The Basic Vehicle Maintenance course prepares drivers to properly maintain their vehicles, handle minor emergencies and travel safely on the road. This training is beneficial for any driver who wants to learn practical maintenance skills that help prevent on-the-road emergencies and costly breakdowns or repairs.
You can explore 3D interactive video demonstrations and activities throughout the course to learn helpful skills, including:
- Changing a tire
- Jump-starting a battery
- Checking and refilling oil
- Building a basic tool kit
- Building an emergency kit
- Understanding types of gasoline
Basic Vehicle MaintenanceAwarded for Distinction and Best of Show at the 2022 STC Alliance competition
The course has no final exam, so you're free to explore the topics most relevant to you. We also ask you about your vehicle type and normal driving conditions at the start of the course, which allows us to adapt your learning experience to your needs.
After completing the course's three learning modules, you will be better prepared to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle and safely navigate emergency situations. This training takes about one hour to complete.
Who Should Take the Basic Vehicle Maintenance Online Course?
This course is ideal for new drivers, but it can benefit anyone who wants to learn important maintenance skills and stay safe on the road. Not only will you learn about how your vehicle works, but you will also gain a better understanding of how to keep it in safe condition.
Course Details
This course will prepare you to perform routine maintenance on your vehicle, diagnose common issues and navigate emergency situations.
After completing the course, you will be prepared to:
- Determine the type of fuel appropriate for your vehicle
- Describe how to properly refuel your vehicle
- List the components of a basic tool kit for your vehicle and the types of simple repairs for which each tool can be used
- List the emergency supplies appropriate for your environment and circumstances
- Outline processes for checking and adding oil and other important fluids to your vehicle
- Explain why it is important to maintain your vehicle's tires, wipers, belts, hoses, brakes and batteries
- Identify the meanings of common dashboard indicator lights
- Describe how to jump-start a battery and change a tire
By asking you a few questions before you start the course, we help ensure you get the most useful and relevant information possible. We customize the course for you, providing educational content that matches your vehicle type and the typical weather conditions in your area. Plus, you're free to explore any course topic you like.
The course also includes a free Basic Vehicle Maintenance Reference Guide. In this printable guide, you can explore a list of common sights, sounds, smells and sensations that indicate your vehicle may need maintenance. The guide explains the likely cause of each issue and a recommended solution. If you are interested in becoming a safer, more effective driver — this course is for you.
The Basic Vehicle Maintenance course takes about one hour to complete. Each course module includes activities and self-checks to help you practice and engage with the material.
Course Outline
The Basic Vehicle Maintenance course is divided into three learning modules. You can find an outline of each module below.
You will also explore interactive videos on key maintenance skills, including:
- Checking Oil
- Refilling Oil
- Changing a Tire
- Building a Basic Tool Kit
- Building an Emergency Kit
- Jump-Starting a Battery
- Understanding Types of Gasoline
Module 1: Ready for the Road
Topics covered in Module 1 include:
- Types of Fuel
- Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Recommended Tool Kit
- Emergency Kit
- Cold Weather Supplies
Learning objectives include:
- Differentiate between gasoline grades and octane ratings
- Name the hazards of using incorrect fuel in your vehicle
- Differentiate between all-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles
- List the components of a vehicle tool kit and the repairs you can make with each tool
- List the emergency supplies you should keep in your vehicle and how each item is useful
Module 2: Regular Maintenance
Topics covered in Module 2 include:
- Checking and Adding Oil
- Checking and Adding Other Fluids
- Tires, Wipers and Belts
- Brakes and Batteries
Learning objectives includes:
- Describe why oil is important to your vehicle's engine
- List fluids other than engine oil that are important to keeping your vehicle running safely
- Identify the correct air pressure for your vehicle's tires
- List the signs that your vehicle's windshield wipers should be replaced
- Determine when to get your brakes checked
- Describe how to maintain your vehicle's 12-volt battery
Module 3: In an Emergency
Topics covered in Module 3 include:
- Dashboard Indicators
- Jump-Starting a Battery
- Changing a Tire
Learning objectives include:
- Identify the meanings of common dashboard indicator lights
- Explain how to address issues that cause dashboard alerts
- Describe the process of jump-starting a battery
- Describe the process of changing a tire
Additional Links and Resources
Find more information and resources about maintaining your vehicle and preparing for emergencies on the road:
- Auto Repair Basics — Federal Trade Commission
- Teen Driving Safety — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Dashboard Warning Lights Explained — Car and Driver
- Tires — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Gasoline Explained — U.S. Energy Information Administration
- Explaining Electric & Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency