Why is it important to know how my vehicle operates?
CAR MAINTENANCE AND PRE-DRIVING PROCEDURES PROJECT
Vehicle Model: _____________ Vehicle Year: _________
The purpose of this assignment is to practice car maintenance and pre-driving procedures. This is an
opportunity to work with your parent/guardian or mentor in the vehicle that you will be using when you have
your learner’s permit.
DE.2 The student will demonstrate an understanding of basic vehicle operating procedures. Key
concepts/skills include
a) pre-driving procedures;
b) starting procedures for automatic and manual transmissions;
c) vehicle information, warning, and control devices;
d) efficient accelerating, braking, and steering techniques; and
e) vehicle securing procedures.
DE.20 The student will analyze how regular preventive maintenance reduces the possibility of vehicle failures
and recognize the warning signs that indicate the need for maintenance, repair, or replacement. Key
concepts/skills include
a) vehicle warning devices;
b) lights and signals;
c) steering and suspension systems;
d) tires and braking systems;
e) cooling system and belts; and
f) fuel system and ignition electronics.
DO NOT LEAVE THIS PROJECT TO THE LAST MINUTE. IT WILL REQUIRE SOME TIME AND
THE HELP OF YOUR PARENT/GUARDIAN/OR MENTOR.
YOU NEED TO SET-UP A TIME WITH THAT PERSON IN ADVANCE.
SECTION 1 – UNDER THE HOOD/AROUND THE VEHICLE (20 points)
Go to a vehicle with a parent or mentor. Locate the following items on the vehicle, once located check off that
you located them.
1. Identify the parts of the vehicle under the hood. Your owner’s manual also has a great diagram for your
specific car.
a. Battery ____
b. Engine Oil Dipstick _____
c. Engine Oil Filler Cap _____
d. Drive Belts ______
e. Engine Coolant Reservoir _____
f. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir ____
g. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir _____
h. Brake Fluid Reservoir _____
i. Air Filter Assembly _____
j. Transmission Fluid Dipstick
a. (Automatic Transmission) ____
k. Clutch Fluid Reservoir
a. (Manual Transmission) ______
2. Check the following fluids and circle/highlight the condition to the right
a. Windshield wiper fluid FULL LOW EMPTY
b. Oil FULL LOW EMPTY
c. Transmission Fluid (automatic) FULL LOW EMPTY
d. Brake Fluid FULL LOW EMPTY
e. Power Steering Fluid FULL LOW EMPTY
3. Check the inside door for your tire pressure.
4. Record recommended tire pressure here ______front rear_____
5. You can check tire pressure and fill tires for extra credit – see that section at the end.
6. Using a penny check the depth of tire tread and circle the condition below.
Tire 1: fine -----shows wear -------need new tire
Tire 2: fine -----shows wear -------need new tire
Tire 3: fine -----shows wear -------need new tire
Tire 4: fine -----shows wear -------need new tire
7. Check the spare tire in trunk. Does it need air?
8. Locate the jack. Discuss the steps to changing a tire with your parent/guardian or mentor. What does he
or she want you to do as a new driver if you have a flat tire? Write the answer below. Directions can also
be found in your vehicle owner’s manual.
9. Check oil change sticker on front windshield or some cars have the oil percentage display on your
dashboard.
a. When was it changed last?
b. What is the recommended miles for an oil change in your owner’s manual?
c. When should you go for another oil change?
SECTION 2 – PRE-DRIVE CHECK (20 points)
Without looking at this sheet, have your parent/guardian or mentor demonstrate how to do a pre-drive check. In
other words ask them to walk toward the car, get in, and start the vehicle.
Check off what he or she did below:
____Checked around the vehicle
____Open Car Door
____Shut and Lock Door
____Check distance between steering wheel and chest (10”-12”)
____Check distance from brake pedal and accelerator
____Adjust Head Restraints (at top of ear)
____Fasten seat belt
____Adjust side and rear view mirrors – Using the BGE method
____Set or check parking brake
____Start Car
____Set Accessories
Did he or she forget any? Which steps? Write it down below.
Tell your parent/guardian or mentor how they did. Remember he or she controls the keys. Be respectful and
use this time to explain why these things are important.
Many times when you are driving for a while you forget to do these things. One item that is most
important is to check around the outside of your car.
In the U.S. at least fifty children are being backed over by vehicles EVERY week. Forty-eight (48) are treated
in hospital emergency rooms and at least two (2) children are fatally injured every WEEK .
Tragically, in over 70% of these incidents, a parent or close relative is behind the wheel.([Link])
Not to mention the large numbers of toys, bikes, and garden equipment that damages vehicles when it is backed
over in the driveway!
Now it is your turn: Have your parent/guardian or mentor evaluate you.
FIRST: Ask your parent/guardian or mentor if it is okay for you to start the car. He or she may want
you to pretend.
Check off what the practicing driver did below:
____Checked around the vehicle
____Open Car Door
____Shut and Lock Door
____Check distance between steering wheel and chest (10”-12”)
____Check distance from brake pedals and accelerators
____Adjust Head Restraints (at top of ear)
____Fasten seat belt
____Adjust side and rear view mirrors – Using the BGE method
____Set or check parking brake
____Start Car
____Set Accessories
How did you do? What do you need to practice?
SECTION 3 – CHECK ACCESSORIES** (20 points)
Directions: Use this worksheet to determine whether your family’s or friend’s vehicle is
equipped with the following safety, communication, comfort and convenience devices, and if so
equipped, where the control levers, switches or buttons are located.
Equipped Yes/No Location of control lever or switch
Tilt steering wheel
Automatic transmission
Manual transmission
Parking brake
Cruise control
Mirror controls
Hazard flasher
Headlight Control (Switch)
Instrument panel light switch
Hood release
Trunk release
Seat control manual
Seat control electric
Separate turn indicator lever
Washer/wiper lever
Air bag cut off switch
Electric door locks
Childproof rear door locks
Power windows
4-wheel drive
**This worksheet is modified with permission from ADTSEA 3.0 Curriculum Copyright© 2012 All Rights Reserved
SECTION 4 –CHECK INSURANCE INFORMATION (20 points)
1. Locate your insurance information and car registration in your glove compartment.
2. Who is the insurance company?
3. What type of coverage do you have? DO NOT PUT DOWN YOUR POLICY NUMBER OR
PERSONAL INFORMATION. Example: Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, etc.
4. What is the number of the insurance company that you call if you have been in an crash? Or do you
know where to find the number if you do not want to include in this project? Where?
5. What does your parent/guardian or mentor want you to do if you have been in a car crash as a new
driver under his or her policy? List steps below.
SECTION 5 PARENT/GUARDIAN OR MENTOR REFLECTION (10 points)
PARENT/GUARDIAN OR MENTOR – Please complete and share with your NEW DRIVER
1. What is your #1 concern about this new driver driving?
2. What do you think is the most important way to be a safe driver?
3. What is the #1 thing you want your new driver to learn in the CLASSROOM part of driver’s education?
_______________________________________________ SIGNATURE
SECTION 6 – NEW DRIVER REFLECTION (10 points)
1. Why do you think it is important to know how your vehicle operates?
2. I learned the most about….
3. My biggest concern about driving is…
EXTRA CREDIT
YOU WILL ONLY GET CREDIT IF YOU COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS OF THE PROJECT!
****THE STUDENT MAY CHOOSE TO DO ALL THE EXTRA CREDIT, PART OF THE EXTRA
CREDIT, OR NONE OF THE EXTRA CREDIT
Pictures may be emailed to the teacher or printed:
CHECK OFF THE TASKS COMPLETED ATTACH PHOTOS TO PROJECT
_____WORTH 5 POINTS - Take a picture of yourself hard at work!
Help your parent/guardian or mentor fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir.
_____WORTH 10 POINTS - Take a picture of yourself hard at work!
1. Help your parent/guardian or mentor check the tire pressure of each of your tires.
2. Record pressure below
Tire 1 _____ Tire 2_____ Tire 3______ Tire 4 ______
3. Check your vehicle owner’s manual or inside driver’s door for recommended tire pressure. Record:
Front tires _______ Rear tires ______
4. Fill tires up with appropriate air
_____WORTH 15 POINTS - Take a picture of yourself hard at work!
Help your parent/ guardian or mentor change a tire or practice on a good tire.
REMEMBER SAFETY FIRST AND YOU MUST BE WITH A PARENT/GUARDIAN OR MENTOR.