This section covers the manner in which the various components of the vehicle work so students can recognize a malfunction or safety hazard before it causes serious damage or an accident. Its purpose is to teach students to perform routine service functions and simple maintenance tasks, and to recognize when the vehicle needs repairs.

Vehicle Maintenance

Purpose: To prepare students to recognize causes of vehicle malfunctions and to perform simple maintenance and simple emergency repairs

Unit 4.1 Vehicle Systems
Classroom instruction on function and operation of all key vehicle systems, e.g., engine, engine auxiliary systems, brakes, drive train, coupling systems, suspension, etc. Instructor gives detailed description of each system, its importance to safe and efficient operation and what is needed to keep system in good operating condition.
Lesson 1 - Vehicle Systems (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Vehicle Systems Demonstration (Lab)

Unit 4.2 Preventive Maintenance and Servicing
Supervised student practice in vehicle servicing, including checking engine fluids, changing fuses, checking tire inflation, changing tires, draining air tanks and adjusting brakes, performing emergency repairs.
Lesson 1 - Nature and Importance of Preventive Maintenance (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Engine Fluids, Filters, Lights and Fuses (Lab)
Lesson 3 - Changing Tires and Checking Tire Air Pressure (Lab)
Lesson 4 - Reservoir Drainage and Brake Adjustment (Lab)

Unit 4.3 Diagnosing and Reporting Malfunctions
Classroom instruction on identification of vehicle malfunctions. Students given a series of exercises in which they troubleshoot
Problems. Students practice emergency starting procedures.
Lesson 1 - Diagnosing and Reporting Malfunctions (Classroom)
Lesson 2 - Emergency Starting Procedures (Lab)