Before preparing a surface, the material needs to be identified. Automobile manufacturers use steel, aluminum, galvanized metal, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, etc.

When doing spot repairs, the materials used should match adjacent panels.

Plastics include:

• flexible plastic
• rigid plastic
• interior and exterior plastic.

Cleaners, adhesives, primers, etc. must be matched to the plastic.

This may involve sanding, using a compound on a surface, spot blasting, chemical treatment, or using bonding agents or cleaners.

It is important that students understand the properties of chemicals and primers. Explain why a product is used, not just which product is used.

See reference materials.

Plastic is used for bumpers, fenders, doors, dash, etc. Weight reduction is possible because of the use of plastic. Outline some advantages and disadvantages of using plastic.

Discuss thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics.

See reference materials for information on identification and repair.

Safety rules when repairing plastics:

• Use an approved mask and gloves, as resins and related ingredients can irritate your skin and stomach lining as curing agents or hardeners produce harmful vapours.
• Read all label instructions and warnings carefully.
• Wear an approved dust mask when cutting, sanding, or grinding plastic material.
• Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses when working with fiberglass.
• Work in a well-ventilated area.

Discuss types of vehicles such as economy, sedan, sports, luxury, trucks and sports utility. Discuss advantages/disadvantages of each type. (COM)

Other considerations include:

• cost of insurance and registration
• yearly operating costs
• resale value
• depreciation
• service
• etc.

Check sources for purchasing a vehicle:

• dealerships (check reputation)
• car lots (check warranty)
• private sales (check newspaper ads, etc.)
• auctions
• repossessions (check banks, etc.)
• salvage (How much will it cost to repair?)
• friends (They may know of a vehicle for sale.)

Always examine the vehicle in daylight, never at night or in the evening. Walk around the vehicle and make notes recording any problems. Things to look for include:

• paint condition (check for corrosion, stone ships, oxidation, etc.)
• body (check for rust, dents, body work, door alignment, etc.)
• tires (check for even wear and tread depth)
• exterior trim; glass (check for stone chips, etc.)
• interior (check cleanliness, remove seat covers to see original upholstery)
• engine (check oil leaks, battery posts, battery age, oil, air cleaner, electrical wiring, etc.)
• trunk (check spare tire, jack, rust, weather seal)
• accessories (check to be sure they all work)

Ask about work that has been done on the vehicle. Are there any recent invoices? If buying from a dealer, ask about warranty, etc.

During the test drive:

• Start the engine. Does it start easily? Lift the hood and listen for unusual noises.
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level while the engine is running.
• Is the oil dirty or discolored?
• Look under the vehicle for leaks; check the exhaust system for leaks.
• Have the owner or salesperson drive the vehicle while you listen for unusual noises and then drive the vehicle yourself. (Does the engine hesitate? How do the brakes feel? Does the car steer well? Does the transmission shift properly? Are there any squeaks or rattles? How does the vehicle feel on rough roads? Is there excessive wind noise? Are there clicking sounds when you turn hard right or left?).
• Have a reputable mechanic inspect the vehicle and give you a written estimate for any repairs deemed necessary.

Does the seller own the vehicle?

Check the Garage Liens Registry to determine if there are any liens or loans registered against the vehicle. (Dealers will have performed this function.)

Has the vehicle been registered in Saskatchewan? If not, the buyer has to pay the provincial sales tax when registering the vehicle.

Get a receipt from the seller. This is your "Bill of Sale." You must have one to register the vehicle. In Saskatchewan, the vehicle registration has a tear off portion that is recognized as a Bill of Sale.

Most dealers provide information about leasing a vehicle. Most lending institutions will provide consumer information about financing a vehicle. Students may do a comparison between buying and leasing a vehicle. Several Internet sites or computer software programs may be used to do cost comparisons. Students should be encouraged to determine what the cost of the vehicle, including the financing costs, will be. People often compare monthly payments, but do not look at the total cost.

Prepare the vehicle for sale. See Module 19: Automobile Detailing.

Outline guidelines for selling a vehicle. (CCT)