Introduction to Automotive
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Course Introduction

 

Core Standards of the Course

Strand 1
Students will participate in personal and leadership development activities through SkillsUSA or another appropriate career and technical student organization.

Standard 1
Student will use communication skills to effectively communicate with others.

1. Understand when it is appropriate to listen and to speak.
   
2. Understand and follow verbal and written instructions for classroom and laboratory activities.
   

Standard 2
Student will effectively use teamwork to respectfully work with others.

1. Identify and understand different roles in working with a team.
   

Standard 3
Student will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

1. Analyze the cause of the problem.
   
2. Develop a solution to address the problem.
   
3. Implement the plan.
   
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of the plan.
   

Standard 4
Student will be dependable, reliable, steady, trustworthy, and consistent in performance and behavior.

1. Set and meet goals on attendance and punctuality.
   
2. Prioritize, plan, and manage work to complete assignments and projects on time.
   

Standard 5
Student will be accountable for results.

1. Use an achievement chart for activities and behaviors in class that encourages a personal evaluation of classroom performance.
   
2. File a regular written report on progress toward completion of assignments and projects.
   

Standard 6
Be familiar with the legal requirements and expectations of the course.

1. Be familiar with the course disclosure statement and all requirements for successful completion of the course.
   
2. Demonstrate workplace ethics, e.g. fair, honest, disciplined.
   

Strand 2
Students will participate in work-place readiness activities.

Standard 1
Student will demonstrate employability skills.

1. Use a career search network to find career choices.
   
2. Write a resume including a list of demonstrated skills.
   
3. Write a letter of application.
   
4. Complete a job application.
   
5. Participate in an actual or simulated job interview.
   

Standard 2
Student will participate in a work-based learning experience outside the classroom.

1. Student will plan and implement a work-based learning experience aligned with their career goal.
   

Strand 3
Students will understand and demonstrate general shop safety.

Standard 1
Learn safe working habits and procedures. Pass a safety test with 100 percent.

1. Personal safety.
   
2. Tool and equipment safety.
   
3. Workplace safety.
   
4. Personal protective equipment (PPE).
   

Standard 2
Comply with safety rules for working with automotive chemicals.

1. Chemical manufacturers provide a Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each chemical they produce.
   
2. Identify the location of and navigate through the SDS for critical information.
   
3. Store and dispose of chemicals in properly labeled containers.
   

Standard 3
Identify the gasses encountered in the automotive field and the hazards they present.

1. Water, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide(CO₂), hydrocarbons(HC), oxides of nitrogen (NO_x), and carbon monoxide (CO).
   
2. HC, NO_x, and CO can pose health and environmental problems if they are not controlled.
   

Standard 4
Identify the hazards and control of asbestos dust.

1. Asbestos is a carcinogen – a substance that causes cancer.
   
2. Never use compressed air to clean brake assemblies.
   
3. Understand approved methods such as a brake vacuum or brake washer machine.
   
4. Because some exposure might be unavoidable, wear an approved filter mask.
   

Performance Skill
Understand general shop safety.

1. Pass a safety test with 100 percent.
   
2. Comply with safety rules for working with automotive chemicals.
   
3. Identify the gasses encountered in the automotive field and the hazards they present.
   
4. Identify the hazards and control of asbestos dust.
   

Strand 4
Students will understand and demonstrate basic hand tools, fasteners, and shop equipment.

Standard 1
Identify and measure metric and standard fasteners.

1. Machine screws, sheet metal screws, bolts, studs, nuts.
   
2. Lock washers, keys, splines, pins, snap rings, setscrews, rivets.
   
3. Head markings, thread series, right‐hand and left‐hand threads, major and minor diameters, thread pitch (TPI).
   

Standard 2
Correctly identify and use basic hand tools.

1. Screwdrivers, wrench, sockets, drive handles, extensions, pliers, hammer, chisels, punches, files, hacksaw, taps, dies, pullers, vises, drill bits, grinder.
   
2. Describe the use of each of the above tools.
   

Standard 3
Identify and demonstrate use of basic measuring tools (accurate to 1/32 or 1mm).

1. Inside and outside calipers, dividers, dial indicator.
   
2. Electrical testers, pressure gauges, feeler gauges.
   

Standard 4
Complete a repair order including cause, concern, and correction, use reference manuals or information systems to find service procedures and specifications.

1. Computer oriented.
   
2. Manuals.
   

Standard 5
Locate proper lift points, raise and support the vehicle using jack, jack stands and a vehicle hoist.

1. Use a jack and jack stands to raise and support a vehicle.
   
2. Use a hoist to raise and support a vehicle and properly use safety locks to secure the vehicle.
   

Performance Skill
Understand basic hand tools, fasteners, and shop equipment.

1. Measure metric and standard fasteners.
   
2. Correctly identify and use basic hand tools.
   
3. Demonstrate use of basic measuring tools (accurate to 1/32 or 1mm).
   
4. Complete a repair order including cause, concern, and correction, use reference manuals or information systems to find service procedures and specifications.
   
5. Locate proper lift points, raise and support the vehicle using jack stands and a vehicle hoist.
   
6. Properly de-energize potential energy from vehicle.
   

Strand 5
Students will understand and demonstrate proper techniques in removal and installation of tires and wheels.

Standard 1
Inspect tires for abnormal wear.

1. Proper inflation
   
2. Mechanical problems (no specific angles)
   

Standard 2
Properly rotate tires and reinstall using proper torque procedures.

1. Use manufacturer recommended tire rotation method.
   
2. Lug nuts should be tightened to the proper torque as indicated in the vehicle specifications and in a sequence of cross or star patterns depending on the number of lug nuts.
   

Standard 3
Interpret tire sidewall markings: size, inflation, age, and load.

1. Tire type.
   
2. Section width in millimeters
   
3. Aspect ratio
   
4. Speed rating
   
5. Construction type
   
6. D.O.T. number
   
7. Rim diameter
   

Standard 4 (Optional)
Dismount, inspect, and remount a tire on a wheel (including TPMS).

1. Use the proper equipment.
   
2. Use the correct techniques and safety precautions.
   

Standard 5 (Optional)
Use a tire balancer to balance tires of a vehicle using proper procedures.

1. Correctly mount wheel to the balancer.
   
2. Correctly balance a wheel and tire assembly.
   

Standard 6 (Optional)
Locate a leak and identify proper repair procedures.

1. Inspect interior and exterior of the tire.
   
2. Determine if the tire can be repaired.
   
3. Repair the tire damage correctly.
   
4. Verify tire repair.
   

Performance Skill
Understand proper techniques in removal and installation of tires and wheels.

1. Inspect tires for abnormal wear.
   
2. Properly rotate tires and reinstall using proper torque procedures.
   
3. Interpret tire sidewall markings: size, inflation, age, and load.
   
4. (Optional) Dismount, inspect, and remount a tire on a wheel (including TPMS).
   
5. (Optional) Use a tire balancer to balance tires of a vehicle using proper procedures.
   
6. (Optional) Locate a leak and identify proper repair procedures.
   

Strand 6
Students will identify basic automotive parts and perform basic services on a vehicle.

Standard 1
Identify basic automotive parts and functions.

1. Identify engine parts.
   
   • Block, crankshaft, camshaft, piston, cylinder head, connecting rod, valve train, timing components
   • Fuel systems: injector, filter, lines, pump, tank.
   • Ignition systems: spark plugs, coil(s).
   • Cooling systems: radiator(s), pump(s), thermostat(s), fan(s).
2. Identify drive train.
   
   • Manual Transmission
   • Automatic Transmission
   • Drivelines
   • Drive Axles
3. Identify brake parts.
   
   • Master cylinder, lines, caliper, rotor, drum, wheel cylinder, pads, shoes
4. Identify steering and suspension parts.
   
   • Rack and Pinion.
   • Steering gear.
   • Tie‐rod
   • Shocks / Struts
   • Springs: leaf, coil, torsion bar, air
5. Identify electrical parts.
   
   • Battery
   • Alternator
   • Starter
   • Circuit protection: fuse, breaker
   • Hybrid or Electric Vehicle Components.

Standard 2
Based on the manufacture's specifications, perform under hood checks.

1. Inspect and adjust available fluid levels.
   
2. Check belt tension and condition.
   
3. Check condition of hoses.
   
4. Inspect wiper blades.
   
5. Check air filter.
   

Standard 3
At the correct interval, perform lube, oil, and filter service. Use proper disposal methods for waste oil and filters.

1. Change engine oil and filter using recommended oil viscosity and filter.
   
2. Check for and lubricate available fittings.
   

Standard 4
Inspect and service battery.

1. Check battery voltage with the engine off.
   
2. Check battery voltage with engine running.
   
3. Properly jumpstart a vehicle (excluding hybrid or electric vehicle’s).
   
4. Inspect and clean 12-Volt battery and cables.
   

Standard 5
Check shocks or struts.

1. Visual inspection.
   
2. Check for proper operation.
   

Standard 6
Understand the four stroke cycle.

1. Intake
   
2. Compression
   
3. Power
   
4. Exhaust
   

Standard 7
Check brakes.

1. Lining thickness
   
2. Fluid leaks
   
3. Park brake function
   
4. Rotor condition.
   

Standard 8
Check lights.

1. Visually inspect bulbs.
   
2. Replace accessible light bulbs as needed.
   

Performance Skill
Perform basic services on a vehicle.

1. Identify basic automotive parts and functions.
   
2. Based on the manufacture's specifications, perform under hood checks.
   
3. At the correct interval, perform lube, oil, and filter service. Use proper disposal methods for waste oil and filters.
   
4. Inspect and service 12-Volt battery.
   
5. Check shocks or struts.
   
6. Understand the four stroke cycle.
   
7. Check brakes.
   

Strand 7
Students will identify basic emission components. (Optional)

Standard 1
Identify common emission components.

1. PVC system or equivalent
   
2. EVAP system
   
3. Catalytic converter
   

Standard 2
Run an emission test on a vehicle.

1. Hydro carbons
   
2. Carbon monoxide
   
3. Oxides of Nitrogen (NO_x)
   
4. Check readiness monitors.
   

Performance Skill
Identify basic emission components.

1. Identify common emission components.
   
2. Run an emission test on a vehicle.
   

Strand 8
Students will solve basic mathematical equations related to automotive.

Standard 1
Solve whole number problems with two- and three-digits.

1. Addition
   
2. Subtraction
   
3. Multiplication
   
4. Division
   

Standard 2
Solve fraction problems.

1. Addition
   
2. Subtraction
   
3. Multiplication
   
4. Division
   

Standard 3
Solve decimal problems with two- and three-digits.

1. Addition
   
2. Subtraction
   
3. Multiplication
   
4. Division
   

Standard 4
Solve conversion problems.

1. Fraction‐to‐decimal
   
2. Decimal‐to‐fraction
   
3. Decimal‐to‐percent
   
4. Percent‐to‐decimal
   

Standard 5
Solve basic ratio-to-proportion problems.

Standard 6
Solve basic linear-measurement problems.

1. Measuring using the Imperial system.
   
2. Measuring using the Metric system.
   

Performance Skill
Solve basic mathematical equations related to automotive.

1. Solve whole number problems with two- and three-digits.
   
2. Solve fraction problems.
   
3. Solve decimal problems with two- and three-digits.
   
4. Solve conversion problems.
   
5. Solve basic ration-to-proportion problems.
   
6. Solve basic linear-measurement problems.
   

Strand 9
Students will be able to conduct a Vehicle Inspection.

Standard 1
Students will be able to identify and properly perform a vehicle inspection. (Optional) Refer to the Utah State Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual - https://highwaypatrol.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/21/2015/03/2011-2012-SI-PLT-Manual.pdf.

Standard 2
Understand the need of scanning vehicle systems.

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These materials have been produced by and for the teachers of the State of Utah. Copies of these materials may be freely reproduced for teacher and classroom use. When distributing these materials, credit should be given to Utah State Board of Education. These materials may not be published, in whole or part, or in any other format, without the written permission of the Utah State Board of Education, 250 East 500 South, PO Box 144200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200.