auto maintenance merit badge worksheet

Olvin

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12-01-2025

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This worksheet will guide you through earning the Auto Maintenance merit badge. Remember to consult the official Boy Scouts of America (BSA) requirements and your merit badge counselor throughout this process. This worksheet is designed to supplement, not replace, the official requirements.

Section 1: Understanding Your Vehicle (Requirement 1-3)

This section focuses on familiarizing yourself with the basic components and systems of a vehicle.

Requirement 1: Identify the major parts of an automobile's engine, chassis, and body.

Requirement 2: Explain the function of each system in an automobile.

Requirement 3: Show how to check the following:

• Engine oil level: Use the dipstick; check when the engine is cold.
• Coolant level: Check the coolant reservoir; engine should be cold.
• Brake fluid level: Check the brake fluid reservoir; look for leaks.
• Power steering fluid level: Check the power steering fluid reservoir.
• Windshield washer fluid level: Check the washer fluid reservoir.
• Tire pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge; check regularly and adjust as needed. Remember to consult your owner's manual for the recommended tire pressure.

Section 2: Basic Maintenance Tasks (Requirement 4-7)

This section covers essential maintenance tasks every car owner should know.

Requirement 4: Demonstrate how to change a flat tire.

1. Safety First: Engage hazard lights, find a safe location.
2. Gather Supplies: Jack, lug wrench, spare tire.
3. Secure Vehicle: Engage parking brake.
4. Loosen Lug Nuts: Slightly loosen lug nuts before jacking up the car.
5. Jack Up Vehicle: Place jack securely under the vehicle's frame.
6. Remove Flat Tire: Remove lug nuts and flat tire.
7. Mount Spare Tire: Mount the spare tire and tighten lug nuts.
8. Lower Vehicle: Lower the vehicle and fully tighten lug nuts.
9. Stow Flat Tire: Store flat tire and tools.

Requirement 5: Explain the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and show how to perform a preventative maintenance inspection.

Regular maintenance extends your vehicle’s lifespan, improves fuel efficiency, and increases safety. A preventative maintenance inspection should include checking all fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure and tread depth, lights, wipers, and belts and hoses for wear and tear.

Requirement 6: Demonstrate how to jump-start a car battery.

1. Safety First: Ensure both vehicles are turned off.
2. Connect Jumper Cables: Positive (+) to positive (+), negative (-) to negative (-).
3. Start Dead Battery Vehicle: Attempt to start the dead battery vehicle.
4. Disconnect Jumper Cables: Disconnect cables in reverse order.

Requirement 7: Explain the importance of and demonstrate how to change engine oil and filter.

This task requires specific tools and knowledge. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual and work with your merit badge counselor. Improper execution can damage your engine. Key steps include:

1. Warm up the Engine: Briefly run the engine.
2. Drain the Oil: Locate the oil drain plug and carefully drain the oil into a suitable container.
3. Replace Oil Filter: Remove the old oil filter and install a new one.
4. Replace Drain Plug: Reinstall the drain plug and tighten securely.
5. Add New Oil: Add the correct amount and type of oil as specified in your owner's manual.
6. Check Oil Level: Check the oil level using the dipstick.

Section 3: Advanced Concepts (Requirement 8)

Requirement 8: Discuss the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and explain the advantages and disadvantages of different types of motor oil, spark plugs, and tires.

Different motor oils offer varying levels of protection and performance. Synthetic oils generally last longer and offer better protection in extreme temperatures than conventional oils. Spark plugs influence engine performance and fuel efficiency; different types are designed for various engines and conditions. Tires impact handling, braking, and fuel economy; various tire types cater to different driving styles and conditions (all-season, summer, winter).

This worksheet provides a framework. Remember to consult the official BSA merit badge pamphlet and your counselor to ensure you meet all requirements. Good luck!