SKM Motor Vehicle Mechanic L2 study plan

Identify the major components of a four-stroke petrol and diesel engine and state the function of each, using a stripped engine or labelled diagram you draw yourself

Explain the sequence of events in each stroke and relate valve timing to piston position for both four-stroke and two-stroke cycles

Describe the construction and purpose of the cylinder head, gasket, piston, rings, connecting rod and crankshaft, and state one common failure mode for each

Perform and record a cylinder compression test on a training engine, interpreting the readings against manufacturer tolerance

Explain the operation of the lubrication and cooling systems and trace oil and coolant flow from pump to return

Carry out an oil and filter change and a coolant drain, flush and refill to the correct specification and bleed procedure

Inspect and adjust an auxiliary drive belt and state the consequences of incorrect tension

Identify service-interval items for a given vehicle and build a checklist that follows the manufacturer schedule

Demonstrate safe and correct use of a multimeter to measure voltage, resistance and current, and explain when each measurement applies

Trace a simple lighting circuit from battery through fuse, switch, relay and earth, and identify open-circuit, short-circuit and high-resistance faults

Test a battery state of charge and cranking voltage drop, and explain the charging system output check

Describe the function of sensors and actuators in a basic engine management system and how a scan tool reads fault codes

Explain the construction and power flow of a manual gearbox, clutch and final drive, and describe the function of a differential

Identify the main components of steering and suspension systems and state the effect of wear on handling and tyre wear

Inspect CV joints, wheel bearings, shock absorbers and steering linkages, and record pass or fail against a stated criterion

Describe the purpose and basic procedure of wheel alignment and balance

Describe the operation of disc and drum brakes, the hydraulic system and the role of the master cylinder, proportioning valve and ABS

Measure brake pad and disc thickness and drum wear, and compare each reading with the manufacturer limit

Bleed a hydraulic brake system in the correct sequence and explain why air in the system is dangerous

Apply workshop safety controls: correct jacking and axle-stand placement, wheel chocking and safe handling of brake dust and fluids

Select and use the correct PPE for a stated task and explain the risk assessment behind it

Select the correct measuring instrument for a stated task and explain its resolution and accuracy limits

Use a vernier caliper, micrometer and feeler gauge to measure set items and record readings to the correct precision

Carry out a structured road or static diagnostic routine using a symptom-to-cause logic tree for one reported fault

Interpret scan-tool live data and fault codes to support or reject a proposed diagnosis

Explain how to verify a repair and document the before-and-after evidence

Perform a pre-delivery or periodic inspection against a multi-point checklist and prioritise defects by safety criticality

Produce a written estimate of work required, distinguishing urgent safety items from advisory items

Explain the purpose of a vehicle roadworthiness or inspection test and the main items checked

Plan a preventive maintenance schedule for a fleet vehicle over 12 months, including intervals and consumables

Complete a job card and service record with correct vehicle details, work performed, parts used and times

Explain the safe storage, labelling and disposal of waste oil, coolant, batteries and solvents under environmental rules

Draft a short customer explanation of a technical fault in plain language, covering cause, remedy and cost

Review all eight weeks' deliverables and re-test yourself on weak areas using timed practice questions

State the correct procedure for reporting a workplace accident and the purpose of accident records