Automobile Fundamentals and Workshop Safety
What this domain tests
This section checks your grasp of vehicle layout, the major systems of an automobile, and safe workshop behaviour. Expect matching questions, safety-scenario questions and simple layout identification.
Core rules and concepts
- Layout is named by engine position and driven wheels: front-engine front-wheel drive (FWD), front-engine rear-wheel drive (RWD), rear-engine rear-wheel drive (RR) and four-wheel drive (4WD/AWD).
- The main systems are engine, transmission/driveline, steering, suspension, brakes, electrical and body/comfort systems.
- Safety follows a hierarchy: remove the hazard, guard it, then use PPE. PPE is the last defence.
- Under a vehicle, use rated jack stands and chock the wheels; a hydraulic jack alone is not support.
- Fire classes: A solids, B flammable liquids, C gases, D metals; electrical fires need a non-conducting agent. For petrol use foam, dry powder or CO2, never water.
- Battery work: disconnect the earth terminal first and reconnect it last. Acid on skin needs prolonged water flushing and medical help.
- Carbon monoxide is odourless; never run an engine in a closed room.
Worked example
A car has its engine at the front, a transaxle, and drives the front wheels. It is front-engine FWD. If a small petrol fire starts, choose foam, dry powder or CO2. Water is wrong: it spreads burning fuel.
Traps that cost marks
Calling every front-engine car FWD; skipping wheel chocks; using water on a fuel fire; treating gloves as a replacement for ventilation.