Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

BASIC MECHANICS
TRAINING OBJECTIVES

General Objective:

Provide the student with a general overview of the elements that make up their vehicle
with the aim of giving you an idea of how to keep it in the best condition.

Specific Objective:

Show the parts of a vehicle

Teach how and under what conditions the oil change should be done
tires
Outline the most common car breakdowns

ACQUIRED COMPETENCIES
The student must identify the essential parts of a car and their location.
2. The student must understand the different systems that make up a car and
establish the main faults that each of these presents

TOPICS
Vehicle description
Essential parts and location
Engine accessories
Oil change and tires
Operation and most common breakdowns

1
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

INDEX

TRAINING OBJECTIVES..................................................................................1
ACQUIRED SKILLS..........................................................................................1
TOPICS.
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE VEHICLE..................................................................................3
2. PARTIES ESSENTIALS AND LOCATION...............................................................4

3. ACCESSORIES OF THE MOTORR ........................................................................................9

CHANGE OF ACCEPTANCEE ...................................................................................................10
ASPECTS GENERALITIES OF TIRES AND THEIR REPLACEMENTS .......11
6. OPERATION THE MOST COMMON BREAKDOWNS12
6.1 Operation and faults of the feeding and injection systemn .......................12
6.2 Operation and failures of the electrical system............................................................13

6.3 Operation and faults of the cooling system15

6.4 Operation and failures of the lubrication system............................................16
6.5 Operation and failures of the steering systemn...............................................17
6.6 Operation and failures of the braking system.........................................................19
6.7 Operation and faults of the suspension and damping system
bearings......................................................................................................................21
6.8 Operation and failures of the transmission system22
6.9 Operation and positive ventilation system failures of the PCV..........................25
6.9.2 Emission system components:.................................................................25
6.10 Lighting system26

2
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

1. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

Before starting to drive the car, the driver must know the machine well.
you are going to manipulate, for that you must have information about the following aspects:

Brand.
The line.
Model.
Displacement.
Service that will be provided.
Medidas de ancho, largo, alto del carro.
Type of gearbox, steering, brakes, etc.
And in general the traffic license data.

The following graph shows the measurements that should be taken into account.

3
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

2. ESSENTIAL PARTS AND LOCATION.

The driver must have the

total knowledge of your
vehicle therefore must
recognize the following
aspects:
Engine location
The trunk
The fuel cap
The condition of the streetlights
front and rear
Type of bodywork
compact or rigid
Location of the battery
Place where it is kept
the spare tire
Type of system
security electronic device that the car has
Type of fuel used: gasoline, diesel, natural gas, hybrid or electric.

2.1 The engine

It can be located at the front or rear of the vehicle.

The transverse position is typical of cars and the frontal in the case of the
campers. Depending on their size, they can come in a line or in a V shape.

4
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

2.2 The trunk

It is generally found
at the back. There it
put the team of
road and in almost all the
models the tire of
spare part. The lever of
the opening is near the
conductor on the floor or in the
door. Remember that not
must carry things that
emerge from the trunk and
impede their visibility

2.3 Fuel cap.

This is usually opened with the same ignition key. It is located at the part
the right side of the car and the release lever is on the floor or on the door. Always
Before opening it, it is necessary to discharge the static electricity we have. Tank it up.
at low pressure only until the gun is fired, when it is full. It is important that
Do not park with passengers on board, do not talk on your cell phone, and be attentive to properly place the.
fuel cap

5
 Documento elaborado por: ACTIVE CAR

2.4 front lights and

rear.

Make sure that they work.

high beams, low beams, and the ones for

position.

The type of lights it has

our cars are:
Brake lights.
Directional signs.
Stationary.
Reverse.
Explorers or fog lights.

Let's remember that if not

they work or are damaged
us will impose a
summoning

2.5 Body type

The body of the car is part of the passive safety of the vehicle, it affects the severity.
of the injured in a traffic accident. That is why today’s vehicles are
They are built in such a way that if they are impacted, the body must receive and absorb the
hit, this is called an accordion system.

There are two types of bodywork, the compact and the rigid, the latter corresponds to the
of the trucks.

6
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

2.6 Type of fuel used

The environmental damage we currently have has led to the production of different
alternatives to reduce CO2 emissions when using the car, likewise
estas nuevas alternativas van representando una opción más económica para el
user. The most important thing is that you must identify the type of engine and
fuel that requires this. Below are some explanations regarding
the different fuels:

Gasoline: It is a mixture of hydrocarbons used as fuel in

internal combustion engines.
ACPM: fuel oil for engines.
CNG: compressed natural gas.
Hybrid: it harnesses the hydrogen from water.
Electric uses a power source of 110v and is transformed to
move the vehicle

2.7 Battery Location

It is important to keep in mind that the engine for its

operation requires power, even if it is from
gasoline, diesel, CNG, hybrid or electricity

7
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

2.8 Spare tire

The spare tire is usually in the trunk, but there are models where this
it is located near the engine. The spare tire should have the best tread.
and more air than the others. Not carrying it leads to a fine.

2.9 Electronic or mechanical security system.

It is the system by which the vehicle

it has a defense when they try to open it,
turn it on, move it or push it. There is
various security systems the most
common alarms with sensors and the
security movies.

8
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

3. ENGINE ACCESSORIES

It is important to consider the model and type of technology of the vehicle.

next we will see the basic accessories that make up the engine compartment:

Alternator
Expansion vessel
Radiator
Engine oil gauge
Oil filter
Brake fluid reservoir
Hydraulic steering oil reservoir
Windshield washer fluid reservoir
Battery
Air filter
Installation of spark plugs.
Fuse box

9
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

4. OIL CHANGE

The engine oil is changed at the manufacturer's recommendation. The engine of a car
It needs 4 ¼ of oil to be at the exact measure and to leave it clean.
accordingly, to the function it has. The oil should be checked with the engine off and
in plan and its filter should also be changed. It is important to observe its indicator in the
dashboard and make sure it does not turn on while in motion.

10
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

5. GENERAL ASPECTS OF TIRES AND THEIR REPLACEMENT

5.1 Essential parts and location

The tires are part of the steering, suspension, and braking system. Therefore
We must be very careful with its inflation, this is measured in pounds per square inch (psi),
For example, the rear tire of a Chevrolet Spark with 13-inch rims is inflated to 32 lbs.
the front rim will be the same, it will be 30
lb. It should be noted that it depends on the
weight, temperature, and terrain.

If the tire has a smooth tread or its

depth is less than 3mm we are
exposed to two things, the first, that
the traffic police take one from us
fine for bald tires; the second, that
if I go on wet pavement when braking
the vehicle would skid. That's why the tires
they must have the correct inflation, too
the vehicle must be taken to
alignment y balancing, a
maintenance that is done at least every two months.

5.2 Tires

With excessive air pressure, the tires wear out in the center. If they lack air
they wear out on the sides, so with little air more fuel is consumed and
current. The direction pulls to one side exposing us to an accident. Its
duration depends on manufacturing and the route. Its rotation should be every 6 months.

11
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

6. OPERATION AND MOST COMMON FAULTS

For a 4-stroke or 2-stroke engine to work, it needs a series of

important systems that without them the car would not start and run, these are:

Fuel and injection system.

Electrical system.
Cooling system.
Lubrication system.

6.1 Sistema de alimentación e

injection

6.1.1 System operation:

It is the system that is in charge of
intake of gasoline and air
(oxygen) to the engine, the purpose of
this is that combustion exists to transform thermal energy into force
mechanics. In the models
recently, injection is used
electronics to make it happen
said effect, previously it was
the carburetor but still does
uses some models and in
the motorcycles.

6.1.2 Components del

feeding system:

Fuel tank.
Fuel pump.
Gasoline filter.
Conducts.
Injection rail.
Injectors.
Air filter.
Sensors.
Valves.
ECU (control unit)
electronics).

12
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

6.1.3 Most common breakdowns:

Este sistema se puede averiar por algunas de las
following reasons:

Leave the tank empty or on reserve of gasoline, this

it damages the fuel pump.
Not performing synchronization every 20,000 km.
The damage of some element of the system.
Ingress of dirt into the tank.
Do not turn it on for a very long period, because this
grab the bomb.
Use non-recommended additives.
Accelerate before turning off the vehicle

6.2 Electrical system

6.2.1 Components of the electrical system:

Its function is to provide enough current for the motor and its accessories, also
so that it turns on and starts. Everything that works with electricity, the system does it
provides, one of its fundamental elements is the battery. Its components are:

Battery.
Switch of
on.
Alternator and regulator.
Starter motor.
Ignition coil
High installation.
Spark plugs.
Gun rack.
Accessories.

13
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

[Link] The battery

It is a current accumulator that needs distilled water to generate electrolytes.

There are 12 volts for cars and 24 volts for trucks, in some cases it
You can find wet and dry batteries (sealed gel). An alternator is required.
and regulator to maintain its charge. For fully equipped cars, power is needed
90 amps.

6.2.3 Daños más frecuentes del sistema eléctrico

This system can fail for the following reasons:

Battery discharge.
The pulley that turns the alternator is loose, crystallized, or frayed.
The alternator does not produce charge.
The starter motor is stuck or worn out.
Defective spark plugs.
Damaged ignition coil.
Burnt fuse.
Burnt out light bulbs.
It is not advisable to start the car while being pushed.

14
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

6.3 Cooling system

6.3.1 System operation

He is responsible for controlling the temperature of the oil that lubricates the engine, the system.
the mixed system works with water and air; malfunctioning can raise the temperature
of the oil and reheating causing serious damage to the internal components of the
engine, these systems must be purged at least every 100,000 kms.

6.3.2. System components

of cooling

Expansion tank.
Radiator.
Radiator cap
Fan.
Thermostat.
Water pump.
Ducts.
Refrigerant liquid.

6.3.3 Most common damages to the refrigeration system

This system can fail for the following reasons:

Leaks or drips.
Low coolant level.
Obstruction in the radiator or engine ducts.
The fan does not work (broken pulley, blown fuse).
Damaged temperature sensor.
Radiator cap stuck.
In case of overheating, let the vehicle cool down and apply water to the engine.
on.

15
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

6.4 Lubrication system

6.4.1 Operation

He is responsible for ensuring that the moving parts have no friction and are maintained.
temperature that does not damage the elements, also that the engine is clean. The
New engines must use a 10 W 30 multigrade oil for the first 50,000 km.
afterwards, a 20w50 or whatever the manufacturer recommends. Generally, it is changed every
5000km with its oil filter. Please remember to check the oil with the vehicle cold and
in plain. Use oils only as recommended by the manufacturer. When the indicator lights up
oil stop your vehicle

6.4.2. Components
lubrication system:

Oil.
Carter.
Internal pump or grid of
oil.
Oil pump.
Oil filter
Ducts.
Gauge or manometer.

6.4.3. System of
lubrication damages more
frequent

Las siguientes son las

reasons why this system is damaged:

Leaks, drips.
Damage to packaging or retainers.
Cracked mail tray.
Blocked pump.
Clogged oil filter.
Damaged oil witness.
Oil with a gasoline smell.
Milky foamy oil (contaminated with water).
Used oil

16
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

6.5 Steering system

6.5.1 Operation of the system

He is in charge of steering the vehicle to the side.

what the driver desires.
Assisted steering is a system through which the
what reduces the force that must be exerted
driver on the steering wheel of a car.

6.5.2 The types of address

The types of power steering are:

Hydraulics: This uses a hydraulic pump

connected to the engine to generate energy. It
It is usual for it to be directly coupled by means of a belt.

Electro-hydraulics: Its main advantage is that it is not connected to the engine of

vehicle avoids the mechanical problems associated with a belt transmission,
It also reduces fuel consumption. In this case, the hydraulic pump only
it works at the pace needed to operate the steering. The motor power supply
what moves the pump is done through the battery
.
Electric: Electric power steering or EPS (Electric Powered Steering) is the type
most recent of power steering. Its name is due to the fact that they use a motor.
electric to generate assistance in steering. Its advantage over hydraulic systems and
electro-hydraulics is that, by not using hydraulic energy, they are lighter and simpler
it does not require the installation of a hydraulic pump.

6.5.3 Components of the steering system:

[Link] Components of the steering system

hydraulic assist

Oil deposit.
Hydraulic pump.
Pulleys.
Dust cover.
Zippers.
Distributor valve.
Steering knuckles.
Remember to move the address with the vehicle
this affects the hydraulic pump.

17
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

[Link] Hydraulic electric steering system component:

Steering angle sensor.

Direction column.
Zippers.
Electric motor.
Control unit.
Sensor addressing.
Remember this system does not
connects to the engine vacuum
but it needs oil

[Link] Steering Systems Component

electric
Steering wheel.
Direction column.
Electronic unit.
Steering sensors.
Displacement arms.
Electric motor.
These addresses do not require a vacuum connection
with the engine, nor hydraulic assistance

6.5.4 Damage and breakdowns of the steering system

Leaks or drips of hydraulic oil.

Grease-free terminal arms.
Cracked steering column.
Dissociation.
The vehicle pulls to one side.
Very loud noises when turning the steering wheel.
Defective electric or hydraulic pump (the steering is harder than usual).

18
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

6.6 Brake system

6.6.1 Function of the system

Its function is to stop the movement of the vehicle at

will delete conductor. This system is
independent, it does not need another to function.
There is a handbrake that locks the wheels.
rear and the engine brake of the gearbox. The
the pedal is located in the center, it is pressed with the
pie derecho y tiene diferentes tensiones. Recuerde
that abrupt braking is a cause of accidents.

6.6.2 Safety concepts of the braking system.

For the system to work, air, liquid, and current are needed. When it turns on the
vehicle and the brake is pressed, the pedal moves down, this is
The normal indicates that the pneumatic brake system is working. Likewise,
when you turn off the car you must press the brake pedal several times to
decompress the system. If it becomes rigid it is fine, but if not we do not have
problems with its pneumatic system. Let's also remember that when
When we brake, the brake light at the rear of the car should turn on.
Excessive pressure overheats the system, risking a loss of brakes.

6.6.3 System components of

brake
These are the components of this
system

Brake pedal.
Liquid storage tank for
brakes.
Brake pump.
Smoother or booster.
Ducts.
Muzzle and pills.
Discos.
Bands and bells

19
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

6.6.4 Most common brake system failures

These are the most common damages in this system:

Low brake fluid level.

Excessive and uncomfortable noise when we brake.
If the pedal loses its tension and starts to stretch, it is a bad sign.
The brakes should be adjusted at least every 6 months.
If the brake warning light comes on, stop the vehicle.
The discs and bells wear out over time.
It is important to know the type of brake fluid we use, the most commonly used are
dot 3, dot 4, dot 5.1, this depends on the car.
The category tells us the level of temperature it can withstand; the 5.1 withstands more friction.
but it is used for trucks.
The brake fluid is changed at the manufacturer's recommendation, it is corrosive, so
be careful not to have direct contact with the skin.

20
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

6.7 Suspension, damping, and bearings system

6.7.1 System Function

It is the set of elements that absorb the irregularities of the terrain to

aumentar la comodidad y el control del vehículo. Este actúa sobre el chasis y las
wheels, controlling the distance between the floor and the body, likewise, when
turn the wheel the bearings allow for more smoothness in this action and their absence
They cause this to lose movement, affecting the direction.

6.7.2 Suspension system components, damping, and bearings

Rotulas.
Bushings.
Terminals.
Stabilizer bar.
Pitman arm.
Auxiliary arm.
Tires
Bearings.
Shock absorbers.

6.7.3 Damage and failures of the suspension system

Blown shock absorbers.

Loud sounds when passing through unstable places.
The vehicle vibrates and you can feel the bumps.
The vehicle leans to one side.
Mechanical elements in poor condition.
It affects the steering and braking system.

21
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

6.8 Transmission system

6.8.1 System Operation

It is the set of elements that

it has the mission of getting the
rotation of the motor to the wheels
motors. With this one, it also is
manage to vary the relationship of
transmission, between the crankshaft and the
wheels. This relationship varies in
function of the circumstances of
moment (load transported and the
tracing of the roadway).

6.8.2 Types of transmission

Front-wheel drive: the front tires are driving and steer the vehicle.
posee cardan. Este tipo se encuentra principalmente en los automóviles.

Four-wheel drive or 4x4: Both axles of the vehicle are driven and have a
differential each one. With this transmission, the driver can at their will
send the movement to both bridges or only to the rear. This system is
often rides in all-terrain vehicles and large trucks
tonnages, especially those dedicated to construction and public works.

22
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

6.8.3 Basic components of the transmission system

Clutch or clutch

[Link] The functions of the clutch: to activate the vehicle's ignition according to the
car model; allows vehicle movement without acceleration in first gear or
reverse (contact point); helps to incorporate changes; makes the vehicle not
it turns off when it completely stops in a gear. It is pressed with the left foot.
It has different short, medium, and long tensions.

[Link] Types of clutches: friction, hydraulic, electromagnetic, friction

spring and disc monodisc.

23
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

[Link]. Gearboxes: it is responsible for increasing, maintaining, or decreasing the

transmission ratio between the engine and the wheels, based on the needs with
the purpose of making the most of the engine's power.

[Link].1 Types of gearbox:

manual or mechanical: They are the
used in most of the
production cars, due to their
simplicity and economy need
clutch for its operation.

Automatic transmission:
The clutch is not needed.
they are automatically incorporated
cambios.

Triptonic gearboxes: Their symbols the + and the – are worked with.
acceleration. Example, the selector is on the symbol of - accelerate up to 2000
rpm decelerate and quickly move the selector to + and do the same thing again
It is useful for descents and ascents or unstable terrain.

4x4 change selector:

Aside from the selector that all of them have
vehicles, there is the 4X4. It is applied according to
the terrain and the driver's needs.
2h: rear-wheel drive.
4h: high traction 4 wheels.
4L: low traction 4 wheels

6.8.4 Damage and breakdowns of the system

transmission

When it engages and sounds are heard from

friction.
When it engages and the gear does not shift.
It smells burnt when we go on a
pending.
The change is returned.
You have to apply more force than usual for the gear to engage.
When it completely stops in a gear change and turns off.
When I release the clutch to start, the vehicle does not move.

24
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

6.9 Ventilation and gas emission system

6.9.1 System function

Its function is to extract gases or the

crankcase vapors to introduce them
(recirculating them) in the combustion chamber and
so they can be burned

6.9.2 Emission system components:

Partial recirculation system of

exhaust gases (EGR): It is one of the
more complex and important systems, their
The primary function is to reduce the
amount of nitrogen oxides that are emitted
from the combustion chamber, introducing a
part of the exhaust gases again to the
motor, so that the CO2 absorbs the heat and the
the temperature of the chamber decreases.

The catalytic converter: The function of the converter

catalytic is to prevent the escape of large
percentage of pollutant gases in the atmosphere,
generating a low combustion inside it
pressure and by chemical reactions of their
components. Specifically avoids output of
more than 90% of CO, HC and NOx.

6.9.3 Most common damages and breakdowns

Excessive smoke emission.

The vehicle shuts off.
It does not hold at minimum.
Unpleasant smell when accelerating.
Gas emissions.

25
 Document prepared by: ACTIVE CAR

6.10 Lighting System

6.10.1 Function of the system

It consists of the group of lighting devices, mounted or installed at the front,

lateral or rear of a vehicle. Its purpose is to provide lighting to the driver.
to be able to operate the car safely, especially under conditions of
low visibility, increasing the clarity of the path and offering it to other users
from the route information about the presence, position, size or direction of the vehicle and
about the driver's intentions regarding
direction and speed.

6.10.2 Type of lights

High and low beam headlights.

Position lights (front and back).
Directionals (front and back).
Stationary (forward and backward).
In reverse.
Of brake.
From the plate.
Interior of the vehicle.

6.10.3 Most common faults in the lighting system

Damaged light bulbs.

Defective battery charge.
Misalignment of front lights.
Lights with a very high degree of incandescence.
Damaged controls are examples like the turn signals.
Broken streetlights.
Remember if any is damaged or not working, two or more will get us a summons and will
send the vehicle to the yards.

26