Calendar
Instructor Gonzalez: Date:8/19/2019
Course: Auto Basics
Chapter 1: The Automobile
Objectives
Standards
Identify and describe primary automotive assemblies and major automotive systems.
Explain the frequent electronic interaction of major automotive systems or circuits.
Describe and compare major automobile design variations.
Identify and locate the most important systems used to operate conventional and hybrid passenger vehicles.
Comprehend later textbook chapters with a minimum amount of difficulty.
Correctly answer ASE certification test questions that require a general understanding of the major parts and systems of a vehicle.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Student Expectations
This chapter supports the attainment of the following Student Expectation(s) of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for §130.447 Automotive Basics (MLC 9448):
(4) (A) describe the eight major vehicle systems
(4) (C) describe the basic and emerging vehicle power systems
(6) (F) identify air-conditioning, heating, and accessory system components
(6) (G) inspect and identify chassis and power train components and systems
Materials, Equipment, and Supplies
Materials:
Environment
Have students research online to find out the overall impact hybrid vehicles could have on our environment, including issues such as vehicle emissions and the consequences of whether certain parts can be recycled.
Safety Notes
There are no specific safety notes that apply to this lesson. General shop safety precautions should always be observed.
Career Preparation
Have students look over and describe their vehicle’s (or their parent’s) general features.
Demonstration
If available, have students inspect each type of vehicle shown in Figure 1-8.
Using a vehicle, show students the major electrical components (ignition system, starter, battery, alternator).
Show students an exhaust system on an actual vehicle. Point out each component.
Show students front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles.
Show students an automatic and a manual transmission (can be in or out of a vehicle).
Using actual vehicles, show students various drive shafts and axle assemblies.
Show students suspension, steering and brake systems on an actual vehicle.
Show students the different accessory and safety systems on various vehicles.
Discussion
Some vehicles are a cross between a car and a truck or van. Ask students to name some vehicles that may be considered a blend of a car and a truck or van. Have them explain their answers.
If the engine is the heaviest component, why is it always placed on one end of the vehicle? Stress to students that the need for serviceability plays a large part in the location of the engine.
Computer systems have drastically changed nearly every area of living. Ask students how much impact computers have had on how cars operate as well as how they are serviced.
Vehicle engines produce heat. Besides the cooling and lubrication systems, there is one additional thing used for cooling. Ask your students to name that one thing. The answer is air.
Reinforcement
Show students a part, component, assembly, and system (out of vehicle).
Mention to students that some trucks and SUVs now use unitized construction.
Mention two-stroke engines, both small (lawn mower) and large (diesel).
Fuel systems have various names, but as your students will learn later, they are part of one of the fuel systems: gasoline injection, diesel injection, or carburetor fuel system.
While carburetors are no longer installed on new vehicles, it is important for your students to learn each type of fuel system.
Modern cars are as much electronic as they are mechanical. If your students do not have a sound understanding of electrical systems and electronics, they will not be able to service modern vehicles.
Proper lubrication is very important not only to engines, but to the entire vehicle.
Vehicles can use multiple drive shafts, depending on the type of vehicle (car, SUV, van) and drive system (front-wheel, rear-wheel, or four-wheel drive).
A transaxle is used in front-wheel drive vehicles. On four-wheel drive vehicles, a device called a transfer case is used. Your students will learn about these components in later chapters.
Your students will learn about many types of drive shafts and axles. While they appear to be simple parts, they are in fact complex assemblies. Students will later learn how important proper service is to these components.
Integrating Academics
Speech: Have each student talk about their first experience involving a car (seeing one, riding, going to a dealer/repair shop, etc.).
Social Science: Have students research how car bodies have changed over the years. Have them pay attention to how some events may have affected body/vehicle design.
English: Have students write a paper in class describing the four-stroke cycle.
History and English: Have students research the history of the four-stroke, gasoline engine and write a one-page report on findings.
Speech: Have each student talk about the accessory and safety systems on their (or their family’s) vehicle. Have them try to determine how these systems may be improved.
Technology in Use
Have students use the Internet to visit each of the major auto manufacturer’s websites.
Have students research the engine location of various vehicles.
Have students use the Internet to access automotive repair sites. Stress the importance of the Internet in today’s repair shops.
Have students research fuel injection systems.
Have students use the Internet to research information on suspension and steering systems.
Instructional Resources
Chapter 1 PowerPoint Presentation
Resources for Practice and Application
Workbook Activity, pages 11–18
Other resource:
Other resource:
Assessment
Review Questions: Text pages 25–26
ASE-Type Questions: Text page 26
ExamView Chapter 1 quiz
Other assessment:
Additional Notes