Test — Module 01: Introduction to Your Vehicle¶

Topic: [[cars-maintenance]] Module: [[cars-maintenance/modules/01_introduction]]

Before You Begin¶

[!WARNING] Do not look at ANSWERS.md or your notes during the test. The purpose of this test is to surface what you truly know vs. what you think you know. An inflated score is worthless. An honest score shows you exactly where to focus next.

Instructions: 1. Close all notes, the module README, and any reference materials. 2. Set a timer. Note your start time below. 3. Attempt every question — partial credit exists. 4. After finishing, grade yourself using ANSWERS.md. 5. Record your score in the Grading Record at the bottom.

Start time: ___________ End time: ___________ Total time: ___________

Scoring Table¶

Passing score: 15/22 (68%)  ·  Target score: 18/22 (82%)

Section 1: Recall (5 questions × 1 pt = 5 pts)¶

Quick recall questions. Answer from memory in 1–3 sentences each.

1.1 Name the four strokes of the internal combustion engine cycle in order.

Your answer:

1.2 What does the brake fluid reservoir tell you when its level is very low — and why does this situation have two distinct possible interpretations?

Your answer:

1.3 List three fluids you can check under the hood without starting the engine.

Your answer:

1.4 What is the difference between checking coolant at the radiator cap vs. at the reservoir, and which is the correct method for routine checks on a modern car?

Your answer:

1.5 A red warning light appears on your dashboard while driving. What is the general rule about how to respond to red warning lights vs. yellow ones?

Your answer:

Section 2: Conceptual Understanding (3 questions × 2 pts = 6 pts)¶

Demonstrate that you understand the "why", not just the "what".

2.1 The four-stroke cycle includes only one power stroke, yet a car's engine delivers relatively smooth power. Explain the mechanical reason for this smoothness, and explain why a 4-cylinder engine is generally less smooth than a 6-cylinder.

Your answer:

2.2 A colleague insists that you should always check your engine oil level immediately after turning off the engine, while it's still warm. Is this correct? Explain the accurate practice and why the wrong approach produces a misleading reading.

Your answer:

2.3 The module lists six distinct fluid systems. Why isn't there just one shared fluid that lubricates and cools everything? Explain why different systems require different fluids by comparing at least two fluid types and their specific requirements.

Your answer:

Section 3: Applied / Practical (2 questions × 3 pts = 6 pts)¶

Show that you can use your knowledge to solve real problems.

3.1 You are checking the engine oil on a car and find the following: the dipstick shows the level is between MIN and MAX, but the oil appears whitish and frothy. Identify what is likely wrong, explain the likely cause, and describe what you should do next.

Your answer:

3.2 Describe the complete procedure for safely lifting the front of a car to inspect the undercarriage, from the moment you decide to lift it to the moment you are safely lying beneath it. Include all required equipment and safety steps.

Your answer:

Section 4: Scenario / Debugging (1 question × 3 pts = 3 pts)¶

Analyze a realistic scenario and identify what's wrong or what should be done.

4.1 Your friend recently had an oil change at a shop. Two weeks later, the red oil pressure warning light appears while they're driving on the freeway. They call you, and you ask them three diagnostic questions to help understand whether they should pull over immediately or continue to the next exit.

What are your three questions and why does each one matter? Based on the possible answers, what are the two or three most likely causes of the warning light?

Your answer:

Section 5: Essay / Discussion (1 question × 2 pts = 2 pts)¶

Open-ended. There is more than one good answer. Show your reasoning.

5.1 A friend is deciding whether to learn basic automotive maintenance or to "just pay a mechanic." They argue that mechanics are professionals and it's safer to leave car care to experts. What would you say to help them think through this decision? Address both the cases where they're right and where they're not.

Consider at least two perspectives in your answer. Justify your conclusion based on what you've learned in this module.

Your answer (aim for 3–6 sentences):

Section 6: Bonus Challenge (1 question × +5 pts)¶

[!NOTE] This question is optional. It will not count against you if you skip it or get it wrong. Only attempt it after completing Sections 1–5.

6.1 The four-stroke cycle described in this module is the Otto cycle (named for Nikolaus Otto who patented it in 1876). Diesel engines use a different approach called the Diesel cycle. Based only on what you know about the Otto cycle and basic combustion physics, reason through what must be different in a diesel engine — and why diesel engines are typically more fuel-efficient but require more robust (heavier, more expensive) construction.

Your answer:

Self-Assessment¶

After grading your test, answer these questions honestly:

What did I get right and why?

Your reflection:

What did I get wrong and why did I make that mistake?

Your reflection:

What should I review before moving to the next module?

Your reflection:

What score did I get? Do I feel it accurately reflects my understanding?

Your reflection:

Grading Record¶

Append a new row each time you take this test. Do not overwrite previous attempts.

Grade scale: A ≥ 90% (≥20/22)  ·  B ≥ 80% (≥18/22)  ·  C ≥ 70% (≥15/22)  ·  D ≥ 60% (≥13/22)  ·  F < 60%

See ANSWERS.md for the answer key. Review it only after completing the test.