Engine failure — Rhode Island Permit Test

If the engine sputters or stops while you are driving, shift to neutral when it first sputters and try to restart it.

Left in gear, a dead engine drags the car down and makes a restart while rolling impossible.

If you are driving and the engine suddenly shuts off, sputters or spots, shift to NEUTRAL (and try to restart the vehicle) when the engine first sputters or stops.

When the engine fails, move toward the nearest shoulder, turn on the hazard flashers, and do not brake.

Braking early wastes the rolling speed you need to coast clear of traffic.

Turn on the hazard flashers. Do not brake.

Steering is harder when power is lost through engine failure.

A driver who expects the usual light steering may not turn hard enough to reach the shoulder.

Steering will be harder when power is lost by engine failure.

If the engine still will not start, stop at the side of the road, raise the hood, and leave the hazard flashers on.

A car stopped on the shoulder with no signal looks parked, so no one stops to help and drivers come too close.

Raise the hood and leave the hazard flashers on.

Your engine begins to sputter while you drive. Which gear should you shift to?

Neutral. Left in gear, a dead engine drags the car down and makes a restart while rolling impossible. Rhode Island Driver’s Manual, p.44: “If you are driving and the engine suddenly shuts off, sputters or spots, shift to NEUTRAL (and try to restart the vehicle) when the engine first sputters or stops.”