Exercises — Module 01: Introduction to Your Vehicle¶

Work through exercises in order — they're designed to build on each other. Attempt each problem genuinely before looking at the solution. Seeing the solution first might feel like progress, but it isn't.

Instructions¶

1. Attempt first. Spend at least the estimated time on each problem before checking hints or solutions.
2. Write your work. Don't just read — actually write or describe your answer.
3. Check your answer against the acceptance criteria, not just the solution.
4. Score yourself honestly in the Scoring Log at the bottom.
5. If you're stuck after a genuine effort, use the hints one at a time — not all at once.

Difficulty Legend¶

Exercise 1: Name the Six Systems [🟢 Easy] [1 pt]¶

Context¶

Before you can maintain or diagnose a car, you need to be fluent in the language of its systems.

Task¶

Without looking at your notes, list the six major vehicle systems covered in this module and write one sentence describing each one's job.

Requirements¶

• All six systems named correctly
• Each described in one accurate sentence

Hints¶

Expected Output / Acceptance Criteria¶

Six systems with accurate one-sentence descriptions each.
Full credit: all 6 correct. Partial (0.5): 4–5 correct.

Solution¶

Exercise 2: The Four-Stroke Sequence [🟢 Easy] [1 pt]¶

Context¶

The four-stroke cycle is the fundamental operating principle of most passenger car engines. You need to be able to recite and explain it without hesitation.

Task¶

List the four strokes in order and describe what physically happens in the cylinder during each stroke (piston direction, valve states, what enters/exits the cylinder).

Requirements¶

• All four strokes named in correct order
• Piston direction described for each stroke
• Valve state (which valves are open/closed) described for each

Hints¶

Expected Output / Acceptance Criteria¶

Four strokes in order, each with piston direction and valve states.
Full credit: all correct. Partial: minor error in one stroke.

Solution¶

Exercise 3: Warning Light Urgency Assessment [🟡 Medium] [2 pts]¶

Context¶

You're driving when three warning lights appear. Your response to each determines whether you protect the engine or waste money on a tow for a non-issue.

Task¶

For each of the following scenarios, state: (a) what the light likely means, (b) the urgency level, and © what you should do.

Scenario A: A red light shaped like an oil can appears while driving on the highway.

Scenario B: A yellow light shaped like a circle with "ABS" inside it appears while braking to a stop.

Scenario C: A yellow outline of an engine appears on your commute to work.

Requirements¶

• Correct identification of each light's meaning
• Correct urgency classification (critical / high / medium / low)
• Appropriate recommended action for each

Hints¶

Expected Output / Acceptance Criteria¶

Full credit: all three scenarios correctly identified with appropriate actions. Partial (1 pt): two of three correct.

Solution¶

Exercise 4: Fluid Location and Identification [🟡 Medium] [2 pts]¶

Context¶

You are asked to perform a fluid check on a vehicle you've never worked on before. You need to locate and identify the correct check points for each fluid.

Task¶

For each of the following fluids, describe: (a) where to find the check point, (b) what the normal level indication looks like, and © one warning sign of contamination or a problem.

Fluids: Engine oil, Coolant, Brake fluid

Requirements¶

• Correct check location for all three
• Correct description of how to read the level for all three
• At least one valid contamination warning sign for each

Hints¶

Expected Output / Acceptance Criteria¶

Three fluids, each with location, level check method, and contamination warning sign.
Full credit: all correct. Partial (1 pt): two of three complete.

Solution¶

Exercise 5: Pre-Drive Safety Inspection Scenario [🔴 Hard] [3 pts]¶

Context¶

You've just acquired a used car and are preparing to drive it for the first time. You know nothing about its service history. Before driving, you want to perform a 10-minute safety check to identify any obvious issues that could make the drive dangerous.

This is a multi-step problem — you need to prioritize and sequence your checks intelligently.

Task¶

Design a 10-minute pre-drive inspection procedure for an unknown used vehicle. List all checks in the order you would perform them, explain why each check matters from a safety perspective, and specify what result would cause you to refuse to drive the car until it was corrected.

Requirements¶

• At least 8 distinct checks included
• Checks prioritized in a logical order (most safety-critical first)
• Safety consequence explained for each check
• Clear pass/fail criteria defined for each check
• The procedure is realistic and completable in approximately 10 minutes

Hints¶

Expected Output / Acceptance Criteria¶

A written procedure with 8+ checks, each with safety rationale and pass/fail criteria. Evaluation based on safety focus, logical ordering, and realistic detail.

Solution¶

Scoring Log¶

Record your performance honestly. Include the date and whether you used hints.

Passing threshold: 6/9 (67%). Aim for 8/9 (89%) before taking the test.