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Projects — Module 01: Introduction to Your Vehicle

The projects in this file are directly connected to this module's content. For all topic-level projects across all difficulty levels, see ../../PROJECTS.md.

Module 01 Project: Your Vehicle's Profile Document

Difficulty: Beginner Estimated Time: 1–2 hours When to do it: After completing the module README and before or alongside the exercises

Description

Create a one-page "Vehicle Profile" document for your car (or a family member's/friend's car if you don't have one). This document becomes your reference guide for all future modules.

What to Include

  1. Basic Information
  2. Year, Make, Model, Trim level
  3. VIN (found on dashboard near windshield on driver's side, or inside driver's door jamb)
  4. Mileage
  5. Engine type (4-cylinder? 6-cylinder? Turbocharged? Diesel?)

  6. Transmission type (automatic? manual? CVT?)

  7. Fluid Specifications (from owner's manual)

  8. Engine oil: viscosity and type (e.g., "0W-20 Full Synthetic")
  9. Coolant: type (green/IAT, orange/OAT, or OEM-specific?)
  10. Transmission fluid: type

  11. Tire pressure: front PSI, rear PSI (from door jamb sticker)

  12. Current Fluid Status (check and record)

  13. Engine oil: level and appearance
  14. Coolant: level and color
  15. Brake fluid: level and color

  16. Tires: actual measured pressure at each corner

  17. Maintenance History (as much as you know)

  18. Last oil change: date and mileage
  19. Last tire rotation: date and mileage

  20. Any known issues or recent repairs

  21. Open Recalls (check NHTSA database)

  22. Any open safety recalls? (yes/no; if yes, what are they?)

Success Criteria

  • All basic vehicle information recorded
  • All fluid specs confirmed from owner's manual (not guessed)
  • Current fluid status physically checked and documented
  • NHTSA recall check completed
  • Document saved where you'll be able to reference it in future modules

Why This Matters

This document is the foundation for every subsequent hands-on exercise. Knowing your car's oil viscosity, tire pressure spec, and coolant type means you buy the right product every time without guessing. Finding an open recall now may save you from a safety incident later.