vcc.ca
HPAS 1030: General Automotive Maintenance
Effective date
January 2026
Department
Auto Serv Tech Diploma Intl
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
This course focuses on essential maintenance and service procedures. Students will learn to perform maintenance on various automotive systems, adhering to manufacturer's specifications. Students will select the correct fluids for optimal performance and perform inspection and servicing of components such as filters, accessory drive belts, and hoses, as well as maintaining cooling and transmission systems. Additionally, students will gain skills in inspecting and replacing exterior lamps, performing necessary aiming and reset procedures, and conducting visual and audible inspections of exhaust systems, tire and wheel servicing and leaks assessment.
Credits
6.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Perform maintenance on automotive systems, adhering to manufacturer's specifications.
- Select correct fluids for automotive systems.
- Inspect and service various components, including filters, accessory drive belts, and hoses.
- Maintain cooling and transmission systems, including fluid level inspection, and service procedures.
- inspect and replace exterior lamps and perform any necessary aiming and reset procedures.
- Inspect and service exhaust system, includes visual and audible inspections.
- Service tires and wheels, including inspection, mounting, balancing and repair.
- Detect and assess leaks determining causes and solutions, and properly documenting their findings.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 50
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 100
Total Hours: 150
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 100
Total Hours: 150
Instructional Strategies
Classroom activities are lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations and exercises. Practical experience takes place in an active shop setting. The extensive workshop experience provides reinforcement of theoretical concepts, develops hand skills, and familiarity with repair procedures, electronic equipment and standard safety procedures. All modules are designed to enable the student to work independently and in groups.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
70%
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
15 |
Assignments related to General Automotive Maintenance. |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
15 |
|
|
Final Exam |
30 |
Students are given multiple choice final exam at the end of the course to assess their theoretical knowledge. |
|
Lab Work |
30 |
Practical knowledge and skills are evaluated in the shop while students are working on training aids and customer vehicles. |
|
Participation |
10 |
Demonstrated engagement with course activities and discussions. |
Course topics
- General automotive maintenance
- Fluids and lubricants
- Drive belts, hoses and clamps
- Wheels and tires
- Leaks assessment
- Exhaust system
Learning resources
Automotive Technology: Principles, Diagnosis, and Service (Published by Pearson)
Moodle (LMS)
Moodle (LMS)
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.