Motor Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Level 1

Basic questions

What surface should the car be on before checking oil?

Flat/level surface

After pulling the dipstick out, what’s the very next thing you do?

After pulling dipstick, you wipe it clean first, then reinsert

What should the oil level be between?

Level should be between MIN and MAX marks

Why must the engine always be cold when checking/topping coolant?

Engine cold because a hot system is pressurised and dangerous

Where do you check the coolant level?

Check level at the expansion tank markings

What should you do if the coolant is below the MIN mark?

Refill with correct coolant type

Before lifting the car, what should you do with the wheel nuts?

Loosen nuts before lifting

Why do we use axle stands as well as the jack?

Axle stands = support car safely, jack alone can slip

When tightening wheel nuts, what pattern do you follow?

Tighten in star/diagonal pattern

When should you ideally check tyre pressure — cold or hot?

Cold tyres

What tool do you use to measure the PSI of tyres?

Tyre pressure gauge

Where can you find the correct PSI for that car?

Manufacturer’s info (door sticker/handbook)

Which terminal does the red lead connect to?

Red lead to positive terminal on both batteries (good + flat)

The black lead from the good battery connects to…?

Black lead: one to good battery negative, other to flat car’s earth point

After leads are connected, which car do you start first?

Start the good battery car first

Why must Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) be worn in a vehicle workshop?