VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY FALCUTY OF TRANSPORTATION

Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology ENGINEERING

--------- Department of Automotive Engineering
----------

PRACTICE USE AND MAINTENANCE

OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Lesson 2&3:
Car Exterior and Interior Detailing

Objectives:
About practicals skills
1. Based on the repair and maintenance manual, complete the regular inspection
of the car.
2. Timely replenishment of the failure of lubricating oils and cooling water.
3. Use the tool kit on the vehicle to change the spare tire.
4. During vehicle inspection, attention should be paid to occupational safety, not
to obstruct traffic or pedestrians.
5. Before changing tires, it is necessary to do an excellent job of preparation to
ensure safety.
About theoretical knowledge
1. Students could briefly describe the meaning of regular vehicle inspection.
2. Students could briefly present the main contents and steps in the routine
inspection of Mitsubishi Xpander and SYM T880.
 Time: 5 hours
Expected outcomes of the lesson:
Upon completion of this lesson, the student will be able to
1. Carry out a general inspection and car exterior&interior detailing.
2. Perform maintenance procedures according to the repair and maintenance
manual.

– 2023 –
ơ

Lesson 2&3: Car Exterior and Interior Detailing

CONTENTS

1 BASICS & TERMS ................................................................................................................ 3

2 PRACTICE .............................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 PREPARATION ............................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Identify the area that needs to be done on the car. .......................................................... 5
2.3 Worksheet maintenance .................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Implementation ................................................................................................................. 7
2.4.1 Car wash and exterior maintenance........................................................................... 7
2.4.2 Interior maintenance .................................................................................................. 9
2.4.3 Engine compartment maintenance .......................................................................... 11

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 Lesson 2&3: Car Exterior and Interior Detailing

1 BASICS & TERMS

Attention:
▪ Students MUST fully understand the content of the lesson
before doing experiment.
IMPORTANCE
▪ Students who cannot pass the screening test are NOT
allowed to do experiment.
▪ SELF-TEST before and after experiment is highly requested.

A. Meaning of regular inspection and maintenance

Regular exterior maintenance aims to clean and maintain the car's beauty and remove dirt, tree
sap, asphalt, high-temperature insects, and light before the unusual weather affects the
environment. To protect the details of exterior layers such as coating surface paint, stainless
steel plastic, ageing paint surface, and plastic. Interior care helps keep leather, plastic, and
dashboard clean. To protect the health of car users against microorganisms caused by mould,
ageing details due to UV rays on the detailed surface brings comfort to the user, increasing the
car's aesthetics. In addition, taking care of the engine compartment regularly ensures that the
details in the engine compartment are cleaned to avoid ageing due to extreme operating
conditions caused by temperature and the environment. The most important thing is to
understand the technical condition. Technical specifications of the engine compartment
components related to the car's safety, ensuring that they work stably, accurately and reliably.
This check is essential for the car to work typically.
B. Routine maintenance
It is possible to decide on the time of maintenance based on the number of kilometres, the time
the vehicle has been running, the number of times of operation as well as the existing condition
of the car. There is advice for drivers, before or after the operation, should carry out car interior
and exterior maintenance. Alternatively, when washing the outside, driving the car and
detecting an abnormality, or an unusual taste, it is also necessary to immediately carry out
maintenance and care.
C. Car Maintenance checklist
1. It is necessary to know the car's manual and to have a basic knowledge of the structure and
operation of the car.
2. Before the inspection, it is necessary to read the maintenance manual carefully and observe
the regulations and precautions recorded in it.
3. During the maintenance of the engine compartment, if it is detected that brake fluid,
windshield washer fluid, coolant, and power steering oil are below the MIN level, they
should be replenished immediately. In addition, when it is necessary to adjust and repair
other parts of the systems, it is necessary to re-check according to the user manual or
consult with technicians and experts. If you do not have a piece of rich knowledge and
technique in car maintenance and carry-out maintenance, it is very likely to create
unexpected breakdowns and breakdowns.

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 Lesson 2&3: Car Exterior and Interior Detailing

4. Site Requirement Preparation:

▪ Vehicles must be parked in a place that does not obstruct traffic. If it is necessary
to operate the engine in a closed environment (such as a garage), a certain degree
of ventilation must be ensured to blow the exhaust gases out.
▪ A work surface is a flat surface.
▪ Use the handbrake to brake the vehicle to prevent the vehicle from drifting or
sliding.
5. If testing is required under engine operating conditions, special care must be taken that
hands, clothing, hair and tools should not come into contact with moving parts such as fans,
belts
6. The temperature in the engine compartment can be very high. Avoid opening the radiator
cap when it is hot. Protective gloves should be used to avoid burns when accidentally
touching high-temperature parts of the engine.

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 Lesson 2&3: Car Exterior and Interior Detailing

2 PRACTICE
2.1 PREPARATION

Working space (4 x 8 m) must be spacious, airy, well ventilated and lighted. See figure 1. Tools,
equipment and supplies must be fully prepared, as thoughtful as trash cans. (for metal and non-
metallic waste collection), wheel inserts, flashlights, mops, gloves etc…

Figure 1. Working space

2.2 Identify the area that needs to be done on the car.

Exterior
Interior

Under the hood

Figure 2. Mitsubishi Expander

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 Lesson 2&3: Car Exterior and Interior Detailing

2.3 Worksheet maintenance

During the practice, it is necessary to fill in the information on the “Worksheet”, see Table 1.1.
Table 1.1. Worksheet
After inspection, if the condition is good, mark: ✓
After inspection, if it is found that it is necessary to repair the marking: 
1. Check in the engine compartment.
Left Right
  Condition in the engine compartment
  Condition in the engine
  Condition of cleaning fan, cooling water, air conditioning system
  Brake fluid level, water contamination less than 4%
  Engine oil level
  Water coolant level
  Windshiled wiper fluid
  Battery electrolyte level (or indicator color)
  Condition (loose, corroded) battery terminals
  Engine Air Filter Status
2. Exterior check
Left Right Front
  Condition of the front of the car, adhesion to asphalt, tree sap
  Signs of ageing on paint background
  Condition in inner fender
  Tire pressure (check the value next to the driver's door)
  External condition (scratched, inflated, cracked) of the tire
  Depth of tread (visual inspection by TWI mark)
  Tubidity of the headlamp
  Damaged condition of the headlamp
Left Right Rear
  Condition of the rear of the car, adhesion to asphalt, tree sap
  Signs of ageing on paint background
  Condition in inner fender
  Tire pressure (check the value next to the driver's door)
  External condition (scratched, inflated, cracked) of the tire
  Depth of tread (visual inspection by TWI mark)
  Tubidity of the taillamp
  Damaged condition of the taillamp
3. Interior check
Left Right Dashboard
  Condition
  Streering wheel
  Storage compartment
  Condition of cleaning air conditioner filter and air ventilation
  Operation status of the joysticks
  Condition of Multimedia Center Display
Left Right Seat, floor, ceiling
  Condition of seats in first row
  The condition of cleaning the floor of the car under the seats in first row
  The condition of cleaning the ceiling of the car under the seats in first row

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 Lesson 2&3: Car Exterior and Interior Detailing

  Condition of seats in second row

  The condition of cleaning the floor of the car under the seats in second row
  The condition of cleaning the ceiling of the car under the seats in second row
  Condition of seats in third row
  The condition of cleaning the floor of the car under the seats in third row
  The condition of cleaning the ceiling of the car under the seats in third row
  The cleaning status of the luggage compartment floor
  The cleaning status of the luggage compartment ceiling

2.4 Implementation

2.4.1 Car wash and exterior maintenance

Attention:
▪ Students MUST fully understand the content of the lesson before
doing experiment.
IMPORTANCE
▪ Students who cannot pass the screening test are NOT allowed to
do experiment.
▪ SELF-TEST before and after experiment is highly requested.

a. Preparation:
To do this, students need to prepare the tools as shown below.

Figure 3. Tools for exterior maintenance

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 Lesson 2&3: Car Exterior and Interior Detailing

b. Implementation process.
+ Take the carpet out and wash the outside: it is necessary to distinguish the type of carpet
to choose the correct cleaning method.
+ Wash the body and 4 wheels: This is the dirtiest area on the car that needs to be done
before washing the car, especially the fender area needs to be cleaned before washing the
body.
+ Clean small details, narrow slots, logo, fuel tank cap.
+ Wash the body of the car: to ensure that the body is washed, pay attention to the basic
principles of exterior maintenance to avoid damage to the coating of paint and other surfaces,
in the following order:
✓ Spray water to wash the outside of the car: Use a regular hose to spray the whole
body to soften the dirt. Especially the stains, grit, and small stones will follow the
water to flow down first. This makes later cleaning more accessible and faster,
preventing scratches on the part's surface.
✓ Wash the car body: spray water on the entire body from top to bottom, front to
back, using a high-pressure nozzle. The standard nozzle angle is in the range of 25
- 40 degrees. Depending on the spray pressure of each type of nozzle, the car washer
can reasonably adjust the distance between the nozzle and the body of the car. The
force of the water sprayed must be strong enough to remove all stains and not too
strong to avoid scratching the car paint surface.
✓ Spray snow foam or wipe chemicals on the car's surface: This is essential in
exterior maintenance. The type of chemical is recommended for car cleaning
because the cleaning effect is faster and cleaner than the car with other ordinary
soaps. Moreover, the use of soap is highly toxic to the body and paint of the car
because of its high alkalinity. Meanwhile, snow foam cleaner or car wash chemicals
help protect the car's paint to the maximum without causing discolouration. If using
the car cleaning method, use the criss-cross principle.
✓ Wash the car's body: use a high-pressure nozzle to spray water on the entire body
from top to bottom, front to back. The force of the water sprayed is strong enough
to wash away all the soap stains, preventing the solution from drying on the surface
and causing the car to be dirty.
✓ Spray dry, wipe dry: use an air gun to blow dry and a towel to dry the car. If the
water is allowed to dry, it will leave unsightly blurs.
+ Clean the glass: Clean the outside first, prioritize the outside of the car glass, and Use the curing
solution to clean the wiper blades. Use a particular cleaning solution to remove grease stains on
interior glass. Use glass cleaner to clean the glass. Always clean the glass in a circular motion.
+ Asphalt remover: Clean the car paint surface area stuck with asphalt with a clean towel after
washing the car. Spray a sufficient amount of the solution on the contaminated area. Leave for a
few minutes for the bleach to soak in. Break the bonds of the asphalt on the bodywork. Use another
clean, dry, soft, multi-purpose cloth to wipe the contaminated area evenly until the surface is
spotless. Re-clean the entire painted surface with a surface polish solution.
+ Caring for tires: Clean tires with a specialized cleaning solution. Use a cleaning brush to
remove all dirt on the tires during the car wash if necessary. Must ensure that before performing
tire maintenance, it must be scorched. Use a specialized tire polishing solution to spray evenly on
the entire surface to be polished, then gently rub on the surface of the tire sprayed with the
specialized solution, let the solution soak in and clean the stain. Wait about 2-5 minutes to wipe
the tire's surface with the solution gently.
+ Caring for plastic parts and plating surfaces: Thoroughly clean plastic and plating surfaces
that need curing. Use the correct curing solution for plastic surfaces and plating surfaces. "Note:
Before use, shake the bottle of plastic curing solution and plating surface well". Take a special

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 Lesson 2&3: Car Exterior and Interior Detailing

sponge to follow the product or a soft cloth soaked in a plastic curing solution. The plating surface
is sealed on the part's surface to be cured, and then gently rub it circularly. Wait for about 2-5
minutes, and gently wipe on the surface of the part that needs to be treated with soft anhydrous.
2.4.2 Interior maintenance

Attention:
▪ Students MUST fully understand the content of the lesson before
doing experiment.
IMPORTANCE
▪ Students who cannot pass the screening test are NOT allowed to
do experiment.
▪ SELF-TEST before and after experiment is highly requested.

a. To perform this content, students need to prepare tools as shown below.

Figure 4. Tools for interior maintenance

b. Implementation process
+ Vacuuming and cleaning the floor of the Car: The work to be done after each trip. When
vacuuming the interior compartment with a hand tool or a specialized device to remove dirt that is
harmful to the health of the occupants of the car “Note: Thoroughly suck in the slots and crevices
under all seats, you can use a brush or small brush to sweep through to spread dirt”.

+ Clean the cavities, air vents, and air conditioner filters: the air vents are where most of the
dirt and bacteria are stored if they are not cleaned regularly. The air vent and air conditioner filter
a place that often has to suck air from the air conditioner filter every time we take outside air, so
dust particles combined with moisture will create accumulated stains. Many bacteria on the air
conditioner vent. This is the leading cause of harm to the health of car users. The process of taking
care of the interior needs cleaning the cavities, air vents, and air conditioner filters. To perform

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this process, it is necessary to use a broom, brush with a compressed air gun, combine with some
specialized chemicals to remove all stains and clean the air filter.

+ Cleaning the ceiling: The car's ceiling is considered the place with the slightest dirt and stains.
However, tiny dust particles and odours will be caused by food and cigarette smoke clinging and
gradually accumulating. If you do not regularly clean the ceiling for a long time, the colour of the
ceiling will become discoloured, and stains will appear. Implementation process:

✓ Use a soft dry car towel to wipe the dirt on the car's ceiling.
✓ Use a specialized ceiling cleaning solution for cars or an interior cleaning solution suitable
for the material of the ceiling to clean. Note "deep cleaning of stains on the ceiling of the
car requires a specialized soft brush to follow the solution to clean".
✓ Use a soft cloth to wipe the solution that has just been sprayed on the car's ceiling.
✓ Open the car door or use a dryer, if necessary, to dry the felt ceiling.
✓ To keep the space in the interior compartment clean, you can use a deodorant solution to
spray on the ceiling of the car.

+ Clean the dashboard, control panel, steering wheel, and primary tool holder. Thoroughly
clean the steering wheel and dashboard. Use specialized cleaning chemicals to spray on the
detailed surface. Then wipe it with a towel, spray a small amount of protective agent on the
surfaces, and wait about 10 minutes. Then use a dry cloth to clean it again to ensure the surface
is shiny.

+ Clean the seat surface. Vacuum the dust in the seat slots and the air vents on the seat's surface.
It should be handled gently to avoid scratching the surface of the chair. Spray a cleaning solution
on the chair's surface, then use a clean towel to wipe each part, such as the seat cushion and
backrest. However, for yellow stains, the detergent should be allowed to penetrate the soft
bristle brush surface afterwards. Rub gently on the stained areas. This should be done gently,
not to fray the chair's surface. Use a dry cloth to wipe off the remaining detergent on the surfaces
of each seat after cleaning the chair. When all seats are clean and dry, to create gloss and protect
the surface, it is recommended to use a moisturizer to absorb into a dry towel to wipe the
surfaces of the waiting seats for 5-10 minutes to dry before using.

+ Cleaning door sills and door panels. Thoroughly clean Clean the door sills and door panels
and use specialized cleaning chemicals to spray on the surface of details. Then wipe it with a
towel, spray a small amount of protective agent on the surfaces, and wait for about 10 minutes,
then use a clean cloth to clean it again to ensure a shiny surface. The leather needs to suck out
the dust in the slots for the door panel. Spray the cleaning solution on the surface. However, the
detergent should be allowed to penetrate the soft-bristled brush surface for the yellow stains and
gently rub them on. This should be done gently in dirty areas so as not to fray the surface. When
all door panels are clean and dry, to create shine and protect the surface, it is recommended to
use a conditioner soaked in a dry cloth to wipe the surfaces again.
+ Clean the trunk. The process is similar to cleaning the car floor
+ Deodorize car interior.

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2.4.3 Engine compartment maintenance

Attention:
▪ Students MUST fully understand the content of the lesson before
doing experiment.
IMPORTANCE
▪ Students who cannot pass the screening test are NOT allowed to
do experiment.
▪ SELF-TEST before and after experiment is highly requested.

a. To perform this content, students need to prepare tools as shown below.

Figure 5. Tools for engine compartment maintenance

c. Implementation process

+ Pull the bonnet opening latch: see picture (this latch is located in the cockpit). Then,
remove the latch under the bonnet, see figure 6. Furthermore, check that the bonnet opens
and closes usually.

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 Lesson 2&3: Car Exterior and Interior Detailing

Figure 6. Pull the bonnet opening latch

Figure 7. Slider lock and stay bonnet support

+ Cleaning the engine compartment: This is the dirtiest area on the car that needs to be
done before cleaning with an air gun, covering areas such as ECU, and fuse box connector,
especially this area must be cleaned. Dry thoroughly before cleaning the engine
compartment. Use a particular solution to remove semi-stick grease that dirty the engine
compartment. Use a high-pressure spray gun to clean the entire engine compartment 3
times. Note that after each spray, it is necessary to dry with an air gun to observe and assess
the degree of dirt. After finishing, the surfaces are clean and dry. In order to create gloss
as well as protect the plastic and rubber surface, it is recommended to use a conditioner to
absorb into a dry towel to wipe the surfaces again.

Figure 8. Engine compartment

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+ Check brake fluid reservoir

- Typically brake fluid is usually made of transparent plastic, see figure 9. Observe
whether the brake fluid level is between the lowest line (MIN) and the highest line
(MAX).

MAX
XXX
X

MIN

Figure 9. Check brake fluid level

- Contact your instructor to add more oil if the oil level is near the lowest mark. Do not
drive when the brake fluid is low.
+ Check engine oil level
- Checking the engine lubricating oil level should be carried out before starting the
engine or after the engine has stopped spinning for at least 5 minutes.
- Remove the oil dipstick from the engine oil reservoir, and wipe it clean with a rag.
Then, insert the oil dipstick back into the tank until it reaches the bottom, then pull it
out. Check the oil level between the total (Full) and low (Low) lines. See figure 10.

Full

Low

Figure 10. Check engine oil level

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 Note: If the lubricating oil level is lower than the low line (Low), it is
necessary to add more oil. When adding oil, choosing the same type of oil is necessary.
Do not pour oil higher than the (Full) line, harming the engine's performance. Do not
allow foreign matter to enter the engine through the oil filler hole. Do not let the
lubricating oil spill out, as high heat can cause the oil to ignite. If oil is splashed out, it
needs to be cleaned up.
+ Check the water coolant
Check if the coolant level in the expansion tank is between the Full and Low lines. See
figure 6. Contact the instructor to check if the coolant level needs to be increased. Is the
cooling water leaking?

Full

Low

Figure 11. Check water coolant

+ Check the windshield washer fluid level: Left-hand holds a rag, and the right-hand
draws a dipstick, and observe whether the level of glass cleaner is within the specified
limit. After that, clean the dipstick with a rag and put it back in place, see figure 12.

Figure 12. Check the windshield washer fluid

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➢ Check battery electrolyte level (or colour indicator colour)

- Lead-acid batteries (this type of battery usually has a transparent shell). Visually
observe whether the level of the electrolyte solution is between the lowest and highest
lines. See figure 8. If it is below the lowest line, adding distilled water to the highest
line is necessary.

Figure 13. Check battery electrolyte level

- The “battery indicator” on the battery cover indicates the battery status for Accumulator
batteries. If the status eye is green/blue, the battery still works fine. White requires
additional charging. Black/red indicates the battery is about to be replaced. See figure
14

Figure 14. Check the condition of the battery

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 Lesson 2&3: Car Exterior and Interior Detailing

➢ Check the battery terminal is loose or corroded, rust or not

- Shake the battery terminal by hand, and check if the negative pole is loose. If it is
loose, it should be adjusted to tighten.
- Check if the battery terminal is rusty. If it is rusty, use a copper wire brush to clean it.
➢ Fold the bonnet strut to cover the engine compartment cover. Check if the bonnet strut is
loose.

2.4. Evaluation Summary Report

The scorecard has 3 columns of scores, one column for self-scoring, one for each student,
and one for the instructor, see Table 2.
Table 2. Scorecard
No. Section Requirements Points deducted when Max. Self- Score Instructor's
score Grading each score
Score other
1 Time Complete the exercise on time Overtime, minus 5 points
(5 5
points)
2 Quality Preparing tools Tools must be For each missing tool, deduct
of complete 1 point 2
3 work Check in the The bonnet The test method is incorrect,
(70 engine opens and closes minus 1 point 1
points) compartment normally
Brake fluid level The test method is incorrect,
minus 1 point 1
Engine oil level The test method is incorrect,
minus 2 point 2
Water coolant The test method is incorrect,
level minus 2 point 2
Windshield The test method is incorrect,
washer fluid minus 2 point 2
Electrolyte level The test method is incorrect,
(or colour minus 2 point
indicator colour)
of 2
battery

Battery No test, minus 2 points

terminals loose 2
or worn
Bonnet struts No test, minus 2 points
1
4 Check exterior Tire pressure Each wheel forgot to check,
(visual minus 1 point 4
inspection)
External Each wheel forgot to check,
condition minus 1 point 4
(scratched,
inflated tire)
Depth of tread Each wheel forgot to check,
(visual minus 1 point 4
inspection)
Installation Each light forgot to check,
status of the minus 1 point 4
light assembly

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No. Section Requirements Points deducted when Max. Self- Score Instructor's
score Grading each score
Score other
Damaged Each light forgot to check,
condition of the minus 1 point 4
lamp assembly
5 Check car lights Parking lights Each bulb forgot to check,
minus 1 point 2
Labor accident When an occupational
accident occurs, immediately
stop the practice, the total
score of the practice test will
be 0 points
14 Report Write a report The content A dishonest report minus 50
(100 or make a video correctly points 50
points) describes the
procedure of the
exercise
15 Submit reports Late submission minus 50
on time points 50
Tổng điểm: 100

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