Before going through this lesson, download and print out from the website the review questions for this lesson:

Review Questions – Vehicle Maintenance

The answers to these questions must be completed and turned in to your instructor to receive credit for your independent learning hours. It is suggested that you look for the answers to these questions as you go through the lesson.

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.

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.

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 off the tire rim.

• Then use a pressure gauge to check your tire pressure and compare it to the sticker on the inside of the door.

• If your tire pressure is low, you should add air to your tire as recommended.

Checking Tire Pressure

• It is also a very convenient way to check your tire pressure.

• Some newer cars will alert you when your tire pressure is low by displaying it on the dash board.

Tire Rotation(usually about every 8000 kilometers)

• Tire rotation will allow your tires to last much longer.

• Refer to your vehicles users manual for the proper tire rotation patterns and for how often they should be rotated.

For you to do this job you’ll need these . . .

Checking Your Oil

• To check your oil, first pop the hood.

• Find your dipstick, pull it out and wipe it off with a rag.

• Reinsert it. Then pull it back out and check the level of oil on the dipstick.

• Add oil if you are 1 litre or (quart) more down from “full”

Adding 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 5,000 - 8,000 kilometers or 3 monthsSee owners manual for specifics

Checking Brake Fluid

• To check and add brake fluid first locate the brake fluid reservoir under the hood.

• Remove the cap off the brake fluid reservoir.

• If the fluid level is under the minimum, add the recommended brake fluid to the reservoir.

Bad Brakes warning

• 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.

Checking Windshield

Washer Fluid

• To check your windshield washer fluid first locate the washer fluid reservoir.

• Then pop the cap off of the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

• If the fluid level is looking low top it off with washer fluid.

Engine Temperature

• 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.

Gauge reads hot

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.

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.

Motor oil: checkunder engine

Transmission fluid: check under car…back part of engine

Coolant: check water pump,

radiator or hose

Power steering fluid: check system

Water: usually condensation

Changing air filter• Air filters come in

various shapes and sizes. It is recommended that they be changed about every 48,000 km (more frequently in dusty conditions)

• It’s usually a simple procedure of removing of a wing nut or some screws.

Changing fuses

Changing fuses

• Check owners manual for fuse location and replace with same type.

• Fuses facilitate the various operations of the electrical system.

• Electrical malfunctions such as turn signals not functioning or the interior lights not working could be the result of a burned out fuse.

Changing bulbs• If the fuse is not the

problem it could be a burned out bulb.

• It can be a simple or challenging procedure; see owners manual for bulb type.

• Best to bring old bulb with you to auto parts store.

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

Gasohol (ethanol)

Gasohol (ethanol)

• Gasohol is a mixture of 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol.

• Ethanol is often made from corn by-products.• Gasohol has a higher octane and anti-knock

properties than gasoline.• Gasohol burns slower and cooler than gasoline

making it more economical and it results in reduced emissions.

• Gasohol is more expensive and energy intensive to produce. Not suitable for all cars.

• It can damage rubber seals and diaphragms in cars that are not compatible with it.

• It is also toxic and corrosive; check owners manual to see if it is not recommended.

Gasohol (ethanol)

• Since cars are the largest cause of carbon monoxide pollution and smog, they need to be tested to pass emissions tests to keep our air clean. They are put on the hydrometer to measure emissions output during various driving simulations.

• Most passenger cars, vans, light trucks and sport utility vehicles in the Drive Clean program area must pass a Drive Clean test to renew the stickers on their plates.

• As of January 1, 2006, Drive Clean regulations require testing every two years for light-duty vehicles beginning when they are five years old in the fifth calendar year after their model year.

Your tire blows out… What do you do?

In Motion magazine, a General Motors publication

Your tire blows out… What do you do?

In Motion magazine, a General Motors publication

• 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 order to change a tire, you need a jack. A jack is a hand-operated device used to lift and hold one corner or side of the car. You also need a lug wrench which should be provided with the 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.

Shift to Park

Set the parking brakeSet the parking brake

Block the wheel that is diagonally opposite the flat tire. Use a block of wood or a large rock to firmly secure the wheel.

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.

Jack up the car high enough so the flat tire still touches the ground.

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.

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.

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

You will want the flat tire about 15 centimeters off the ground because the spare tire is fully inflated and will require more ground clearance.

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.

• Position the spare tire directly in front of the wheel well.

• Align the holes in the center of the spare tire with the bolts on the car.

• 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.

• 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.

Safety Note: Do not use the smaller spare tire for more than 80 km

4

3

2

1

• Lower the car and put on the wheel cover.

When a battery goes dead, your car will make no sound (or a clicking sound) when trying to start the engine. You can probably start the car by using jumper cables connected to a good battery of another vehicle.

Safety Note: The good battery and dead battery must be of the same voltage. Also, do not try to charge a frozen battery because it might explode.

Bring the two cars together so that the jumper cables can reach both batteries easily. Do not let the cars touch.

Turn off the engine with each car in park with parking brake set.

Do not smoke, create a spark or light a match near a battery.

Make sure all battery terminals, are clean and free of corrosion. You can clean them with a wire brush or baking soda and water. (In an emergency, Coke also works)

Identify each positive and negative terminal. The positive should be marked + or red. The negative should be marked – or black.

Securely clamp the positive jumper cable to the positive terminals on each battery.

+

+

-

-

Good Battery

Dead Battery

Securely clamp one end of the negative jumper cable to the negative terminal of the good battery.

Safety Note: Keep jumper cables away from any moving parts.

+

+

-

-

Good Battery

Dead Battery

Engineblock

Securely clamp the other end of the negative jumper cable to the engine block. DO NOT CLAMP THIS CABLE TO THE DEAD BATTERY’S NEGATIVE TERMINAL. IT MAY CAUSE AN EXPLOSION.

+

+

-

-

Good Battery

Dead Battery

Engineblock

Start the engine in the

vehicle with the good battery

and let it idle for a few

minutes.

Turn on the headlights

before starting the car with

the low or dead battery. This

absorbs voltage spikes that

can cause damage to a

vehicle's computer.

Safety Note: Dispose of any cloth used to wipe battery parts because it may be

contaminated with acid.

Start the engine in the vehicle with

the low battery. After it starts, and

is running smoothly, remove the

cables in the reverse order they

were put on.

432

1

Once the vehicle has been successfully jump-started, allow the engine idle for about 30 minutes to recharge the battery. remove cables

Avoid making fast starts and stops and cornering too fast. They are not only unsafe but increase the cost of operating and maintaining your vehicle by wasting fuel and wearing out tires and brakes.

Another thing you can do to save money is drive slower. Faster driving requires more fuel to get you the same distance. Obey speed limits and you will save fuel and reduce the risk to others.

In addition to the above, anticipate when you will need to stop. Quick braking excessively wears your brakes and tires. Look ahead while you are driving so you can anticipate when you will need to stop and do so smoothly and gently. Also, planning your route in advance is cost effective.

Periodic preventative maintenance will also lower your long-term operating cost by making your vehicle run more efficiently.

If doing your own vehicle maintenance you are required to properly dispose of used fluids, batteries and tires at sites designated for these purposes. If utilizing a vehicle service center, these disposal issues are usually the responsibility of the service center.

Review time…how much do you remember?

5) If you hear a squealing metal sound when applying the brakes, it may mean that its time for a ________________

1) Locate the correct air pressure for your tires on the inside

_____________

3) To check your oil, first find the ___________. If you are down ________ or more add enough to bring it to full line.

4) You should change your oil according to the owners manual recommendations, usually every _________km.

6) True or False: ________Because of the possibility of freezing, using water it is not recommended as a windshield washer.

2) True or False: For most tires they should be rotated about every 16,000 km. ________________

7) True or False: If your car begins to overheat, you should first try to turn on the heater & fan on high to try to reduce the engine temperature. _______

8) If your coolant level is down, the ratio of water to antifreeze is usually a _______ mix.

10) Red color fluid leakage near the back of the engine is probably a ______________leak, which could be costly.

11) Perhaps the easiest vehicle maintenance is changing the ____________

12) Correcting an electrical malfunction such as lights not working, may be easily corrected by changing a _____

9) If you notice fluid leakage under the car (other than water) you should get it checked out by ______________.

17) When changing a flat tire, find something to firmly secure the wheel such as a___________ or some rocks.

15) Since cars are the largest cause of carbon monoxide pollution and smog, they need to pass _____________

13) True or False: Unless you have the proper equipment and knowledge an engine tune-up is best left to professionals. ________

14) Although ethanol (gasohol) is compatible with most engines, be sure to check your ____________

16) If you experience a flat tire, park on a ______spot, away from traffic and turn on the _______________

18) After mounting the spare tire, when replacing the lug nuts, be sure to ___________them to secure tire evenly.

21) When bringing the two vehicles close together, be sure that they do not ________ each other.

19) True or False: If your battery is dead it might still be possible to start it with the use of jumper cables._____

20) The good battery and the dead battery must be of the same _______before attempting the jump start.

22) Begin by securing the _________ jumper cable to the positive terminals on each battery.

23) True or False: Connect the negative terminals of each battery to each other. _______

24) After starting the car, disconnect the cables in the ___________order that you connected them.

The End

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