Automotive Maintenance

Explain the most likely hazards in automotive maintenance and demonstrate the safety practices that prevent injury or damage.

Using a vehicle owner’s manual, explain the maintenance schedule, key warning indicators, and the purpose/limits of seatbelts and passive restraints.

Explain the basics of vehicle registration and inspections in your state (safety/emissions as applicable), and summarize why compliance matters.

Explain different motor types you may encounter (gasoline, diesel, hybrid, electric) and describe safety boundaries for high-voltage systems.

Assemble an automotive maintenance kit and explain when each item is used for safety, inspection, or roadside readiness.

• Identify PPE (eye protection, gloves) and where it is used
• Identify basic hand tools (screwdriver, pliers, socket/wrench)
• Identify roadside items (tire gauge, flashlight, reflective triangles, first aid kit)
• Explain why the owner’s manual belongs in the kit

Plan a preventive maintenance checklist for a specific vehicle using the owner’s manual, prioritizing safety-critical items.

Perform a full under-hood fluid and battery inspection on a vehicle and explain what each fluid does and what ‘too low’ could cause.

• Check engine oil level and interpret the result
• Check coolant level safely (cool engine) and identify correct coolant type from the manual
• Check brake fluid, power steering (if applicable), washer fluid, and transmission fluid (if accessible per manual)
• Inspect battery condition/terminals and explain safe handling

Inspect belts, hoses, filters, and lights, then report findings with a simple recommendation list.

• Check belts and hoses for cracks, fraying, leaks, or loose fit
• Locate and check air filter(s) (engine/cabin if applicable)
• Test interior and exterior lights and identify any failures
• Explain one maintenance recommendation based on what you found

Locate the fuse box(es), identify fuse types/sizes, and safely replace a fuse using the correct method (simulation or real burned-out fuse).

• Use the manual diagram to locate fuse panels
• Identify the correct fuse by label/position
• Explain why the amperage rating must match
• Demonstrate safe replacement procedure

Perform a tire safety inspection, including pressure, tread, spare readiness, and disposal awareness, and explain alignment concepts at a high level.

• Find vehicle tire pressure spec (door jamb/manual) and inflate to spec
• Check spare tire readiness and required tools
• Explain tread wear indicators and why alignment matters
• Explain legal disposal options for old tires locally

Demonstrate safe roadside readiness by performing one of the following, under adult supervision: (A) safe jumper-cable connection OR (B) correct jack placement and a tire change.

• Explain the safety checks before starting (parking brake, stable ground, hazards)
• Perform the chosen procedure safely and in correct order
• Explain what could go wrong and how you prevented it

Explain how brakes work (including ABS) and perform a basic brake condition check with a recommendation for next steps.

• Explain disc vs drum at a high level
• Identify symptoms of brake problems (feel, sound, warning light)
• Perform a visual check where accessible (fluid level, visible pad/rotor if possible)
• Make a safe recommendation (monitor, service soon, stop driving and inspect)

Explain how preventative maintenance reflects stewardship—of safety, money, and responsibility to others on the road—and identify one habit you will keep when caring for vehicles.

Identify one career pathway in the automotive industry and describe what training, tools, and character strengths it requires.