Torque Talk Slides WRENCH WARRIORS
MODULE 01: INTRODUCTION
Torque Talk:
Auto Basics & Shop Safety
An introductory briefing on safety protocols, essential tools, fluid checks, and safe tire-changing procedures.
Safety First
Basic Maintenance
Slide 1 of 6
Shop Safety Protocols
SAFETY RULES
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety glasses must be worn at all times in the bay. Wear steel-toe boots and secure loose hair or clothing.
Fire & Chemical Safety
Identify the exact locations of fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, and chemical spill kits before starting work.
Proper Ventilation
Never run an engine indoors without a certified exhaust evacuation system connected and switched on.
The Golden Rule
If you aren't 100% sure how to operate a lift, tool, or diagnostic scanner safely, stop immediately and ask an instructor.
ZERO ACCIDENTS IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE TARGET
Slide 2 of 6
Essential Hand Tools
TOOLBOX INTRO
Wrenches & Sockets
Used to loosen or tighten fasteners. Choose metric or standard depending on the vehicle. Never use an adjustable wrench for tight bolts!
TIP: Use box-ends for high torque.
Torque Wrench
Precision tool that applies a highly specific amount of torque to a fastener. Crucial for wheel lug nuts and engine internal fasteners.
TIP: Never use to loosen bolts!
Jacks & Jack Stands
Jacks raise vehicles; jack stands support them. Never put your body under a vehicle held up only by a hydraulic floor jack.
TIP: Always check weight limits.
Use the correct tool size to prevent stripping fasteners.
Slide 3 of 6
Under the Hood: Fluids
PREVENTATIVE CARE
Critical Fluid Inspection
Fluid Type How to Check Normal State Engine Oil Dipstick, engine off Amber / Light brown Coolant Expansion tank visual Pink / Green (Full) Brake Fluid Reservoir visual Clear / Light straw Power Steering Dipstick or reservoir Red / Clear fluid
DANGER: HOT COOLANT
NEVER open a radiator cap when the engine is hot. Pressurized, boiling coolant will escape and can cause severe, third-degree facial burns.
Fluid Inspection Checklist
Wipe dipstick completely dry before taking reading
Park on a level surface for accurate checks
Inspect beneath vehicle for active color-coded drips
Routine checks prevent catastrophic engine and transmission failure.
Slide 4 of 6
Changing a Tire: 4 Steps
ROADSIDE ASSIST
01
Chock & Break
Chock opposing wheels. Loosen the lug nuts 1/2 turn using a breaker bar while the tire is still on the ground.
CRITICAL SAFETY
02
Lift Safely
Place the jack strictly on the vehicle's metal pinch welds or frame rail. Lift the car and slide the jack stand underneath immediately.
NEVER WORK UNDER A JACK
03
Swap Wheel
Remove loose lug nuts, swap flat wheel with the spare tire, and thread lug nuts back on by hand to avoid cross-threading.
HAND-TIGHT FIRST
04
Star Pattern
Lower vehicle slightly until tire contacts the ground. Tighten lug nuts in a crisscross/star pattern with a torque wrench to shop spec.
PREVENTS ROTOR WARP
Always consult owner's manual for specific emergency jacking points.
Slide 5 of 6
Let's Get Practical
UP NEXT
Transitioning to Shop Station Challenges
We are moving from theory into the real workshop. You will work in your assigned pit crews to solve real diagnostics:
Diagnosing low pressure vs broken TPM sensors
Checking engine fluids and identifying dangerous leaks
Simulating roadside flat tires using safety protocol checklists
PIT STOP CARD #01
"The Sinking Civic"
The driver reports a pulling feeling to the left. The tire visual is okay but feels spongy. What tool do you grab first?
A) Torque Wrench
Form your pit crews of 3-4 and pick up your Lab Worksheets.
Slide 6 of 6
Shop Floor Lab Worksheets WRENCH WARRIORS
LAB GUIDE 01
SHOP FLOOR PRACTICE: FLUIDS & TIRES
Student Name
Date
Bay/Station #
Pre-Work Safety Briefing
Complete these checks before grabbing any tools. Each crew member must initial.
Safety glasses securely on all team eyes.
Closed-toe, slip-resistant boots verified.
Loose hair tied back, drawstrings tucked in.
Vehicle is in Park, parking brake set hard.
Part 1: Fluid Inspection Log
Inspected Fluid Check Method Color/State Level (Low/Full) Needs Action? Engine Oil Dipstick, wipe, re-dip Engine Coolant Expansion tank level visual Brake Fluid Reservoir max/min lines Windshield Fluid Visual reservoir check
Fluid Diagnostics & Findings
Record any critical fluid discoloration, low levels, leaks on the floor, or components requiring immediate attention:
Checkpoint 1: Fluid Inspection Complete
Do not proceed to Part 2 until the instructor signs off on safety and log.
INSTRUCTOR INITIALS
Page 1 of 2
WRENCH WARRIORS
LAB GUIDE 02
SHOP FLOOR PRACTICE: TIRE SERVICE
Part 2: Lift & Tire Change Procedures
Carefully execute each step. Check off the box only after your entire crew confirms the step is safely complete.
Step 1: Wheel Chocks: Place wheel chocks behind the tire diagonally opposite the flat tire to prevent any vehicle rolling.
Step 2: Break Lug Nut Tension: Use a lug wrench/breaker bar to loosen lug nuts exactly 1/2 turn. Never remove nuts while the tire is on the ground.
Step 3: Spot-On Jack Placement: Consult the owner's manual. Locate the metal pinch welds or solid frame jack point. Avoid placing the jack under fiberglass trim or thin floorboards.
Step 4: Mechanical Jack Stand Support: Lift vehicle, then immediately position a jack stand under the frame next to the jack. Lower the jack slightly until the frame rests securely on the stand.
Step 5: Wheel Swap & Hand Threading: Remove lug nuts, swap wheel. Thread all lug nuts by hand first. This completely prevents dangerous cross-threading.
Pit Stop Task Cards PIT CREW CHALLENGES
STATION CARDS
Cut along the dotted lines. In your groups, review each scenario, apply safety rules, and select the correct course of action.
CHALLENGE #01
"The Sinking Civic"
A driver notes a strong pulling sensation to the left. The tire looks slightly flatter than usual but has no visible puncture. The dashboard tire light is flashing.
Select the correct safety protocol:
A Lift the car immediately to change the tire.
B Check tire pressure using a reliable gauge first.
C Use a torque wrench to tighten the wheel lug nuts.
TIRE PRESSURE STATION ★ SAFETY ESSENTIAL
CHALLENGE #02
"The Amber Puddle"
You walk up to your bay and spot a dark amber, oily puddle underneath the front engine block. The liquid has a heavy, motor-like smell but is not sweet or red.
Select the correct safety protocol:
A Wipe with a rag, check oil level via engine dipstick.
B Open the hot radiator cap immediately to inspect.
C Top up washer fluid to stop the active under-car leak.
FLUID LEAKS STATION ★ SAFETY ESSENTIAL
CHALLENGE #03
"The Wobbling Wrangler"
A vehicle has just returned from a tire swap. During a slow-speed test, you hear a faint clicking noise from the left rear wheel, which escalates to a heavy wobble.
Select the correct safety protocol:
A Hit nuts with an air impact wrench on max speed.
B Jack up car, check nuts, torque in star pattern.
C Loosen all other wheels to equalize general stress.
WHEEL TORQUE STATION ★ SAFETY ESSENTIAL
CHALLENGE #04
"The Steaming Sierra"
A pickup truck pulls in with white steam billowing from beneath the hood. The dashboard engine temperature needle is pinned completely in the red zone.
Select the correct safety protocol:
A Turn off engine, let cool, then check coolant level.
B Immediately release the hot radiator cap to relieve heat.
C Pour cold water directly over the hot block to cool it.
COOLING SYSTEM STATION ★ SAFETY ESSENTIAL
CUT APART CARDS ALONG VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL SPLITS
WRENCH WARRIORS
Under the Hood Study Guide STUDY GUIDE
QUICK REFERENCE
WRENCH WARRIORS: AUTO SAFETY & ESSENTIALS
1. Under-the-Hood Fluid Identification
Engine Oil
Lubricates internals
• Check: Engine off, dipstick
• Color: Golden amber
• Warning: Dark black/gritty = needs fresh replacement
Coolant
Controls temperature
• Check: Expansion tank level
• Color: Pink, Green, Blue
• Warning: Hot pressurized steam burns! Let cool
Brake Fluid
Hydraulic stopping
• Check: Reservoir lines
• Color: Clear / Pale straw
• Warning: Corrosive. Will strip engine bay paint
Power Steering
Assists steering rack
• Check: Dipstick / visual
• Color: Pink / Reddish fluid
• Warning: Squealing pump indicates very low levels
2. Mechanic's Toolset & Safe Operation
Torque Wrench
Used strictly for precision tightening to a specific force (measured in ft-lbs or Nm). Never use a torque wrench to break loose rusty bolts, as this ruins its delicate internal calibration mechanism.
Floor Jack & Jack Stands
Floor jacks only raise a vehicle; jack stands support it structurally. Never place any part of your body under a vehicle that is not supported resting on mechanical jack stands.
3. Safe Emergency Tire Procedure
01
Secure
Chock diagonal tire, set brake, park gear.
02
Crack Nuts
Loosen nuts 1/2 turn on ground. Do not remove.
03
Lift / Stand
Jack under frame welds. Slide stand in.
04
Wheel Swap
Swap wheel, tighten nuts by hand first.
05
Torque
Lower slightly, torque star pattern.
4. Non-Negotiable Shop Rules
Double Eye Safety Impact tools, fluids, and grinding wheels throw high-velocity debris. Polycarbonate safety glasses must cover your eyes from entry to exit of the bay.
No Hot Caps Boiling cooling systems operate under extreme pressure. Opening a radiator cap releases superheated steam and acid directly onto hands and face.
Exhaust Gas Warning Automotive engines produce invisible, odorless Carbon Monoxide. Never run an engine indoors without active tube ventilation active.
AUTOPREP CURRICULUM SERIES STUDY GUIDE IN-HAND REFERENCE
Shop Master Quiz KNOWLEDGE CHECK
SCORE: _____ / 100
SHOP MASTER QUIZ: BASIC SAFETY & PROCEDURES
Student Name
Date
Class Period
SEC A
Multiple Choice (45 Points)
1. Why is it highly dangerous to open an engine's radiator cap when the engine is hot?
A It drops motor oil pressure instantly.
B Boiling pressurized steam escapes.
C The cooling fan might run backwards.
2. Which tool is strictly reserved for precision final tightening of vehicle fasteners?
A Pneumatic Impact Gun
B Calibrated Torque Wrench
C Adjustable Crescent Wrench
3. Where should you place a mechanical jack stand to safely support a vehicle's weight?
A On the fiberglass door frame panel.
B Straight under the engine oil pan.
C On pinch welds or solid frame rails.
SEC B
Fluid Matching (20 Points)
Write the letter of the correct color description in the empty bracket next to each fluid type:
1. Engine Oil [ ]
2. Engine Coolant [ ]
3. Brake Fluid [ ]
A. Golden Amber to dark brown / oily smell
B. Bright pink, green, or orange / watery smell
C. Completely clear or pale yellow / heavy chemical smell
SEC C
Short Answer (35 Points)
1. Explain why mechanical jack stands must always support the vehicle instead of relying solely on a hydraulic floor jack.
2. Why is the star pattern used to tighten lug nuts rather than a circular sequence (e.g., clockwise)?
WRENCH WARRIORS CLASSROOM TESTING SAFETY CHECK PASSING METRIC: 100% SEC A
