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Home car maintenance for anyone

Dale Robinson

A course to empower you with the basic knowledge to service your own car and recognize when it’s not getting serviced correctly. How to do a basic service on your vehicle, how to recognize different components of your vehicle, what parts should and shouldn’t look like, understanding why and when your vehicle needs a service and know which tools you would need for the job and how to use them.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understanding the fluids in your car
  • How to do a basic service on your vehicle
  • Tires, brakes, shocks, suspension
  • How to recognise different components of your vehicle
  • What your car parts should look like
  • How to change your oil
  • Understanding why and when your vehicle needs a service
  • Know which tools you would need for the job and how to use them
  • Recognize when mechanical repair shops are not being honest
  • Understanding the noises your car makes
  • Change spark plugs

Syllabus

What's in the course?
Promo 1
Promo 2
Promo 3
Read more
Promo 4
Promo 5
Introduction
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Tips
Air Filter
Batteries
Battery Intro
Changing Battery
Jump Starting
Oil and Oil Filter
Oil Intro
Draining the Oil
Replacing the Oil 01
Replacing the Oil 02
Wheels and Tires
Tires Intro
Changing Tires 01
Changing Tires 02
Brakes
Brakes 01
Brakes 02
Suspension
Fluids
Let’s talk Engine Oils
Antifreeze
Oil Viscosity and Grades
Oil at Engine Startup
What is a Transmission
Transmission Fluids
Manual vs Automatic Oils

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Empowers learners to perform basic car maintenance, potentially saving money on professional services and fostering self-reliance
Teaches learners to recognize dishonest practices in mechanical repair shops, promoting informed decision-making and consumer awareness
Covers a range of essential car components, including tires, brakes, shocks, and suspension, providing a foundational understanding of vehicle mechanics
Focuses on understanding vehicle noises, which can aid in early problem detection and prevent costly repairs down the line
Requires learners to acquire tools for car maintenance, which may represent an upfront investment depending on their existing equipment
Covers topics such as changing tires and brakes, which may require physical strength and dexterity that some learners may find challenging

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Home car maintenance for anyone with these activities:
Review Basic Physics Concepts
Reviewing basic physics concepts will help you understand the underlying principles of how car components work, especially related to engines, brakes, and suspension.
Browse courses on Torque
Show steps
  • Review online resources explaining basic physics principles.
  • Work through practice problems related to force, energy, and motion.
Review 'Auto Repair for Dummies'
Reading 'Auto Repair for Dummies' will provide a solid foundation in car maintenance, complementing the course material with practical advice and troubleshooting tips.
View Auto Repair For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to basic car maintenance and repair.
  • Take notes on key concepts and procedures.
Practice Changing a Tire
Practicing tire changes will reinforce your understanding of the process and build confidence in your ability to handle this common maintenance task.
Show steps
  • Gather the necessary tools: jack, lug wrench, spare tire.
  • Loosen the lug nuts on the flat tire.
  • Jack up the car and remove the flat tire.
  • Install the spare tire and tighten the lug nuts.
  • Lower the car and fully tighten the lug nuts.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow YouTube Tutorials on Oil Changes
Following video tutorials will provide visual guidance and step-by-step instructions for performing an oil change, enhancing your understanding of the process.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable YouTube tutorials on oil changes for your car model.
  • Watch the tutorials carefully, paying attention to each step.
  • Gather the necessary tools and materials.
  • Follow the tutorial to perform an oil change on your car.
Create a Car Maintenance Log
Creating a maintenance log will help you track your car's service history and identify potential issues early on.
Show steps
  • Create a spreadsheet or use a notebook to record maintenance activities.
  • Include dates, mileage, and descriptions of services performed.
  • Update the log regularly after each maintenance task.
Review 'How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems'
Understanding automotive electrical systems will help you diagnose and repair electrical issues in your car, such as battery problems and faulty wiring.
View How To Use Automotive Diagnostic Scanners: -... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to automotive electrical systems.
  • Focus on understanding wiring diagrams and troubleshooting techniques.
Volunteer at a Local Auto Shop
Volunteering at an auto shop will provide hands-on experience and allow you to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.
Show steps
  • Contact local auto shops and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Assist mechanics with basic tasks, such as oil changes and tire rotations.
  • Observe and learn from experienced mechanics.

Career center

Learners who complete Home car maintenance for anyone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Auto Mechanic
An auto mechanic diagnoses and repairs vehicles, using their knowledge of mechanical systems. The home car maintenance course provides valuable knowledge in understanding vehicle systems, which is foundational for a career as a mechanic. The course directly covers important maintenance tasks, including oil changes, tire rotations, and brake work. Understanding how to recognize different components, and assess their condition, as taught in this course, directly aligns with the work done by an auto mechanic. For those considering a career as an auto mechanic, this course helps establish a practical understanding of vehicle maintenance and common repair needs. The course may help develop a mechanic's ability to assess a vehicle and understand vehicle noises.
See salaries and explore the career path for Auto Mechanic
Automotive Service Technician
An automotive service technician works on vehicles, performing regular maintenance and repairs. This course helps build a foundation in the understanding of vehicle components. The course modules on changing oil, tires and brakes provide a practical overview of the maintenance procedures that a technician performs daily, while also covering the understanding of car parts and their expected condition. This course is an excellent starting point for anyone considering a career as an automotive service technician, particularly the modules on understanding noises and recognizing dishonest practices. The course may be helpful in developing an attentiveness to vehicle sounds, allowing technicians to correctly diagnose car problems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Service Technician
Automotive Shop Foreman
An automotive shop foreman oversees the daily operations of a repair shop, and they often need to have strong practical knowledge of car maintenance and repair. This course provides an excellent starting point for someone who is looking to become an automotive shop foreman, as it builds a solid understanding of the maintenance process and also helps develop the ability to recognize dishonest practices. The course topics on basic service procedures, and recognizing vehicle components aligns with the daily work of a shop foreman. Those considering a career as an automotive shop foreman may benefit by having an understanding of common repair tasks from the course. Understanding how to evaluate the condition of various car parts may be useful in the work of a shop foreman.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Shop Foreman
Vehicle Inspector
A vehicle inspector examines vehicles for safety and compliance with regulations. This home car maintenance course provides an overview of essential vehicle knowledge that a vehicle inspector needs. You will understand what car parts should and shouldn’t look like, and when a car might need service. This is closely aligned with the work of someone who does vehicle inspections. For those interested in becoming a vehicle inspector, the course may be helpful for understanding common issues that a vehicle inspector will need to identify and assess. The course will also help learners develop an attention to detail in assessing vehicle components.
See salaries and explore the career path for Vehicle Inspector
Automotive Parts Specialist
An automotive parts specialist sells auto parts to customers, both mechanics and individual car owners, and they must understand the compatibility and function of different parts. This course includes an overview of the different components of vehicles, their functions, and what they should look like. The course provides details on key parts, such as batteries, spark plugs, and filters. This knowledge would allow a parts specialist to discuss these parts knowledgeably. For individuals considering a career as an automotive parts specialist, the course may be helpful to in understanding the function of different parts and matching them to customer needs. The course can help teach how the use and condition of specific parts which may be useful in finding the right part.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Parts Specialist
Automotive Maintenance Writer
An automotive maintenance writer produces content designed for car owners, often in the form of repair manuals, articles, and online guides. This course helps build a deep understanding of basic car maintenance procedures and the various components of a vehicle which allows a writer to explain maintenance tasks clearly and accurately. The course's emphasis on common vehicle issues, like oil changes, tire maintenance, and brake servicing, provides writers with relevant, practical knowledge. The course's understanding of common maintenance tasks provides writers with the specific information they need to create valuable content for car owners. The insights provided may be useful to writers explaining and describing the value of regular car maintenance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Maintenance Writer
Fleet Maintenance Coordinator
A fleet maintenance coordinator is responsible for maintaining and repairing a fleet of vehicles, be they taxis, rental cars, delivery vehicles, or trucks. This home car maintenance course may be helpful for a fleet maintenance coordinator because it goes over the core concepts of vehicle maintenance, including changing oil, tires, and how to identify vehicle problems. Those considering a career as a fleet maintenance coordinator may use the course to build a foundation in basic maintenance tasks and understanding vehicle components. The core aspects of maintenance and the need for reliable, consistent service may be useful to a coordinator's work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fleet Maintenance Coordinator
Automotive Instructor
An automotive instructor teaches students about the fundamentals of auto mechanics and car maintenance at technical schools. The course on home car maintenance may be helpful to anyone wanting to become an automotive instructor by offering a practical understanding of key maintenance procedures. The course's sections on oil changes, tire maintenance, and recognizing vehicle components may be useful in building a practical foundation for teaching. The course may enhance the instructor's confidence to lead and demonstrate key maintenance procedures. Also, the knowledge of recognizing dishonest practices may be helpful for instilling ethical values.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Instructor
Automotive Educator
An automotive educator teaches courses in auto mechanics and maintenance, often at community colleges or technical schools. This course on home car maintenance can enhance the background of someone wanting to become an automotive educator by providing an understanding of the basic concepts in car maintenance as well as service procedures, like those in the modules on oil changes and brakes. The course's focus on recognizing dishonest practices would also be helpful for educators who need to be able to discuss ethical concerns in the auto repair industry. Individuals who wish to become automotive educators may find this course useful to better understand the core principles of car maintenance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Educator
Auto Insurance Appraiser
An auto insurance appraiser assesses damage to vehicles after accidents to determine the cost of repair. This course on car maintenance is helpful for an auto insurance appraiser, because they need to have a basic understanding of vehicle components and repair procedures. The course provides instruction on the understanding of car parts and what they should look like, which could provide a valuable foundation for an insurance appraiser who must assess car damage. For individuals who wish to work as an auto insurance appraiser, this course may give them background in the parts and procedures they might assess. The course's discussions on common maintenance issues may help an appraiser evaluate and assess damage.
See salaries and explore the career path for Auto Insurance Appraiser
Automotive Journalist
An automotive journalist writes about cars, technology, and the automotive industry. The course on home car maintenance helps someone become an automotive journalist through understanding the fundamentals of car maintenance, which would allow them to speak to mechanical challenges with more authority. The course provides information about maintenance tasks, including oil changes, tire rotations, and brake servicing, which would allow a journalist to understand the procedures and discuss them with expertise. The knowledge gained from the course may be useful for someone who wants to write reviews and analysis of cars from a mechanical perspective.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Journalist
Automotive Salesperson
An automotive salesperson sells cars to customers, and their understanding of vehicle features and maintenance is essential. This home car maintenance course provides an overview of car maintenance, describing many of the features and components of the car. The course topics include oil changes, tire maintenance, and brake servicing which would give the salesperson valuable talking points and a deeper understanding of their products. The ability to speak knowledgeably about car maintenance and provide advice would be valuable to a salesperson. The course may help the salesperson gain customer trust and form a better understanding of how to answer their questions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Salesperson
Transportation Planner
A transportation planner develops plans for transportation systems and infrastructure. While they may not directly work with cars on a daily basis, they need to have an understanding of vehicle maintenance trends, car design, and the lifecycle of a vehicle. This course is helpful for any transportation planner because it provides an overview of car maintenance, teaching about the fluids, tires, brakes, and suspensions of a car. For someone considering a career as a transportation planner, the course may be useful because it helps build a basic understanding of vehicle operation and maintenance practices. The course may help planners understand the limitations and maintenance needs of vehicles, which might impact long term planning decisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner
Automotive Customer Service Representative
An automotive customer service representative assists customers with their car repair and maintenance needs, often in a dealership or repair shop. The home car maintenance course may be useful for a customer service representative due to the fact it covers the basics of car maintenance and repair, including the understanding of car parts and what they should look like. The course may help customer service representatives understand common maintenance items and procedures, such as changing oil, tires, brakes, and other key components. The course on basic car maintenance may be helpful in improving a customer service representative's ability to communicate with customers and understand their concerns.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Customer Service Representative
Automotive Recruiter
An automotive recruiter finds and hires qualified candidates for jobs in the automotive industry. The course on home car maintenance can help an automotive recruiter better understand the skills and knowledge required for different jobs in the field. The course's focus on basic maintenance processes, like changing oil and servicing tires, provides valuable context for recruiters. Automotive recruiters may benefit from the course by gaining a basic understanding of common maintenance tasks, and this can help them better assess candidate skill sets. The course may provide clarity on core concepts and terminology that are used in the industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Recruiter

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Home car maintenance for anyone.
Cover image
Auto Repair For Dummies
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of car maintenance and repair, covering a wide range of topics relevant to the course. It great resource for beginners, offering clear explanations and step-by-step instructions. It serves as a useful reference tool for understanding car components and performing basic maintenance tasks. This book adds breadth to the course by covering a wider range of car models and repair scenarios.
Auto Repair For Dummies
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
How To Use Automotive Diagnostic Scanners
Save
Provides in-depth knowledge of automotive electrical systems, which can be helpful for understanding battery issues and other electrical problems. It is more valuable as additional reading for those interested in advanced diagnostics. This book adds more depth to the course by covering electrical systems in detail.
How To Use Automotive Diagnostic Scanners: -...
Paperback
$$
How To Use Automotive Diagnostic Scanners...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Effort
2 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Dale Robinson
Language
English
Good to know
Empowers learners to perform basic car maintenance, potentially saving money on professional services and fostering self-reliance
Teaches learners to recognize dishonest practices in mechanical repair shops, promoting informed decision-making and consumer awareness
Covers a range of essential car components, including tires, brakes, shocks, and suspension, providing a foundational understanding of vehicle mechanics
Focuses on understanding vehicle noises, which can aid in early problem detection and prevent costly repairs down the line
Requires learners to acquire tools for car maintenance, which may represent an upfront investment depending on their existing equipment
Covers topics such as changing tires and brakes, which may require physical strength and dexterity that some learners may find challenging
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