After driving through flood water, it's important to make sure the brakes are working properly. Check for other traffic and, when it's safe, test your brakes. If necessary, dry them out by applying light pressure to the footbrake while driving along slowly.

While the car is in motion, hazard warning lights are only allowed to be used if you're travelling on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you want to warn traffic behind of a hazard ahead. Only use them for a short period of time - just long enough to ensure that your warning has been seen.

This curved arrow on the road indicates the direction that traffic should pass solid double white lines that are coming up. These arrows are also used on the approach to hatch markings and low arched bridges. Sometimes the arrow may curve to the right.

Too much oil in the engine will create excess pressure and could damage the engine seals and cause oil leaks. Any excess oil should be drained off.

You should carry out frequent checks on all fluid levels. The brake-fluid level will fall as the friction material on your brake shoes or pads wears down. If it falls below the minimum mark on the fluid reservoir, air could enter the hydraulic system, and this will lead to loss of braking efficiency.

At a puffin crossing, an electronic device will keep the red light showing until it detects that the pedestrians have reached a safe position. Don't proceed until the green light shows - and then, only if it's safe to do so.

Lane closures are normally found near roadworks. Use your mirrors and move into the correct lane for your vehicle in good time. Look out for additional signs and comply with them.

Snow chains can be fitted to your tyres when snow affects the driving conditions. They can help you to move off from rest or to keep moving in deep snow. You'll also need to adjust your driving to deal with these conditions; don't rely on technology such as anti-lock brakes to overcome bad driving choices.

A heavy load on your roof rack will reduce the stability of the vehicle because it moves the centre of gravity away from that intended by the manufacturer. Be aware of this when you drive around bends and corners. If you change direction at speed, your vehicle and/or load could become unstable and you could lose control.

When you've driven through a ford or flood, your brakes may be soaking wet. Water can reduce your brakes' efficiency, so check that they're working properly before you build up speed again. Lightly applying the brakes while driving slowly will help them to dry. Before you do this, remember to check your mirrors and consider what's behind you.

The diesel you use to run a vehicle is a form of oil and, as such, is very slippery when spilt on the road. The usual places to find diesel spillage are near filling stations and on bends or roundabouts. Overfilled fuel tanks and poorly fitting or missing fuel filler caps are often the cause of diesel spillage, so make sure you replace your fuel filler cap securely after refuelling.

A continuous white line is used on many roads to indicate the edge of the carriageway. This can be useful when visibility is restricted. The line is discontinued at junctions, lay-bys, and entrances and exits from private drives.

When all four wheels are driven, there's less chance of the tyres losing their grip, compared with a two-wheel-drive vehicle. But this doesn't replace the skills you need to drive safely. The extra grip helps to prevent skidding when travelling on slippery or uneven roads.

A flashing amber light is shown at pelican crossings, but not at puffin crossings. Puffin crossings are controlled electronically and detect when pedestrians are on the crossing. The red light will remain showing to drivers until the system detects that the crossing is clear. The sequence of lights is then the same as for normal traffic lights.

It's recommended that you check all the lights on your vehicle on a daily basis and replace any faulty bulbs. Carrying spare bulbs and fuses in your vehicle will ensure you can replace a bulb as soon as you find it has failed.

You should check the coolant level frequently, particularly before a long journey, and top it up as necessary. The need to top up often might indicate a leak or other fault in the cooling system. Have it checked by your garage or dealer.

A convex mirror gives a wide view of the scene behind. However, it won't show you everything behind, or to the side of, your vehicle. Before you move off, look over your shoulder to check for anything that's not visible in the mirrors.

On a single carriageway road, the national speed limit will apply, unless signs indicate otherwise. For a car, the limit is 60 mph unless the car is towing a trailer - in which case the limit is reduced to 50 mph.

When traffic lights are out of order, you should treat the junction as an unmarked crossroads. Be cautious, as you may need to give way or stop. Keep a lookout for traffic attempting to cross the junction at speed.

These lines are a device often found on the approach to a roundabout or a dangerous junction. They become closer together as you approach the hazard, warning you to slow down.