Unit:
Vehicle Maintenance
The primary learning outcomes desirable from
this lesson are as follows:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Become knowledgeable concerning the various types of
vehicle insurance and their functions
Learn how a variety of factors contribute to higher or
lower insurance rates
Understand the correct procedures if involved in a
collision
Realize that there are “post-collision” considerations even
days after the incident
There are many things that you
can do to keep your car in good
condition, but there are some
things that need to be left to
mechanics.
This lesson will focus upon
things the average person, with
a little knowledge and desire,
can do to help maintain their car
in good operating condition.
Power Systems
Ignition/Electrical
System
Involved in the ignition process and
provides electrical power needed to
operate a vehicle.
Lubrication System
The use of oil, grease, and other
substances to reduce damage to
moving parts from heat caused by
friction.
Cooling Systems
Provides additional cooling and source
of heat for your vehicle’s interior in
cold weather.
Emission System
Takes the exhaust created by burning
fuel and forces it through the
exhaust system to outside of the
vehicle.
What You Can Do
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Check your tire pressure
Rotate your tires
Check and change your oil
Check and fill various fluid levels
Replace air filter, fuses
Changing bulbs and lights
Change a flat tire, jump start a car
Checking
Tire Pressure
(check at every fuel fill up)
• To check your tire pressure
first unscrew the air cap
What
off of the tire rim.
do you
• Then use a pressure gauge
know
to check your tire pressure
about
and compare
it to the
checking
sticker on
the inside of the
tire
door.
pressure?
• If your tire
pressure is low,
you should add air to your
tire as recommended.
Checking
Tire Pressure
• Some newer cars will
alert you when your
tire pressure is low
by displaying it on
the dash board.
• It is also a very
convenient way to
check your tire
pressure.
Tire Rotation
(usually about every 5000 miles)
• Tire rotation will allow
your tires to last much
longer.
What
• Refer to
your vehicles
users manual
do you for the
properknow
tire rotation
patterns and for how
about
often they
should be
rotated. tire
rotation?
For you to do this job you’ll need these . . .
• To check your oil,
first pop the hood
What
• Find your
dipstick,
pull it out
do and
youwipe
it off with
a
rag.
know
• Reinsert it. Then pull
about
it back out and check
checking
the level
of oil on the
dipstick.your
• Add oil ifoil?
you are
1 quart or more down
from “full”
Checking
Your Oil
Adding oil
How often should you
change the oil?
• First locate the oil fill
cap under the hood.
• Remove the oil fill cap.
• Add the proper type
of oil according to
the owners manual
for your car.
(an oil funnel will keep
drips to a minimum)
When To Change Your Oil
About every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 3 months
See owners manual for specifics
Checking
Brake Fluid
What are warnings
of bad brakes?
What
do you
know
about
checking
the brake fluid?
• If your brake
warning light is on
and your parking
brake is not set then
you may have a
problem with your
braking system
• If you notice a
squealing noise when
braking it could
mean your brake
pads are worn and
need replacing.
Bad Brakes
warning
What is the
usual
color
of
windshield
washer fluid?
Checking
Windshield
Washer Fluid
Engine
Temperature
Gauge reads hot
• You should frequently
check your temperature
gauge while driving.
• If your car begins to
overheat, especially in
hot weather you should
turn on the heater and
fan on high; if the
engine temperature does
not soon lower you
should pull over and let
your car cool down.
Engine
Temperature
• After the engine has
safely cooled down
(it may be an hour)
remove the radiator
cap.
• If the fluid level is
low add a 50/50 mix
of anti-freeze and
water.
Power steering Water: usually
fluid: check system condensation
Motor oil: check
under engine
Coolant: check
water pump,
radiator or hose
Transmission fluid: check under
car…back part of engine
Know your fluids
• If you notice fluids
under your car
where it is normally
parked, than you
most likely have a
leak which needs to
be professionally
checked out.
Changing air filter
• Air filters come in
various shapes and
sizes. It What
is recommended
that they
changed
dobeyou
about every 30,000 miles
know
about
• It’s usually
a simple
changing
procedure
removing
an air of
filter?
(more frequently in dusty conditions)
of a wing nut or some
screws
Things better left
to professionals
(unless you’ve had special training and
have access to the proper equipment)
• Major tune-ups: often
require technical equipment
• Engine problems: noises,
fluid leaks; odors, broken
belts, hoses, vibrations
• Transmission problems
• Rotating tires
• Brake jobs
• Radiator flushing
• Air conditioning
• Exhaust / steering system
• Most electrical problems
Emissions Testing
• Since cars are the largest cause of carbon monoxide
pollution and smog, they need to be tested to pass
What
emissions tests to keep
our air clean.
do you
know
about
Emissions
Testing?
• Pull off the road so that
you are safely out of the
flow of traffic
• Try to stop on a straight
part of the road, (onto the
shoulder) so that passing
traffic can see you from
a distance
• Turn on your hazard
flashers
In Motion magazine, a General Motors publication
Your tire blows out…
What do you do?
Jack
lug wrenchWhat
tools
are needed
to change
a tire?
Spare tire
Safety Note: A car can slip off of a jack, so
never put yourself in a position where the
car could fall on you.
1. Shift to Park
Set the parking brake
2. Block the wheel that is
diagonally opposite the flat
tire. Use a block of wood or a
large rock to firmly secure the
wheel.
3. Take out spare tire, jack, and lug
wrench. (they may be in the truck – consult
owner’s manual for exact location)
Position jack under the car
according to instructions.
4. Jack up the car high enough so the
flat tire still touches the ground.
5. Remove the wheel cover or
hubcap and loosen the lug nuts.
Some cars do not have
hubcaps...consult your owner’s
manual for proper instructions
in removing the tire
Sometimes the lug nuts are tight
and difficult to loosen…
If you can't loosen them, try
putting some of your weight on
the lug wrench to loosen them
6. Jack up the car until the flat tire
completely clears the ground.
Use the lug wrench to completely
remove the nuts and place
them in the wheel cover.
You will want the flat
tire about 6 inches off the
ground because the spare
tire is fully inflated and
will require more ground
clearance
7. Removing the wheel
– It’s easiest to grab the tire at
the 9 and 3 o’clock positions
- Pull the wheel straight
toward you, and off the car
• 8. Position the spare tire directly
in front of the wheel well
• Lift the spare tire and position it
on the threaded bolts
• Push the tire onto the car until it
cannot go any farther
• Replace the lug nuts on the bolts
and tighten them, but not too
tight...just enough to hold the tire
in place while you lower the car
• 10. Lower the car with the
jack until the car is again
resting on all four tires
• Alternately tighten the
lug nuts
• Lower the car with the jack
until the car is again
resting on all four tires
• Alternately tighten the
lug nuts
• Lower the car and put
on the wheel cover
4
1
2
3
Safety Note: Do not use smaller spare
tire for more than 50 miles.