Lesson 1Engine: combustion, power generation, common failure modesYou will explore how the engine converts fuel into mechanical power. The section covers four stroke operation, key internal parts, timing, lubrication interaction, and common failure modes such as misfire, loss of compression, and overheating damage, common in hot Zambian climates.
Four stroke combustion cycle overviewMajor engine components and functionsIntake, compression, power, and exhaustTiming belts, chains, and valve timingCommon engine noises and what they meanLow power, misfire, and compression issuesLesson 2Lubrication system: oil function, sump, filter, contamination signsHere you will learn how engine oil reduces friction, carries heat, and removes contaminants. The section covers oil grades, sump and pickup, pump and galleries, filters, change intervals, and signs of sludge, fuel dilution, or coolant mixing, vital for dusty Zambian roads.
Engine oil roles and viscosity ratingsOil sump, pickup, and pump operationOil galleries and component lubricationOil filter function and replacementOil change intervals and service recordsOil leaks, sludge, and contamination signsLesson 3Fuel and induction system: fuel delivery, injectors, filters, air intake and fuel economy impactsThis section covers how fuel and air reach the engine, from tank to intake valves. You will learn component roles, common faults, maintenance intervals, and how driving habits and system health affect fuel economy and emissions, considering Zambian fuel quality.
Fuel tank, pump, and fuel lines layoutFuel filters and contamination preventionFuel injectors operation and cleaning needsAir intake path, filter, and MAF sensorMixture control and fuel economy factorsBasic fuel system inspection and safetyLesson 4Brakes: hydraulic circuit, pads/rotors, handbrake and warning signsThis section details how the brake system slows the vehicle using hydraulic pressure and friction. You will learn component roles, pedal feel interpretation, parking brake function, warning signs, and basic visual checks for safe everyday driving on varied Zambian terrains.
Master cylinder and hydraulic circuitsBrake lines, hoses, and fluid conditionPads, shoes, rotors, and drum basicsBrake fade, pull, and vibration causesParking brake types and proper useBrake warning lights and inspectionLesson 5Ignition and charging: spark, coils, battery, alternator and starting/charging symptomsYou will study how ignition and charging systems start the engine and power electrical loads. Topics include spark generation, battery basics, alternator output, starter operation, and common symptoms of weak ignition or charging faults, essential for reliable starts in Zambia.
Battery construction and state of chargeIgnition coils, plugs, and spark timingStarter motor, solenoid, and crankingAlternator output and voltage regulationDashboard charging and battery warningsHard starting and no start diagnosticsLesson 6Exhaust and emissions basics: catalytic converter, leaks, excessive noise and fumesThis section covers how exhaust gases are routed and treated to reduce noise and emissions. You will learn exhaust layout, muffler and catalytic converter roles, leak hazards, emission control basics, and how to recognise abnormal fumes or sounds in Zambian conditions.
Exhaust manifold and piping layoutMufflers, resonators, and noise controlCatalytic converter function and careOxygen sensors and mixture feedbackExhaust leaks, fumes, and safety risksSmoke colour, odour, and emission cluesLesson 7Tyres and wheels: wear patterns, pressure, sidewall damage and impact on handlingThis section explains how tyres and wheels support the vehicle, transmit forces, and affect handling. You will learn tyre markings, pressure effects, wear patterns, damage types, rotation, and how wheel issues can cause vibration or pulling on rough Zambian roads.
Tyre construction and size markingsRecommended tyre pressure and checksTread depth, wear bars, and legalityWear patterns and alignment cluesSidewall damage and impact hazardsWheel balance, runout, and vibrationsLesson 8Cooling system: radiator, hoses, thermostat, coolant types and overheating signsHere you will study how the cooling system controls engine temperature. Topics include coolant flow, radiator and thermostat function, hose care, coolant types, and how to spot and respond to leaks, overheating, and related warning signs in hot Zambian weather.
Coolant flow path and heat transfer basicsRadiator, cap, and cooling fan functionsThermostat role and failure symptomsHoses, clamps, and leak inspectionCoolant types, mixing, and service intervalsOverheating signs and emergency actionsLesson 9Steering and suspension: components, ride quality diagnostics, basic alignment indicatorsThis section explains steering and suspension components and how they affect control and comfort. You will learn basic geometry, wear symptoms, simple checks, and how alignment and tyre condition influence stability and tyre life on Zambian potholed roads.
Steering gear, linkage, and power assistSuspension types, springs, and dampersBushings, ball joints, and wear symptomsRide quality changes and noise diagnosisBasic alignment indicators and tyre wearSimple driveway steering checks
