Which pre-trip inspection items are essential for the safety of a passenger vehicle?

The selection of tires, brakes, lights, and emergency exits is vital for ensuring the safety of a passenger vehicle during a pre-trip inspection. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in the overall safety and functionality of the vehicle.

Tires must be checked for proper inflation, tread depth, and any visible damage, as they are the only contact between the vehicle and the road. Properly functioning brakes are essential for controlling the vehicle and ensuring it can stop effectively, which is critical for preventing accidents. Lights, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights, are necessary to communicate with other drivers and ensure visibility, especially during low-light conditions. Emergency exits are important for providing a safe escape route for passengers in the event of an emergency, reinforcing the need for a thorough evaluation to ensure they are operable and clearly marked.

The other items listed in the answer choices, while they contribute to the comfort and functionality of the vehicle, do not address the core safety features necessary for passenger safety in the same way.