Introduce car-related trivia in a quiz format!
How much trivia about cars do you know?
In this article, we’ve turned all sorts of car-related tidbits into a quiz—from tips that are useful for driving to fun facts that aren’t particularly practical but are delightful to know.
Within the article, you can tap “Show Answer” to reveal the answers, so try thinking them through as you read.
If you come across a question you can’t answer, remember it as a bit of trivia and impress your friends and family!
Introducing car-related trivia in quiz format! (1–10)
What is the origin of the name “studless tire”?
- Because it does not use metal studs (protrusions)
- Because it has studs (spikes) to prevent slipping.
- Because the inventor’s name was Studless.
See the answer
Because it does not use metal studs (protrusions)
In the past, winter tires literally had protrusions on them, but because these protrusions (studs) are absent—i.e., “less”—they’re called studless tires.
What’s a quick way to tell whether the fuel filler is on the right or left?
- The number displayed on the fuel gauge
- Fuel warning light activation point
- the arrow on the fuel gauge
See the answer
the arrow on the fuel gauge
Near the fuel gauge in many cars, there is a small arrow. This arrow indicates which side of the car the fuel filler cap is on. If the arrow points left, the fuel cap is on the left side of the car; if it points right, the cap is on the right side. This lets you quickly identify the fuel cap’s location without confusion when using a rental car or driving someone else’s vehicle.
What is the engine displacement of a kei car in cc?
- 660cc
- 800cc
- 1000cc
See the answer
660cc
In Japan, the maximum engine displacement for kei cars is 660 cc. This limit is set by law, and if a kei car exceeds this displacement, it is classified as a standard passenger vehicle.
How can I tell when it’s time to replace my tires?
- Check the tread wear indicator
- Check how many meters it takes to stop when braking while traveling at 30 km/h.
- Check the color of the tire sidewall
See the answer
Check the tread wear indicator
It’s common to check the timing for tire replacement using the tread wear indicator (slip sign). A tread wear indicator is a small raised bar in the tire grooves; if the groove depth is level with the indicator, it means the tread depth has worn to less than 1.6 mm. You should also consider replacing tires that have been in use for over five years or if there are cracks on the tire sidewalls.
What do the numbers like “10W-30” on engine oil represent?
- engine oil weight
- Viscosity of engine oil
- Engine oil capacity
See the answer
Viscosity of engine oil
Numbers like “10W-30” on engine oil indicate the oil’s viscosity. The “W” stands for “Winter,” and the number before the W shows the oil’s flow characteristics at low temperatures, while the number after indicates its viscosity at high temperatures. Generally, you should use the viscosity specified by the manufacturer, but some people use different oils depending on the season.
In the past, when a vehicle exceeded a certain speed, a warning sound would play. What was that sound commonly called?
- Beep beep
- Ding-dong
- Alarm
See the answer
Ding-dong
In Japan, until 1986 it was mandatory to equip vehicles with a speed warning system that sounded an alarm when exceeding about 100 km/h for standard cars and about 80 km/h for kei cars. It served to alert drivers to speeding, but after a legal revision in 1986, cars with speed warnings gradually disappeared.
Why are car tires black?
- Because the additive that keeps the tire flexible is black
- Because black absorbs heat the most easily.
- Because adding carbon-based materials increases durability.
See the answer
Because adding carbon-based materials increases durability.
The main reason tires are black is the addition of carbon-based materials—especially carbon black—to improve durability. Carbon black increases a tire’s abrasion resistance, tensile strength, and aging resistance, and it also acts as a pigment, which is why tires are black.