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Automotive Ownership Maintenance

Scott Greene

In this course we will be covering basic tasks that everyone who owns, or is looking to buy, a vehicle. All vehicles have problems and require general maintenance and we hope this course will give you the basic information needed to perform routine vehicle maintenance. This does not cover all maintenance on every vehicle as there are different requirements for specialty vehicles and situations. Many of our past students live in different parts of the world and certain maintenance tasks are performed differently in different countries. If you feel we have missed any basic maintenance demonstrations please feel free to send us a message and we will do our best to add to the course information we may have inadvertently omitted along the way. We do not go in to depth on many of these topics as this course is designed for the individual and not part of our Automotive 101 and 102 series that we also have on Udemy. We used several different vehicles in this series to change things up a bit and to give a different vantage point on different vehicles that you all may have and/or may encounter in day to day activity. If we can be of any assistance please feel free to message us here on Udemy and we will do our best to append videos to this course in order for you to receive the best value from this course possible.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • In this course students will learn basic routine vehicle maintenance.
  • Students will learn how to perform tasks that may face a vehicle owner during the duration of ownership of a vehicle.

Syllabus

In this section we will be showing what to wear and what not to wear while performing maintenance and how to organize your tool box.
Dressing For The Occasion
Read more
Organizing Your Tool Box

This is a quiz from the videos in Section 1

In this section we will be demonstrating basic tire and belt maintenance to be performed on a vehicle.
How to Properly Patch a Damaged Tire
How to Properly Change a Flat Tire - Part 1
How to Properly Change a Flat Tire - Part 2
How to Identify Tire Wear Patterns
Proper Tire Rotation
Tire Identification and Pressure Testing - Part 1
Tire Identification and Pressure Testing - Part 2
Belt Wear Patterns

This quiz will be from the videos in section 2

In this section we will be demonstrating how to inspect and change a vehicles filters.
Changing Your Oil and Filter - Part 1
Changing Your Oil and Filter - Part 2
Changing Your Fuel Filter - Part 1
Changing Your Fuel Filter - Part 2
Changing Your Fuel Filter - Part 3
Inspecting and Changing Your Air Filter

This quiz is on the information covered in section 3

In this section we will be demonstrating how to jump start a battery, how to change a battery, and how to change a fuse.
How to Properly Jump Start a Battery
How to Change a Battery
How to inspect and Change a Fuse

This is a quiz on the content covered in section 4

In this section we will be going over long and short trip checklists and demonstrating how to change a tail light bulb.
Short and Long Trip Checklists
Tail Light Bulb Replacement
In this section we will be demonstrating how to inspect the air conditioning system on a vehicle as well as the radiator and cooling system of the vehicle.
Air Conditioning System Inspection - Part 1
Air Conditioning System Inspection - Part 2
Radiator, Cooling Hoses, and Coolant Inspection

The quiz covers the content in section 6

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Covers essential maintenance tasks, providing practical knowledge for vehicle upkeep and potentially saving on repair costs
Focuses on basic maintenance, making it accessible for individuals with little to no prior automotive experience
Teaches skills such as tire patching, oil changes, and battery replacement, empowering learners to handle common vehicle issues
Demonstrates how to perform routine maintenance, potentially reducing reliance on professional mechanics and associated expenses
Designed as an introductory course, it does not delve into the complexities of specialized vehicles or advanced automotive topics
Intended as a standalone course and not part of a larger, more in-depth automotive series, which may limit the depth of knowledge gained

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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 Automotive Ownership Maintenance with these activities:
Review Basic Physics Concepts
Refresh your understanding of basic physics principles like torque, friction, and pressure, which are fundamental to understanding how vehicles operate and how maintenance tasks affect them.
Browse courses on Torque
Show steps
  • Review relevant chapters in a physics textbook.
  • Watch introductory physics videos on mechanics.
  • Solve practice problems related to force and motion.
Read 'Auto Repair For Dummies'
Supplement your learning with a comprehensive guide to auto repair, providing detailed explanations and illustrations of various maintenance procedures.
View Auto Repair For Dummies on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Auto Repair For Dummies'.
  • Read chapters relevant to the course syllabus.
  • Take notes on key concepts and procedures.
Practice Tire Changing
Reinforce your practical skills by repeatedly practicing tire changing, ensuring you can confidently and safely perform this essential maintenance task.
Show steps
  • Gather the necessary tools and equipment.
  • Follow the steps demonstrated in the course to change a tire.
  • Repeat the process several times to build muscle memory.
  • Time yourself and try to improve your speed and efficiency.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Document Your Maintenance
Solidify your understanding by documenting your own vehicle maintenance experiences, including challenges faced and solutions implemented.
Show steps
  • Choose a maintenance task to document.
  • Take photos or videos of each step.
  • Write a detailed description of the process.
  • Share your documentation with others for feedback.
Volunteer at a Local Auto Shop
Gain hands-on experience and learn from experienced mechanics by volunteering at a local auto shop, applying your knowledge in a real-world setting.
Show steps
  • Contact local auto shops to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Assist mechanics with basic maintenance tasks.
  • Observe and learn from experienced professionals.
  • Ask questions to deepen your understanding.
Skilled Motor Vehicle Mechanic
Expand your knowledge with an advanced guide for skilled motor vehicle mechanics, covering advanced diagnostics and repair techniques.
View Electric and Hybrid Vehicles on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Skilled Motor Vehicle Mechanic'.
  • Read chapters relevant to your areas of interest.
  • Take notes on key concepts and advanced techniques.
Create a Vehicle Maintenance Log
Improve your organizational skills and track your vehicle's maintenance history by creating a detailed maintenance log, helping you stay on top of routine tasks and identify potential issues early on.
Show steps
  • Design a template for your maintenance log.
  • Record all maintenance tasks performed on your vehicle.
  • Include dates, mileage, and descriptions of the work done.
  • Regularly update the log with new information.

Career center

Learners who complete Automotive Ownership Maintenance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Automotive Technician
An Automotive Technician diagnoses, repairs, and maintains vehicles. This course helps build a foundation in the fundamental maintenance procedures, like changing oil and filters, which is a routine task for an Automotive Technician. Understanding tire maintenance, including patching, changing, and rotation, as taught in this course, is critical for their day-to-day responsibilities. Moreover, the course covers inspection of various systems, such as air conditioning, cooling, and electrical components, which are all crucial elements of an automotive technician's knowledge base.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Technician
Vehicle Inspector
A Vehicle Inspector examines vehicles to assess their safety, functionality, and compliance with regulations. This course covers how to identify tire wear patterns and perform proper tire rotation, both of which are valuable skills for a Vehicle Inspector to determine a car's roadworthiness. Learning how to inspect and maintain various systems, such as air conditioning and cooling systems, are also relevant and will help a Vehicle Inspector make comprehensive assessments. Similarly, the course's lessons on battery and fuse maintenance allows for better assessment of a car's electrical system.
See salaries and explore the career path for Vehicle Inspector
Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
A Fleet Maintenance Supervisor oversees the maintenance and repair of a fleet of vehicles. This course may be useful as it covers routine maintenance tasks that a supervisor would need to understand, including changing oil and filters, inspecting air filters, and performing tire maintenance. The course's coverage of long and short trip checklists aligns with the preventative maintenance aspect of a supervisor's duties. Furthermore, the course provides exposure to basic electrical maintenance like jump-starting batteries, which is relevant to a large fleet operation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
Auto Parts Specialist
An Auto Parts Specialist assists customers in selecting the correct parts for their vehicles. This course covers the basics of vehicle maintenance, including identifying different types of filters, belts, and tires, which an Auto Parts Specialist would need to know. The course also introduces common wear patterns, which can help in understanding why a car owner may need to replace a part. Familiarity with vehicle systems, like cooling and electrical, as covered in the course is also valuable for an Auto Parts Specialist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Auto Parts Specialist
Service Advisor
A Service Advisor communicates with customers about their vehicle issues and recommends appropriate maintenance or repair services. This course may be helpful for a Service Advisor as it provides foundational knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance. They will be able to speak with customers about their concerns regarding vehicle maintenance with greater expertise after learning about tire care, oil changes, and filter replacements. The course's inclusion of different maintenance procedures also helps a Service Advisor understand the recommendations of their technicians.
See salaries and explore the career path for Service Advisor
Transportation Planner
A Transportation Planner develops plans and strategies for transportation systems. This course may be useful for a Transportation Planner because they need a general understanding of vehicle maintenance and reliability. Learning how to perform basic maintenance tasks, such as changing tires and inspecting belts, helps a planner understand the lifecycle and constraints around vehicles. Understanding how vehicle systems such as the cooling and electrical systems work will also provide context to the planner, and how they are related to transport.
See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner
Automotive Journalist
An Automotive Journalist writes and reports about the automotive industry. This course may be useful for an Automotive Journalist because it provides a basis in practical car maintenance. The course covers hands-on procedures, such as changing oil and filters, that builds practical knowledge and allows the Automotive Journalist to speak with more authority about car care. The course's focus on basic maintenance procedures, like tire rotation and changing fuses, adds to the journalist's understanding of vehicle ownership.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Journalist
Automotive Instructor
An Automotive Instructor teaches automotive technology and maintenance to students. This course may be useful for an Automotive Instructor as it can refresh their own basic vehicle maintenance skills. The course covers foundational knowledge such as tire maintenance, filter replacement and electrical work which they can use to enhance their lessons. By seeing different vehicles and methods, the Automotive Instructor will be able to better serve their own students.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Instructor
Ride Share Driver
A Ride Share Driver uses their vehicle to transport passengers. This course helps a Ride Share Driver by showing them how to properly maintain their car to keep it in good condition and maximize its lifespan. The course covers basic maintenance tasks, like patching or changing a tire, changing a battery, and basic electrical work which are skills that reduce the likelihood of downtime. The course on short and long trip checklists can also help a driver keep their vehicle reliable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ride Share Driver
Delivery Driver
A Delivery Driver transports goods from one location to another using a vehicle. This course helps a Delivery Driver by providing them with the basic vehicle maintenance knowledge to keep their vehicle running reliably. They will learn about tire maintenance, oil changes, and filter replacements as well as basic electrical work, like jump-starting a battery. This helps a Delivery Driver keep their vehicle on the road and minimize disruption to their work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Delivery Driver
Rental Car Agent
A Rental Car Agent rents vehicles to customers and ensures the vehicles are in good working order. This course may be useful for a Rental Car Agent because they will have a better understanding of how a vehicle functions and what to look for when inspecting a returned vehicle. The course covers tire wear patterns, and how to look for proper and improper maintenance which can ensure a vehicle is safe. This will improve customer safety and reduce downtime for a rental company.
See salaries and explore the career path for Rental Car Agent
Heavy Equipment Operator
A Heavy Equipment Operator operates heavy construction vehicles. This course may be helpful for a Heavy Equipment Operator as it provides a basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance. They will learn about basic systems such as cooling or electrical, even if the systems of heavy equipment vary. This exposure can help the Heavy Equipment Operator understand how to better care for their equipment and keep it in working order.
See salaries and explore the career path for Heavy Equipment Operator
Farm Equipment Mechanic
A Farm Equipment Mechanic maintains and repairs farm machinery. This course may be useful for a Farm Equipment Mechanic as it provides a basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance. The course covers a wide array of maintenance procedures, such as tire care, oil changes, and electrical work which can be generalized to farm machinery. This exposure can help the Farm Equipment Mechanic better diagnose issues and maintain farm vehicles.
See salaries and explore the career path for Farm Equipment Mechanic
Customer Service Representative
A Customer Service Representative supports customers with their questions, concerns, and requests. This course may be useful for a Customer Service Representative who works in the automotive industry, as it provides foundational knowledge of vehicle maintenance. The course covers routine tasks such as tire and belt care, which a Customer Service Representative may be asked about when working for a company that sells these parts or services. Knowing about common maintenance procedures may help address customer concerns.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative
Sales Representative
A Sales Representative promotes and sells products. This course may be useful for a Sales Representative of automotive products to provide a basic understanding of vehicle maintenance. The course covers routine procedures like changing tires and oil in addition to filter maintenance. This provides the Sales Representative with key background knowledge to use while speaking to customers about vehicle parts and maintenance services.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Representative

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 Automotive Ownership Maintenance.
Cover image
Auto Repair For Dummies
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of auto repair and maintenance for beginners. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic maintenance tasks to more complex repairs. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the underlying principles and procedures involved in vehicle maintenance, complementing the hands-on demonstrations in the course. It is commonly used as a reference by both hobbyists and those new to the automotive field.
Auto Repair For Dummies
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Save
Comprehensive guide for skilled motor vehicle mechanics. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and repair techniques. It is particularly useful for students who want to deepen their understanding of vehicle systems and develop advanced troubleshooting skills. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Paperback
$$
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Kindle Edition
$$

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Effort
2 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Scott Greene
Language
English
Good to know
Covers essential maintenance tasks, providing practical knowledge for vehicle upkeep and potentially saving on repair costs
Focuses on basic maintenance, making it accessible for individuals with little to no prior automotive experience
Teaches skills such as tire patching, oil changes, and battery replacement, empowering learners to handle common vehicle issues
Demonstrates how to perform routine maintenance, potentially reducing reliance on professional mechanics and associated expenses
Designed as an introductory course, it does not delve into the complexities of specialized vehicles or advanced automotive topics
Intended as a standalone course and not part of a larger, more in-depth automotive series, which may limit the depth of knowledge gained
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