Auto Upkeep (5th Edition © 2025) – Workbook

Workbook

From choosing an insurance policy to performing basic maintenance and repair, Auto Upkeep is the do-it-yourself automotive guide for the driver in you. The Auto Upkeep Workbook accompanies the Textbook, explaining additional step-by-step procedures that can easily be performed with basic tools. It will help you become confident in accomplishing simple, but important, preventative measures on your vehicle – all while saving money. Additional activities will help you identify your vehicle’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and understand how vehicle automation impacts driver responsibility.

Hands-on and Internet-Based Activities:

Chapter 1 – Introduction and How Cars Work

• Workplace Skills Activity – Identify important workplace skills and understand why they are integral to professionalism.
• Car Identification and Preparing for Vehicle Service Activity – Identify an automobile by manufacturer, model year, make, model, and trim level. You will also prepare a vehicle for service and return to the customer.
• Owner’s Manual Activity – Locate and use an online owner’s manual.

Chapter 2 – Buying an Automobile

• Towing and Hauling Activity – Identify a vehicle’s towing and hauling capabilities.
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Activity – Locate ADAS on vehicles, understanding their features, differences, and operational limitations.
• Buying a New Automobile Activity – Differentiate between MSRP, dealer invoice, and dealer cost.
• Buying a Used Automobile Activity – Research prices, reliability ratings, recalls, technical service bulletins, and safety ratings on used automobiles.

Chapter 3 – Automotive Expenses

• Automotive Expenses Activity – Calculate automotive expenses.

Chapter 4 – Repair Facilities

• Repair Facilities Activity – Identify vehicle information, choose a quality repair facility, and interpret a work order/repair invoice.

Chapter 5 – Safety Around the Automobile

• Automotive Safety Activity – Identify the location of emergency and safety equipment.
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Activity – Locate and interpret a safety data sheet (SDS).
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and Fire Safety Activity – Identify the importance of using personal protection equipment (PPE) and research fire safety.

Chapter 6 – Tools, Fasteners, and Equipment

• Tools and Equipment Activity – Identify basic tools that are used in automotive shops.
• Fasteners Activity – Identify and measure fasteners. You will also be able to remove a broken bolt, restore internal and external threads, and repair threads.
• Service Manual Activity – Navigate an online service manual.

Chapter 7 – Auto Care and Cleaning

• Interior Cleaning Activity – Clean the inside of a vehicle.
• Exterior Cleaning Activity – Clean the outside of a vehicle.
• Waxing Activity – Wax the finish on a vehicle.

Chapter 8 – Fluid Level Check

• Fluid Level Check Activity – Check the fluid level in various vehicle components.

Chapter 9 – Electrical System

• Ohm’s Law Activity – Calculate volts, amps, and ohms using Ohm’s Law, Series Rules, and Parallel Rules. You will also be able to analyze series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits.
• Circuit Construction Simulator Activity – Use an online circuit simulator to test circuits.
• Simple Circuits Activity – Build and test a simple circuit.
• Voltage Drop Activity – Understand various voltage drop tests.
• Wiring Diagram Activity – Locate and interpret a wiring diagram.
• Battery Activity – Clean and test an SLI battery, measure battery drain, and research proper methods to recharge batteries.
• Charging Activity – Test the AC generator (alternator) and replace a drive belt.
• Starting Activity – Test a starter.

Chapter 10 – Lubrication System

• Oil and Filter Change Activity – Change the oil and filter on a vehicle.

Chapter 11 – Fuel System

• Fuel System Part Identification Activity – Use an online auto parts catalog to identify fuel system parts.
• Fuel System Maintenance Activity – Identify the components of the fuel system and change the air filter, CCV filter, PCV valve, and fuel filter on a vehicle.

Chapter 12 – Cooling System and Climate Control

• Air Conditioning Activity – Inspect and identify components within the air conditioning (A/C) system.
• Cabin Air Filter Activity – Replace the cabin air filter on a vehicle.
• Cooling System Activity – Test, inspect, and service the cooling system and observe thermostat operation.

Chapter 13 – Ignition System

• Ignition System Activity – Inspect and install spark plugs, spark plug wires, coil-on-plug (COP) boots, and a distributor cap and rotor.

Chapter 14 – Suspension, Steering, and Tires

• Suspension and Steering Activity – Inspect and perform basic service procedures on suspension and steering components.
• Tire Inspection and Rotation Activity – Check the air pressure, inspect tires for wear, and rotate tires.
• Choosing the Right Tires Activity – Research and choose the right tires for your vehicle, beyond just the correct size.

Chapter 15 – Braking System

• Brake Inspection Activity – Identify brake components and inspect disc brakes.

Chapter 16 – Drivetrain

• Drivetrain Activity – Identify and inspect drivetrain components.

Chapter 17 – Exhaust and Emission System

• Exhaust and Emission Activity – Identify and inspect exhaust and emission components.

Chapter 18 – Alternative Fuels and Designs

• Payback Period Activity – Calculate payback period on an alternative fueled vehicle.
• Future Vehicle Activity – Predict the role of the automobile in 2050.

Chapter 19 – Automotive Accessories

• Automotive Accessories Activity – Estimate the cost of accessories for a vehicle.

Chapter 20 – Common Problems and Roadside Emergencies

• Changing a Flat Tire Activity – Change a spare tire.
• Jump-Starting Activity – Jump-start a vehicle.
• Lighting Activity – Replace various lights on a vehicle.
• Replacing Wipers Activity – Replace wiper blades on a vehicle.
• On-Board Diagnostics Activity – Retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from an OBD II system using a basic scan tool.

Chapter 21 – Electric Vehicles

• Electric Vehicles Activity – Identify and compare current electric vehicles for sale.

Chapter 22 – Next-Generation Vehicles

• ADAS and Vehicle Automation Level Identification Activity – Identify a vehicle’s automation capability.