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    • Course Overview:

      This course explores the fundamentals and advanced concepts of automotive steering systems. You'll learn how steering systems function, their components, and how they're evolving with technologies like electric power steering and steer-by-wire. Practical diagnostics and maintenance procedures are also covered.

Available courses

This course provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of vehicle braking systems, focusing on their purpose, components, operating principles, types, and maintenance practices. It introduces the fundamental concept of braking as a safety-critical system designed to slow down, stop, or hold a vehicle stationary under various operating conditions.

Learners explore the main components of braking systems, including brake pedals, master cylinders, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders, brake pads, brake shoes, discs, drums, and power assist units such as vacuum servos. The course explains how force applied at the brake pedal is transmitted and multiplied through hydraulic and mechanical principles to produce effective braking at the wheels.

The course also covers different types of braking systems used in modern vehicles, such as drum brakes, disc brakes, hydraulic braking systems, air brakes, and electronically controlled systems including Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist. Emphasis is placed on comparing their operation, advantages, and applications in light and heavy vehicles.

In addition, learners gain knowledge of routine inspection, servicing, common faults, and basic troubleshooting of braking systems. Safety practices, correct use of tools, and adherence to manufacturer specifications are highlighted to ensure reliable brake performance. By the end of the course, learners are equipped with the foundational skills and knowledge required to identify brake components, understand their operation, and perform basic maintenance to ensure vehicle safety and roadworthiness.

This course provides learners with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills required to maintain and service vehicle petrol engines in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry standards. It covers the fundamental principles of petrol engine operation, fuel and ignition systems, lubrication and cooling systems, and routine engine maintenance procedures.

Learners are introduced to the use of correct tools, workshop safety practices, and diagnostic techniques to identify engine faults such as poor starting, misfiring, overheating, and excessive fuel consumption. The course emphasizes preventive maintenance, including inspection, cleaning, adjustment, and replacement of engine components to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

By the end of the course, learners will be able to carry out basic to intermediate petrol engine maintenance tasks confidently, interpret maintenance schedules, and apply environmentally responsible practices in handling fuels, oils, and waste materials. This course is suitable for automotive trainees, technicians, and students pursuing vehicle maintenance and automotive engineering

The Vehicle Fuel System course explains how fuel is stored, delivered, and prepared for combustion in an internal combustion engine. The system’s main purpose is to supply the engine with the correct amount of clean fuel at the right pressure and time to ensure efficient performance, fuel economy, and reduced emissions.

Key Topics Covered

1. Purpose and Functions

  • Stores fuel safely

  • Filters and delivers fuel to the engine

  • Mixes fuel with air in the correct ratio

  • Maintains proper pressure for smooth engine operation

2. Main Components

  • Fuel tank

  • Fuel pump (mechanical or electric)

  • Fuel filter

  • Fuel lines and hoses

  • Fuel injector or carburetor

  • Fuel pressure regulator

  • Throttle body and fuel rail

3. Types of Fuel Systems

  • Carburetor fuel system

  • Throttle Body Injection (TBI)

  • Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

  • Direct Fuel Injection (GDI)

  • Diesel fuel injection systems

4. Fuel System Operation

  • Fuel is drawn from the tank by the fuel pump

  • Filter removes dirt and impurities

  • Injectors spray fuel into the intake manifold or combustion chamber

  • Electronic Control Unit (ECU) controls fuel quantity and timing

5. Fuel System Safety

  • Proper handling of fuel

  • Prevention of leaks and vapor buildup

  • Fire safety precautions

  • Environmental protection

6. Common Problems and Diagnostics

  • Hard starting

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Engine misfires

  • Fuel pump or injector failure

  • Diagnostic tools and basic troubleshooting methods

7. Emissions and Efficiency

  • Role of fuel system in reducing exhaust emissions

  • Importance of proper air-fuel ratio

  • Relationship between fuel system and emission control devices

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students can:

  • Identify fuel system components and their functions

  • Explain how different fuel systems work

  • Diagnose common fuel system faults

  • Apply safety practices during inspection and repair

Course Overview:

This course explores the fundamentals and advanced concepts of automotive steering systems. You'll learn how steering systems function, their components, and how they're evolving with technologies like electric power steering and steer-by-wire. Practical diagnostics and maintenance procedures are also covered.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Describe the purpose and types of steering systems.
  • Identify and explain the function of key components.
  • Understand steering geometry and its effect on handling.
  • Perform basic diagnostics and maintenance.
  • Explore modern steering technologies used in intelligent vehicles.

Course Structure

Topic 1: Introduction to Steering Systems

  • Content:
    • What is a steering system?
    • Purpose and importance in vehicle dynamics
  • Resources:
    • Lecture Slides (PDF)
    • Introductory Video
  • Activity: Forum: “Why Steering Matters”
  • Assessment: Quiz 1 – Basics of Steering

Topic 2: Types of Steering Systems

  • Content:
    • Manual vs Power Steering
    • Rack and Pinion vs Recirculating Ball
  • Resources:
    • Interactive Diagrams
    • Comparison Table (Downloadable)
  • Activity: Drag-and-Drop Labeling Activity
  • Assessment: Quiz 2 – Types & Configurations

Topic 3: Steering Geometry

  • Content:
    • Caster, Camber, Toe
    • Ackermann Principle
  • Resources:
    • Animated Geometry Simulation
    • Reading: Steering Geometry Explained
  • Activity: Virtual Lab – Set Steering Angles
  • Assessment: Assignment: Effects of Poor Alignment

Topic 4: Power Steering Systems

  • Content:
    • Hydraulic vs Electric Power Steering (HPS vs EPS)
    • Components and Operation
  • Resources:
    • Video: How Power Steering Works
    • Comparison Chart
  • Activity: Group Discussion – "EPS in Modern Cars"
  • Assessment: Quiz 3 – Power Steering

 Topic 5: Advanced & Electronic Steering Systems

  • Content:
    • Steer-by-Wire
    • Autonomous Vehicle Steering Systems
  • Resources:
    • Case Study: Tesla/Yamaha SBW Systems
    • Infographic – Steering System Evolution
  • Activity: Research Task – Latest Trends
  • Assessment: Group Presentation: Future of Steering

Topic 6: Maintenance & Troubleshooting

  • Content:
    • Diagnosing Steering Problems
    • Common Wear and Failures
  • Resources:
    • Workshop Manual Excerpts
    • Diagnostic Flowcharts
  • Activity: Virtual Troubleshooting Exercise
  • Assessment: Final Quiz + Maintenance Checklist Assignment

Assessments Summary:

  • Quizzes (4 total) – 40%
  • Assignments & Activities – 30%
  • Final Group Project – 20%
  • Participation (Forums/Discussions) – 10%

 Course Completion Requirements:

  • Complete all quizzes with at least 60% score
  • Submit all assignments
  • Participate in at least 2 discussion forums
  • Present final group project

 Additional Notes:

  • Access lab resources and simulators via the Resources tab.
  • Office hours: Every Wednesday 3-5 PM (Zoom link in Announcements).
  • For help, post in the “Ask the Instructor” forum.