Your First Car

There might be nothing more exciting than the freedom associated with learning to drive, and having your first car! That being said, unless you have a parent or guardian that is handy under the hood, there might also be nothing more confusing. Different from a true “auto repair” course, this class covers things from basic maintenance, to how to deal with an accident, and what the lights on your dashboard mean.

Aside from being practical and fun, this course should be considered mandatory for anyone nearing the age of driving! If you crave “relevance” in education, this course is perfect for any 16 year old… and frankly, probably even their parents/guardians!

Recommended Ages: 14 and Up

Recommended Number of Credits: 5- (equivalent to one semester)

1. The Basics
        1.1 Types of Fuel
        1.2 How to Pop the Hood
        1.3 The Dashboard Gauges
        1.4 Hazard Lights
        1.5 Better Gas Mileage
        1.6 Driving Pre-check
2. Oil
        2.1 Checking the Oil
        2.2 What Oil is Right for Your Car
        2.3 Identifying Oil Leaks
        2.4 When to Change Your Oil
3. Tires
        3.1 How to Check Your Tire Pressure
        3.2 Checking Your Tire Tread
        3.3 Where is My Spare Tire?
        3.4 The Different Types of Tires
        3.5 Four Wheel Drive
4. The Electrical and Fuel Systems
        4.1 Overview of Key Electrical Parts
        4.2 Your Battery
        4.3 How to Jump Start a Car
        4.4 Spark Plugs
        4.5 Overview of Key Fuel Parts
5. Common Problems
        5.1 Dashboard Warning Lights
        5.2 Break Wear
        5.3 Cabin Filters
        5.4 Burned out Bulbs
        5.5 Wiper Blades  
        5.6 Dealing with Breaking Down 
        5.7 What to Do if You are Pulled Over
        5.8 What to Do if You have an Accident