By the end of this course students will be able to: Describe procedures for the proper care and maintenance of the interior and exterior of a vehicle. (Washing and waxing) Identify and describe the components and service requirements of the vehicle systems that the owner should be aware of. Identify the appropriate repair information and the tools and equipment required for safe basic service and maintenance of a vehicle.

This includes any operation that will keep a vehicle in good operating condition. Without proper care the life of a vehicle or piece of equipment can be severally reduced. Fluids will become contaminated and change chemically after prolonged use. This will cause wear and corrosion to engine parts.

It is vital to keeping a vehicle in good working order. A technician must be familiar with all aspects of the lubrication service, which include: Checking fluid levels and conditions. Adding fluids as needed Changing oil & filter Changing automatic transmission oil Greasing certain chassis parts Recycling and disposal of fluids

A service manual contains detailed information on how to check fluid levels. The manual will usually describe: Location of fluid check points Correct interval between fluid changes and checks Correct type and quantity This information varies from vehicle to vehicle. For example a diesel engine may require more frequent oil changes than a gasoline engine.

To check engine oil, warm the engine to operating temperature. Shut off the engine and allow it to sit for a few minutes. A) Locate and remove the engine oil dipstick.

B) Wipe off the dipstick and replace it into the tube.

C) Pull the dipstick back out and hold it over your shop rag and read the level indicated on the stick.

If the oil level is low you must add the correct amount and type of oil. If the oil is down to the add mark typically one quart is needed. Never add too much oil to an engine. Pour in only enough oil to reach the full mark. Overfilling can cause oil foaming, which will reduce the oil’s lubrication ability.

To add engine oil, obtain the right kind of oil. A -Look for a lubrication sticker in the engine compartment or on the driver’s door. Use the same type of oil that was installed during the last oil change

B- Install a small clean funnel into the engine opening, without spilling the oil, slowly pour the oil into the funnel. C -Recheck the dipstick to make sure you added the correct amount of oil.

When changing engine oil, make sure the engine is warm and is sitting on a flat level surface. This will ensure that more of the oil contaminates are suspended in the oil and are drained out of the engine. If the oil is cold, the oil will drain more slowly and debris will settle to the bottom of the oil pan.

Warm the engine Raise the car on a lift or place it on jack stands figure(A) Place a catch pan underneath the oil drain plug figure(B) Unscrew the plug and allow enough time for the oil to drain out.

Position your catch pan under the oil filter figure (C) Compare the new filter with the old one, making sure the gasket and the filter are the same size. Wipe some clean oil on the O-ring of the new filter and install the new filter. Figure (D)

Lower the car to the ground and add the correct amount and type of oil. Figure (E) Start the engine run long enough to build oil pressure and check for leaks under the oil pan and filter area. Figure (F)

Check the level of the oil following the procedure that was covered previously. Figure (G)

During a grease job, you must lubricate high friction pivot points on the suspension. Steering and drive train systems. Most service manuals illustrate which parts must be lubricated.

while performing a complete chassis lubrication job or (grease job), you should lubricate high friction points on the body such as hinges, latches on doors, hood, and truck. This will help prevent squeaking doors and sticking hinges.

A service interval is the amount of time (in months) or the amount of miles traveled in between recommended service checks or maintenance operations.

As you perform lubrication service or any kind of auto repair, always watch for mechanical problems. Visually inspect the vehicle for any signs of wear, deterioration, loose parts, or leaks. Check the condition of fan belts, hoses, and wiring. Hose inspection Drive belt inspection Wiring inspection

Drive through car washes use mechanical brushes which can damage your paint surface. In most parts of the country, the water is recycled, meaning your vehicle is getting the same water applied as the rusted out 1985 Dodge Caravan that just pulled Hand washing your vehicle weekly is the best way to remove surface contaminants before they do serious damage to your vehicle’s paint finish.

Washing once a week is the standard for vehicles that are under your general use. During the week, your automobile can receive contaminants along your journey to and from work, errands, and anywhere else you travel.

Bugs are among the most damaging contaminants your paint can experience. Not only can their hard exoskeletons cause surface scratches; their bodies can break down further to root their remains to the paint surface. The braking system, whose metal shavings can accumulate on your rims and lower body panels.

The key to selecting the proper equipment is achieving a blend of functionality and gentleness. Improper techniques lead to swirl marks. Wiping down your vehicle with an ordinary towel will do more harm than good. Natural Sea Sponges are gentle on your paint, and tough on debris. Natural Sea Sponges

Brush - Boar’s hair is naturally thick and sturdy. It doesn’t fall limp when wet and it holds a tremendous amount of water. Cotton Wash Mitts are another effective solution for swirl- free car washing. Cotton Wash Mitts

Top to the Bottom - Always be sure to start washing your car from the top. This will ensure that none of the vehicle is re-contaminated by debris from different areas. The lowest extremities of your vehicle are the areas covered with the toughest accumulation of grit and grime.

Save the dish soap for your dishes. Household cleaners like dishwashing detergent are specifically designed to dissolve grease. Because wax is essentially a grease, household cleaners will remove your car’s wax finish; leaving you with little shine and no protection. Always use a premium quality, commercial liquid car wash.

Every time you dip your sponge or mitt into your water bucket, you are introducing foreign particles like dirt and grime into your previously pure water source. The only proven method to eliminate this threat is by lining the bottom of your bucket with the unique Grit Guard Insert.Grit Guard Insert

Never apply cleaner in direct sunlight or allow the cleaner to dry on the rim. Some wheel cleaners contain acid this may dull the polished finish.

Before doing anything, spray your vehicle down to remove loose debris. Pine needles and leaves are both examples of surface elements that can be easily washed off with your average garden hose, and it’s safer for your car to let the water work for you. At the end of your wash process, rinse away suds with free- flowing water.

All water contains microscopic minerals, even the water you clean your car with. When moisture evaporates, the minerals are left behind on your vehicle’s surface where they can etch the finish. Because of this, it is important that you remember to dry your automobile off as soon as you are finished rinsing. Scratches most commonly occur when substandard towels are used for automotive drying. Avoid using discarded household towels altogether, as they are often not soft any more, and they produce lint.

Apply a protector on your tires, this helps to prevent sidewall brownout and keeps brake dust and ultraviolet oxidation from drying out and damaging the rubber. Also glossy tires compliment the shine on your vehicle's paint.

Polishes contain compounds designed to remove scratches from the surface of your paint, while waxes protect your car with a clear, hard coating. Polishes provide the “shine” for your paint, while waxes provide the “protection.”

A Brazilian tree otherwise known as the fan or carnauba palm is the source for carnauba wax. Although carnauba wax has largely been replaced by synthetics, it is still produced and used in many parts of the world.