Safety & Information: Vehicle Configurations

Engine layouts	Identifying engines	Multi-cylinder engines are produced in four common configurations. They are: Inline, "Vee", Horizontally Opposed, Rotary.
	Engine configurations	Engines have different layouts, depending on the vehicle application. Common arrangements include in-line, vee, flat or rotary.

Body designs	Sedan	A sedan can also be referred to as a saloon or convertible.
	Station wagon	A station wagon, or estate car, has a large rear door and a large baggage capacity.
	Coupe	A 2-door coupe, or sports car, normally has a more rigid structure than a sedan or saloon.
	Hatch-back	A hatchback is a versatile vehicle, similar to a sedan but with some of the benefits of a station wagon.
	Pick-up/utility	A pick-up truck or utility can carry heavier loads and has stronger suspension.
	Light vehicle vans	Vans are designed for maximum cargo space, and are generally based on light vehicle configurations.
	General goods transport vehicles	Goods vehicles are specifically designed to carry various types of cargo.
	Buses & coaches	Buses and coaches are passenger carrying vehicles - buses for commuter transport, coaches for longer distance travel.
	Convertible	A convertible is an automobile built with a folding, retracting, or removable roof.
	Truck	Trucks are commercial goods-carrying vehicles. They can be small and relatively light, or massive and powerful vehicles that can tow multiple heavy trailers.
	Vehicle closures	A vehicle body contains many openings apart from the vehicle doors. All of these openings have to be secured and may require a remote switch or lever to be activated.

Drive configurations	Engine & transmission configurations	Engine and transmission layout can be longitudinal or lateral, depending on the vehicle application.
	Vehicle axles	Vehicles can have different numbers or types of axles.
	Location of driving axles	Vehicles can have single or multiple driving axles, depending on the vehicle design or purpose.
	Transmissions & final drives	Engine torque is transmitted to the wheels through a different types of transmission and final drive.
	4-wheel drive transmission	4-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles transmit torque to more than one set of driving wheels.
	Chassis	A chassis is an underlying supporting structure. A traditional chassis gives the vehicle structural strength, whereas modern vehicles integrate the bodywork into a single unit with the chassis so that the body becomes part of the structure of the vehicle rather than just an external skin.
	Transmission components	When changing gears in a manual transmission, a stick shift and selectors are utilized. On a read-wheel drive vehicle the stick shift is normally mounted directly into the transmission itself. In other vehicles, the stick shift can be attached to the steering column.
	Chassis configurations	Vehicles can be described by the number of axles. Most light vehicles only have two axles.

Vehicle inspection procedures	Carrying out a visual inspection	The objective of this procedure is to show you how to carry out a preliminary visual inspection. Be sure to work in a systematic manner, or you could miss a faulty bulb or other component.
	Inspecting under body components	The objective of this procedure is to show you how to inspect all under body components. This is a systematic visual inspection of all major vehicle systems. Be prepared to note down any faults to discuss later with your supervisor.
	Measuring a wheelbase	The wheelbase is the distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel and is normally the same on both sides of the vehicle. The objective of this procedure is to show you how to identify and measure the wheelbase.
	Checking windshield washer liquid	The objective of this procedure is to show you how to inspect and refill a windshield washer fluid reservoir. Remember to only use an approved windshield washer fluid.
	Checking & replacing wiper blades	The objective of this procedure is to show you how to check the condition of windshield wiper blades and arms and change a windshield wiper blade. Never operate the wipers when they are dry because this may damage the blades or scratch the surface of the windshield.
	Checking a security system	The objective of this procedure is to show you how to check an automotive security system on a vehicle. Transponders are designed to cope with normal operating stresses. If the transponder is not working properly you might need to replace its battery.
	Checking door hinges	The objective of this procedure is to show you how to lubricate door hinges and locks and adjust jams. Different manufacturers use different forms of latches and locking mechanisms, so always make sure that you have the correct service manual for the job you are working on.
	Checking a seat belt	The objective of this procedure is to show you how to check the condition and security of automotive seatbelts. Any seatbelt that has been involved in a severe impact may have been weakened and should be replaced.
	Checking interior trim	There are a number of different ways trim panels can be fixed in place, so refer to the shop manual for details of the panel fixing methods used in your vehicle. The objective of this procedure is to show you how to remove and replace interior trim components.
	Checking driver's seat fabric	Poor seat condition can be the subject of a safety defect, making the vehicle unroadworthy. The objective of this procedure is to show you how to check the driver's seat for security and condition.
	Vehicle valet service	The objective of this procedure is to show you how to wash, polish and detail a vehicle using the appropriate methods. You should always follow MSDS, HAZMAT and other related product information when storing any hazardous material.
	Routine vehicle checks	There are four manufacturer-recommended scheduled service types. They are: pre-delivery service, first service, distance-based service and time-based service.

Topic group	Topic	Summary