Vehicle Maintenance, Servicing, and Inspection Procedures
What this domain tests
This domain checks scheduled maintenance, pre-delivery and periodic inspection, fluid and filter selection, torque and measurement checks, and the paperwork that proves the work was done to specification.
Core rules
- Use the manufacturer's service schedule: oil and filter intervals, air filter, fuel filter, brake fluid (usually two years), coolant, and timing belt replacement by distance or age.
- Oil grade has two parts: SAE viscosity (for example 5W-30) and API or ACEA performance category. Both must match the specification.
- Tyre tread minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters; check pressures cold and include the spare.
- Torque settings are dry or lubricated as stated; tighten in sequence, often in stages, and use a calibrated wrench.
- A road test after service confirms brakes, steering, lights and abnormal noises before handover.
- Record every check on the job card, including measured values, not just ticks.
Worked example
A vehicle arrives at 38,000 km. The schedule specifies engine oil and filter every 10,000 km, air filter every 20,000 km and brake fluid every 24 months. Service records show the last oil change at 31,000 km, so the next is due at 41,000 km - not yet; the air filter was changed at 20,000 km, so it is due at 40,000 km - also not yet. The reasoning is to compare recorded odometer values with the interval, rather than replacing everything because the car is in the workshop.
Traps that cost marks
Over-torquing sump plugs and wheel nuts, fitting a different viscosity because it is close enough, measuring tread only at the centre, and skipping the road test or the reset of the service indicator.