The document provides instructions for basic vehicle maintenance tasks that an average person can perform, such as checking tire pressure, rotating tires, checking and changing oil, and checking fluid levels. It also lists some tasks that are better left to mechanics, such as major tune-ups, engine or transmission repairs, and most electrical issues. The document concludes by describing how to safely change a flat tire, including the necessary tools and steps to jack up the vehicle and replace the flat tire with the spare.

1. T H E D R I V E R S E D G E C U R R I C U L U M I N T E R A C T I V E Vehicle Maintenance

2. Attention Student: 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.

3. Vehicle Maintenance

4. Vehicle Maintenance 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.

6. Vehicle Maintenance What do you know about checking tire pressure?

9. Vehicle Maintenance What do you know about tire rotation ?

11. Vehicle Maintenance What do you know about checking your oil ?

14. When To Change Your Oil About every 5,000 - 8,000 kilometers or 3 months See owners manual for specifics Vehicle Maintenance

15. Vehicle Maintenance What do you know about checking the brake fluid ?

22. Vehicle Maintenance What do you know about changing air filters ?

24. Changing fuses Vehicle Maintenance What do you know about changing fuses ?

28. Gasohol (ethanol) Other considerations What do you know about ethanol ?

31. Other considerations What do you know about emission testing ?

33. Your tire blows out… What do you do? In Motion magazine, a General Motors publication Other considerations

35. 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. Other considerations Changing a tire

36. Shift to Park Set the parking brake Other considerations Block the wheel that is diagonally opposite the flat tire. Use a block of wood or a large rock to firmly secure the wheel . Changing a tire

37. Take out spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. (they may be in the truck – consult owner’s manual for exact location) Other considerations Position jack under the car according to instructions. Jack up the car high enough so the flat tire still touches the ground. Changing a tire

44. Other considerations What do you know about jump starting a car battery ?

45. 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. Other considerations Jump-starting a car What do you know about jump starting a car battery ?

47. 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. Other considerations + + - - Good Battery Dead Battery Jump-starting a car

48. 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. Other considerations + + - - Good Battery Dead Battery Engine block 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. Jump-starting a car

53. Review time…how much do you remember? Vehicle Maintenance Explain how enviornmentally conscious driving contributes to safety and economic benefits

58. The End Vehicle Maintenance

59. Drivers Edge : Interactive slides and videos ® Driver Education School Literature Copyright © 2009 InterActive Enterprises