Preventive Maintenance and Service Procedures
Domain 8: Preventive Maintenance and Service Procedures
This domain tests scheduled servicing, inspections and the discipline that prevents premature failure. The exam expects knowledge of intervals, fluid checks, torque and documentation.
Core rules
- Follow the manufacturer's service schedule for mileage or time, whichever comes first. Severe use may shorten intervals.
- Engine service typically includes oil and filter, air filter, fluid checks, belt inspection, battery test and a safety inspection.
- Check fluids by the correct method: engine oil on level ground with the engine off, automatic transmission fluid at the specified temperature, coolant only when cold.
- Inspect tyres for pressure, tread, uneven wear and damage; rotate as specified. Check brakes, suspension, steering, lights and wipers.
- Use correct torque on drain plugs, wheel nuts and filters. Over-tightening can strip threads or distort components.
- Reset the service indicator only after the service is complete, and record the work.
- A service is also an opportunity to find faults early; report them with evidence rather than silently repairing.
Worked example
A vehicle arrives for a 10,000 km service. The technician drains the oil, replaces the filter, checks the drain plug washer, refills with the specified viscosity, runs the engine, checks for leaks and confirms the level. The tyres are rotated and pressures set; brake pads are measured; the battery is tested; the service light is reset. Reasoning: each step is tied to a schedule and a verification, so the service is repeatable and auditable.
Traps
- Using the wrong oil viscosity or filter.
- Over-torquing the drain plug or wheel nuts.
- Checking automatic transmission fluid in the wrong temperature range.
- Resetting the service light before the work is finished.
- Recording checked without a measurement.