Basic Auto Mechanics Course

Lesson 1 • The Mechanic's Role

Defines the professional responsibilities and career paths in auto mechanics. Establishes context for all technical skills taught throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Basic Hand and Power Tools

Introduces common hand tools, power tools, and their correct applications. Proper tool use is prerequisite to all repair procedures covered later.

Lesson 3 • Workshop Safety and Regulations

Covers hazard identification, personal protective equipment, and workshop safety rules. Safe habits introduced here apply to every hands-on activity in the course.

Lesson 4 • Vehicle Systems Overview

Provides a map of all major vehicle systems and how they interact. Students gain the big-picture understanding needed before studying individual systems.

Lesson 1 • Lubrication System Operation

Explains oil pump function, oil passages, and pressure regulation within the engine. Proper lubrication understanding prevents misdiagnosis of engine wear and failure.

Lesson 2 • Valvetrain and Camshaft Systems

Covers camshaft, valves, tappets, and timing components and their coordinated operation. Valvetrain knowledge is required for diagnosing misfires and timing faults.

Lesson 3 • The Four-Stroke Combustion Cycle

Explains intake, compression, power, and exhaust strokes in sequence. This cycle is the foundation for diagnosing engine performance issues in later chapters.

Lesson 4 • Engine Block and Cylinder Components

Identifies pistons, rings, connecting rods, crankshaft, and cylinder walls. Understanding these parts prepares students for engine inspection and rebuild tasks.

Lesson 1 • Air Intake and Throttle Systems

Examines air filters, mass airflow sensors, throttle bodies, and intake manifolds. Airflow management directly affects fuel trim values diagnosed in later sections.

Lesson 2 • Ignition System Fundamentals

Covers spark plug operation, ignition coils, and primary versus secondary circuits. Ignition system knowledge is prerequisite to misfire diagnosis in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Fuel Injection System Operation

Explains port and direct injection operation, injector pulse width, and ECU control. Students apply this knowledge when diagnosing rich or lean fuel conditions.

Lesson 4 • Fuel System Components and Flow

Traces fuel from the tank through the pump, filter, and injectors to the engine. Component identification here supports fuel pressure testing covered later in the chapter.

Lesson 1 • Charging System Operation

Explains alternator function, voltage regulation, and charging circuit testing. A properly functioning charging system is required for all electronic systems to operate.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Theory for Mechanics

Introduces voltage, current, resistance, and Ohm's Law in automotive context. These principles underpin every electrical test and repair performed in the course.

Lesson 3 • Multimeter and Circuit Testing

Develops hands-on skills for measuring voltage, resistance, and current in live circuits. These testing skills are applied in every subsequent electrical diagnostic task.

Lesson 4 • Wiring, Connectors, and Fuses

Teaches wire gauge selection, connector repair, fuse identification, and relay operation. Wiring integrity is foundational to diagnosing any electrical fault accurately.

Lesson 1 • Overheating Diagnosis and Repair

Applies pressure testing, temperature measurement, and visual inspection to locate overheating causes. Students integrate cooling system knowledge to form complete repair plans.

Lesson 2 • Exhaust System Components

Identifies exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, silencers, and oxygen sensors. Exhaust system condition affects engine performance and emissions compliance.

Lesson 3 • Emissions Control Systems

Explains EGR, PCV, EVAP, and oxygen sensor roles in reducing vehicle emissions. Emissions system knowledge supports diagnostic trouble code interpretation in later chapters.

Lesson 4 • Cooling System Components

Identifies radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant reservoir functions. Component knowledge is required before performing pressure tests and flushes.

Lesson 1 • Drum Brake Inspection and Service

Identifies wheel cylinders, brake shoes, springs, and self-adjusters in drum systems. Drum brake knowledge completes students' ability to service all brake configurations.

Lesson 2 • Brake Bleeding and Fluid Service

Teaches manual, pressure, and vacuum bleeding methods to remove air from brake circuits. Proper bleeding restores firm pedal feel after any hydraulic component replacement.

Lesson 3 • ABS and Brake Warning Systems

Introduces ABS wheel speed sensors, hydraulic control units, and brake warning light diagnosis. ABS knowledge prepares students for advanced electronic brake system service.

Lesson 4 • Hydraulic Brake System Principles

Explains Pascal's Law, master cylinder operation, and brake fluid properties. Hydraulic theory is the foundation for diagnosing spongy pedal and brake fade issues.

Lesson 1 • Wheel Alignment Principles and Adjustment

Explains camber, caster, toe, and thrust angle and how each affects tyre wear. Students read alignment printouts and make adjustments to bring angles within specification.

Lesson 2 • Suspension System Types and Components

Compares independent, solid axle, and MacPherson strut designs and their components. System identification is required before performing any suspension inspection or repair.

Lesson 3 • Shock Absorbers and Struts

Explains damper operation, wear indicators, and replacement procedures for shock absorbers and struts. Proper damper service restores ride quality and vehicle handling stability.

Lesson 4 • Steering System Components

Covers rack-and-pinion and recirculating ball steering gear, track rod ends, and power steering. Steering component condition directly affects vehicle control and alignment angles.

Lesson 1 • Differentials and Four-Wheel Drive

Explains open, limited-slip, and locking differentials and transfer case operation. Students service differential fluid and diagnose noise and engagement faults in 4WD systems.

Lesson 2 • Propshafts and CV Axles

Covers universal joints, CV joints, propshaft balance, and driveshaft inspection. Propshaft and axle condition affects vibration and noise complaints diagnosed in this section.

Lesson 3 • Automatic Gearbox Basics

Introduces torque converters, planetary gear sets, and hydraulic control in automatic gearboxes. Students identify shift quality problems and perform fluid and filter service.

Lesson 4 • Manual Gearbox Fundamentals

Explains gear ratios, synchromesh, and gear linkage in manual gearboxes. Understanding manual gearbox operation prepares students for fluid service and fault diagnosis.