a slow truck, so I moved into the other lane to pass it. What action did I take?
β Overtake / Pass
π In American English: to pass another car. In British English: to overtake.
π Example: Itβs dangerous to overtake on a curve.
I turned the key, but the engine didnβt start because there was no power left. What was wrong?
β A dead battery
π A dead battery means it has no charge, so the car wonβt start.
π Collocations: jump-start the battery, replace the battery.
Before a road trip, I stopped at a gas station to make sure my tank was full. What did I do?
β I filled up the gas tank
π To fill up = add fuel until the tank is full. This phrase is common in everyday English.
π Variants: fill the tank, fill up with gas/petrol.
π§ Example: Letβs fill up before we get on the highway.
When it rains, this large piece of glass in front of you gets covered in water. What is it?
β The windshield
π In American English itβs windshield, in British English itβs windscreen. It protects the driver and passengers from wind, rain, and debris.
The light turned green, and everyone started pressing the pedal to go faster. What action is this?
β To accelerate / speed up
π Both mean βto increase speed.β Accelerate is more formal/technical, while speed up is everyday.
π Example: The driver accelerated to merge onto the highway.
After a small accident, the door of my car was no longer smooth. It had a bump. What happened?
β A dented door
π A dent is a hollow or bend in metal after impact.
π Example: The mechanic fixed the dent in the door.
My brakes started making a strange noise, so I took the car to a mechanic to do this.
β Check the brakes
π To check the brakes means inspecting them for wear or damage. Mechanics might clean, adjust, or replace brake pads.
π Phrase: I had the brakes checked before the long trip.
You canβt turn left or right without this round object in front of the driverβs seat.
β The steering wheel
π The steering wheel controls the direction of the car. Related verb: to steer. Example: He steered the car to the right.
On the highway, a deer suddenly crossed in front of me. I had to do this very quickly to avoid hitting it.
β To brake
π To brake = use the brakes to slow down or stop the car.
π Phrasal verb: slam on the brakes = brake suddenly and hard.
While driving uphill, the temperature gauge went red and steam came out of the hood. What was happening?
β The engine was overheating
π To overheat = the engine gets too hot, often because of coolant problems.
π Example: My car overheated in traffic because the radiator was leaking.
After many years, my tires were worn out, so the mechanic had to do this.
β Replace the tires
π To replace the tires means removing old or damaged tires and installing new ones for safety.
π Expressions: get new tires, change the tires, replace a worn-out tire.
π§ Example: You should replace your tires if the tread is too low.
This safety device goes across your chest and keeps you secure in case of an accident.
β The seatbelt
π The seatbelt is a key safety feature. Related verbs: fasten your seatbelt, wear a seatbelt. In everyday use: Buckle up!
I stopped in front of the store and left my car in the parking lot. What did I do?
β To park
π To park = bring the car to a stop and leave it in a designated space.
π Expressions: parallel parking, parking lot (AmE) / car park (BrE).
I tried everything, but when I turned the key, the car made no sound at all. What problem was this?
β The engine wouldnβt start
π A very general problem β could be caused by the battery, starter motor, or fuel system.
π Phrase: My car wonβt start β I think itβs the starter motor.
Once a year, my car has to go through an official inspection to prove itβs safe to drive. What is this process called?
β An annual inspection
π An annual inspection checks the safety and emissions of a vehicle. Itβs often required by law.
π Variants: vehicle inspection, safety inspection, get the car inspected.
π§ Example: Itβs illegal to drive without passing your annual inspection.