Requirements
You will need access to a car or truck and its owner’s
manual to meet some requirements for this merit
badge. If you do not have your own vehicle, you should
work with your merit badge counselor or other trusted
adult to obtain access to a vehicle and the owner’s
manual for that vehicle.
1. Do the following:
a. Explain to your counselor the hazards you are most
likely to encounter during automotive maintenance
activities, and what you should do to anticipate, help
prevent, mitigate, or lessen these hazards.
b. Discuss with your counselor the safety equipment, tools,
and clothing used while checking or repairing a motor
vehicle. Use this equipment, tools, and/or clothing
(when needed or called for) in meeting the requirements
for this merit badge.
2. General Maintenance, Safety, and Registration.
Do the following:
a. Review the maintenance chart in the owner’s manual.
Explain the requirements and time limits.
b. Demonstrate how to check the following:
(1) Brake fluid
(2) Engine oil
(3) Coolant
(4) Power steering fluid
(5) Windshield washer fluid
(6) Transmission fluid
(7) Battery fluid (if possible) and condition of the
battery terminals
c. Locate the fuse boxes; determine the type and size of
fuses. Demonstrate the proper replacement of burnedout
fuses.
d. Demonstrate how to check the condition and tension of
belts and hoses.
e. Check the vehicle for proper operation of its lights,
including the interior overhead lights, instrument lights,
warning lights, and exterior bulbs.
f. Locate and check the air filter(s).
g. Explain the purpose, importance, and limitations of
safety belts and passive restraints.
h. Find out the requirements for your state’s emissions and
safety inspections (as applicable), including how often a
vehicle needs to be inspected.
i. Explain the importance of registering a vehicle and find
out the annual registration fee for renewing your family
car’s registration.
3. Dashboard. Do the following:
a. Explain the function of the fuel gauge, speedometer,
tachometer, oil pressure, and engine temperature gauge.
Point each one out on the instrument cluster.
b. Explain the symbols that light up on the dashboard
and the difference between the yellow and red symbols.
Explain each of the indicators on the dashboard, using
the owner’s manual if necessary.
4. Tires. Do the following:
a. Explain the difference between tire manufacturer’s and
vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and show where
to find them.
b. Demonstrate how to check tire pressure and properly
inflate a tire. Check the spare tire and make sure it is
ready for use.
c. Explain why wheel alignment is important to the life of
a tire. Explain caster, camber, and toe-in adjustments on
wheel alignment.
d. Explain the purpose of the lateral-wear bar indicator.
e. Explain how to dispose of old tires in accordance with
local laws and regulations.
5. Engine. Do the following:
a. Explain how an internal combustion engine operates.
Tell the differences between gasoline and diesel
engines. Explain how a gasoline-electric hybrid
vehicle is powered.
b. Discuss the purpose of engine oil. Explain the API
service code, the SAE number, and the viscosity rating.
c. Explain where to find the recommended oil type and the
amount of oil to be used in the vehicle engine.
6. Cooling System. Do the following:
a. Explain the need for coolant in the cooling system, and
the importance of selecting the correct coolant type for a
given vehicle.
b. Explain how to flush and change the engine coolant
in the vehicle, and how to properly dispose of the
used coolant.
7. Fuel System. Do the following:
a. Explain how the air and fuel systems work together and
why it is necessary to have an air filter and fuel filter.
b. Explain how a fuel injection system works and how an
onboard computer works with the fuel injection system.
8. Ignition and Electrical Systems. Do the following:
a. Diagram and explain the parts of the electrical system.
b. Explain the engine’s firing order.
c. Explain the purpose of the spark gap.
d. Demonstrate how to safely connect jumper cables to
your car battery.
9. Drive Train. Do the following:
a. Diagram the drive train and explain the different parts.
b. Explain the difference between automatic and
standard transmissions.
c. Explain the types of automatic transmission fluid.
d. Explain the types of lubricants used in a standard
transmission, and in the differential and transfer case.
e. Explain the difference between front-wheel, rear-wheel,
and four-wheel drive.
10. Brake System. Do the following:
a. Explain the brake system (including antilock systems)
and how it operates.
b. Explain the differences between disc and drum systems.
c. Demonstrate how to check the condition of a vehicle’s
brake system. After checking, make recommendations
for repairs (if necessary).
11. Do TWO of the following:
a. Determine the value of three different vehicles you are
interested in purchasing. One must be new and one
must be used; the third vehicle can be new or used.
For each vehicle, find out the requirements and cost
of automobile insurance to include basic liability and
options for collision, comprehensive, towing, and
rental car. Using the three vehicles you chose and with
your merit badge counselor’s assistance, complete the
operation/maintenance chart provided in the merit
badge pamphlet. Use this information to determine the
operating cost per mile for each vehicle, and discuss
what you learn with your counselor.
b. Choose a car cleaner and wax product for a vehicle you
want to clean. Explain clear-coat paint and the precautions
necessary for care. Clean the vehicle, both inside
and out, and wax the exterior. Use a vinyl and rubber
protectant (on vinyl tops, rubber door seals, sidewalls,
etc.) and explain the importance of this protectant.
c. Locate the manufacturer’s jack. Use the jack to demonstrate
how to engage the jack correctly on the vehicle,
then change a tire correctly.
d. Perform an oil filter and oil change on a vehicle. Explain
how to properly dispose of the used oil and filter.
12. Find out about three career opportunities in the automotive
industry. Pick one and find out the education, training, and
experience required for this profession. Discuss this with
your counselor, and explain why this profession might
interest you.
Resources:
Scouting.org Merit Badges - Requirements
boyscouttrail.com Merit Badges