Car Maintenance 101 Workshop @ TOC Automotive College

Hmm… who say girls know nothing about car? We can take initiatives to learn and equipped ourselves with skills. In case of sudden tyre puncture on the road we know how handle it. Here I was at the Car Maintenance 101 Workshop @ TOC Automotive College in Petaling Jaya. Yes finally I had proper guidance and basic knowledge about car maintenance which is very useful especially for lady drivers like us. There are many things we take for granted and don’t bother when it comes to our car maintenance. A bit of effort can help us to save a lot of car repair bills and the most important is our safety on the road.

This half-day course or workshop that involves theory and practical, we had more time on the practical or hand-on side. Car Maintenance 101 Workshop is for us who wish to have basic knowledge about car maintenance to keep our car on the road safe and equipped ourselves with some basic skills during emergency like changing tyres. By servicing our car on regular basis in long term help us to save cost on car repair bills and fuel. 

Then we adjourned to the Formula 1 workshop for the practical side is divided into 4 sections:

1. Under hood maintenance inspection (30 minutes)

2. Chassis system inspection (30 minutes)

3. Body electrical inspection and repair (30 minutes)

4. Engine electrical inspection and repairs (30 minutes)

Chassis System Inspection

Our group started with the Chassis System Inspection section. Alright it’s time for hand-on! First we learnt about type inspection – tyre pressure, tread, lug nut torque, wheel bearings and wear pattern. It’s very important to check out car tyres condition regularly because it will not only reduce the cost of maintenance but safety.

Change Car Tyre, I can do it!!! 

After that we all of us take turn to change the tyre. Loosen the wheel nuts before jacked up the car. Remember to display RED triangle hazard sign and switch on the hazard light while changing tyre.

Reminders

1. Rotate our car tyres every 5000km from the front to the back. Usually our front tyres will worn out faster.

2. Check car suspension system to ensure smooth drive and avoid accident.

3. Check spare tyre condition and air pressure every 3 months

Replace car battery

Body Electrical System Inspection

This is about the checking and changing the car battery plus learnt the correct was to jump start our car. 

Jump start car battery

There is something new I learnt on that day. Always connect the Red Clip to the positive battery terminal on the faulty vehicle and on the other end of live battery’s positive terminal also. Then connect the Black Clip to the live battery’s negative terminal and on the faulty vehicle just clip on to the engine. Do not connect to the faulty vehicle battery negative terminal.

After this session we head out for tea-break then continue with the 2 remaining sections. 

Body Electrical System Inspection

Body Electrical System Inspection

This is something that we can do but we don’t realize only. Body Electrical System is to check our car lights, horn and vehicle warning indictors.

Change car headlight bulb

It is not difficult to change our car headlight bulbs. Just have to learn the right technique, the light bulbs we can buy is much cheaper than the car workshop charge us. 

Check engine lubricant level

Under Hood Inspection

Last but not lease is the Under Hood Inspection, this is something that we don’t check regularly it cause our engine to worn out fast. If we follow the correct way it will help to prolong the life span of our car engine.

·         Check engine lubricant level, leakage and pressure - every 5000km for mineral based, 7000km for semi synthetic and 10000km for fully synthetic engine oil. Just put a sticket

·         Engine cooling system – coolant and radiator hose

·         Brake fluid inspection – never substitute any other fluid for brake fluids

·         Transmission fluid inspection

After we completed the 4 sections, we went back to the classroom to wrap-up the course and also received our certificate. Yay!!! I have completed my Car Maintenance 101 Course. 

Then we had a quick tour and briefing about their courses and facilities. TOC Automotive College also offers diploma and certificate in motorsport technology, automotive technology plus other short courses. The Car Maintenance 101 Workshop is RM200 per participant inclusive course material, certificate and also tea-breaks.

Overall, I find that the Car Maintenance 101 Workshop is very much hand-on and useful for all drivers especially lady drivers. Remember road safety starts with knowing the basics. Now I have the skills and knowledge to care and maintain my car so that I can save the repair cost and fuel. Plus I will not panic when my car tyre puncture suddenly.

TOC Automotive College

No.10, Jalan 19/1, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Tel: +603-7955 2188 ext 883

For more information about Car Maintenance 101 Workshop @ TOC Automotive College, please TOC Malaysia visit their Website and Facebook Page