Basic Car Mechanics Course

Lesson 1 • Reading Vehicle Documentation

Teaches use of owner's manuals, service bulletins, and wiring diagrams. Accurate documentation reading prevents misdiagnosis throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • How a Car Works

Covers the four-stroke combustion cycle and energy flow from fuel to wheels. Establishes the mechanical logic that underpins every subsequent repair topic.

Lesson 3 • Workshop Safety Fundamentals

Establishes personal protective equipment, chemical handling, and fire prevention protocols. Safe habits introduced here apply to every hands-on chapter.

Lesson 1 • Measuring and Diagnostic Instruments

Teaches use of calipers, micrometers, multimeters, and compression testers. Precise measurement is the foundation of accurate diagnosis and quality repair.

Lesson 2 • Tool Maintenance and Storage

Establishes cleaning, calibration, and organised storage routines for all tools. Well-maintained tools ensure accuracy and extend service life significantly.

Lesson 3 • Hand Tools Identification and Use

Covers wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and pliers in automotive contexts. Correct tool selection prevents fastener damage and speeds up repairs.

Lesson 4 • Power and Pneumatic Tools

Introduces impact wrenches, drills, and grinders with safe operating procedures. Power tools dramatically reduce labour time when used correctly.

Lesson 1 • Engine Oil Systems

Explains oil viscosity grades, circulation paths, and oil pump operation. Proper lubrication prevents the most common cause of premature engine failure.

Lesson 2 • Air and Fuel Intake Systems

Covers air filters, throttle bodies, and fuel injectors in the intake path. Clean intake components directly improve fuel economy and engine performance.

Lesson 3 • Engine Components and Their Functions

Identifies pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, and gaskets with their roles. Component knowledge is prerequisite to any engine maintenance or repair task.

Lesson 4 • Ignition System Basics

Teaches spark plug inspection, coil-on-plug systems, and ignition timing concepts. A healthy ignition system ensures complete combustion and efficient power output.

Lesson 1 • Diagnosing Overheating Problems

Applies pressure testing, temperature readings, and visual inspection to locate faults. Systematic diagnosis avoids unnecessary part replacement and reduces repair time.

Lesson 2 • Coolant Types and Flush Procedures

Covers coolant chemistry, mixing ratios, and complete flush-and-fill procedures. Correct coolant maintenance prevents corrosion and maintains freeze protection year-round.

Lesson 3 • Lubrication System Inspection

Examines oil pressure circuits, oil coolers, and PCV valve operation in detail. Lubrication faults identified here build directly on engine oil knowledge from Chapter 3.

Lesson 1 • Fuel Delivery System Components

Covers fuel tanks, pumps, lines, and pressure regulators in modern vehicles. Fuel delivery knowledge is essential before diagnosing any no-start or performance fault.

Lesson 2 • Fuel System Safety Protocols

Establishes fire prevention, pressure relief, and spill containment procedures for fuel work. Fuel system repairs carry the highest fire risk of any maintenance task covered.

Lesson 3 • Fuel Injection System Service

Teaches fuel pressure testing, injector cleaning, and throttle body service procedures. Proper injection service restores fuel economy and eliminates rough idle complaints.

Lesson 4 • Emissions Control Systems

Explains EGR valves, EVAP systems, and oxygen sensor roles in emissions reduction. Understanding these systems prepares students for emissions-related diagnostic codes.

Lesson 1 • Starting System Diagnosis

Covers starter motor testing, solenoid function, and voltage drop testing on cables. Starting system faults are among the most common no-start complaints in the shop.

Lesson 2 • Battery and Charging System Testing

Teaches load testing, state-of-charge measurement, and alternator output verification. A healthy charging system is prerequisite to reliable operation of all electrical components.

Lesson 3 • OBD-II Scan Tool Diagnostics

Introduces OBD-II port access, live data streaming, and diagnostic trouble code interpretation. Scan tool proficiency enables systematic diagnosis of modern computer-controlled vehicles.

Lesson 4 • Wiring Diagrams and Circuit Testing

Applies multimeter skills to trace open circuits, shorts, and high-resistance faults. Diagram reading skills from Chapter 1 are now used in live diagnostic scenarios.

Lesson 1 • Brake Pad and Shoe Replacement

Walks through caliper removal, pad measurement, and correct bedding-in procedures. Proper installation technique prevents brake noise, vibration, and premature wear.

Lesson 2 • Brake System Types and Components

Compares disc and drum brake designs, identifying calipers, rotors, shoes, and wheel cylinders. Component identification is the prerequisite for all brake service tasks.

Lesson 3 • Hydraulic Brake System Service

Covers brake fluid properties, bleeding sequences, and brake master cylinder inspection. Hydraulic integrity is critical because air in the lines causes brake failure.

Lesson 4 • Rotor and Drum Inspection

Teaches micrometer measurement of rotor thickness, runout, and drum diameter limits. Accurate measurement determines whether resurfacing or replacement is required.

Lesson 1 • Shock Absorber and Strut Service

Covers bounce testing, fluid leak inspection, and strut replacement procedures safely. Worn shocks increase stopping distance and reduce cornering stability significantly.

Lesson 2 • Steering System Inspection

Covers rack-and-pinion and recirculating-ball steering with tie rod and power steering checks. Steering faults directly affect vehicle safety and must be prioritised in service.

Lesson 3 • Suspension System Components

Identifies control arms, ball joints, struts, springs, and sway bars with their functions. Suspension knowledge from this section supports all alignment and handling diagnostics.

Lesson 4 • Wheel Alignment Fundamentals

Explains camber, caster, and toe angles and their effect on tyre wear and handling. Correct alignment settings extend tyre life and improve fuel economy measurably.