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Quizzes > Lifestyle & Hobbies

Mechanic Quiz: Test Your Car Repair Knowledge

Quick, free car mechanic test. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Steffi EvansUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for mechanic quiz on coral background

This mechanic quiz helps you check your car repair skills with quick, practical questions. Find your strengths in diagnosis, parts, and basic maintenance, with instant feedback as you go. For more practice, take the automotive knowledge test, warm up with fun car trivia, or review car questions with answers.

Which tool is used to check the engine oil level in most cars?
Feeler gauge
Dipstick
Caliper
Torque wrench
The dipstick is a metal rod inserted into the oil pan that lets you visually check the engine oil level and its condition. It usually has markings for "Min" and "Max" to indicate the correct level. Maintaining proper oil level is crucial for lubricating and protecting engine components.
What does RPM stand for when referring to engine speed?
Revolutions per meter
Revolutions per minute
Revs per mile
Rotations per millisecond
RPM stands for revolutions per minute, indicating how many full turns the engine crankshaft makes each minute. It's displayed on the tachometer to help avoid exceeding safe engine speeds. Keeping RPM within recommended ranges ensures engine longevity and performance.
What is the primary function of engine coolant?
Dissipate engine heat
Maintain tire pressure
Improve fuel economy
Lubricate internal parts
Engine coolant absorbs heat from the engine and transfers it to the radiator, where it is dissipated into the air. Without proper cooling, engines can overheat and suffer severe damage. Coolant also contains additives to prevent freezing and corrosion.
Which fluid is most commonly used in a vehicle's power steering system?
Brake fluid
Transmission fluid
Power steering fluid
Engine oil
Power steering systems use a specialized hydraulic fluid to transmit steering forces and provide assist. Using the correct power steering fluid ensures smooth operation and protects pump components. Mixing with other fluids can lead to leaks or component failure.
Which screwdriver type fits crosshead screws?
Torx
Phillips
Flathead
Hex
Phillips screwdrivers are designed for crosshead (cruciform) screws, providing better torque and alignment than flatheads. They are common in automotive panels and electrical components. Using the proper driver prevents stripping the screw head.
What does OBD stand for in automotive diagnostics?
Overhead brake design
Oil-based damping
Onboard braking device
On-board diagnostics
OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics, the vehicle's self-diagnostic system that monitors performance and emissions. It provides standardized trouble codes and data streams via a port under the dash. Modern OBD-II systems enhance repair accuracy and environmental compliance.
What safety device should be used to support a vehicle after it has been lifted with a jack?
Jack stands
Hydraulic press
Ramps
Wheel chocks
Jack stands are engineered to securely hold a vehicle's weight once it's lifted by a jack. Relying on a hydraulic jack alone can be dangerous if the jack fails. Always place stands on solid ground and use wheel chocks for extra safety.
What is the purpose of a torque wrench?
Calibrate sensors
Measure rotational speed
Measure fluid pressure
Apply a specific tightening force
A torque wrench lets you apply a precise amount of turning force (torque) to fasteners to manufacturer specifications. Proper torque ensures correct clamping and prevents damage or loosening. It's essential for engine assembly, suspension, and wheel lug nuts.
Which component ignites the air-fuel mixture in a gasoline engine?
Fuel injector
Piston
Carburetor
Spark plug
Spark plugs generate an electric spark to ignite the compressed air-fuel mixture inside the combustion chamber. They must be gapped correctly and replaced per service intervals. Worn or fouled plugs cause misfires and poor performance.
What belt is critical to timing the camshaft in many engines?
Serpentine belt
Drive belt
Timing belt
V-belt
The timing belt synchronizes the crankshaft and camshaft rotations to ensure valves open and close at the proper times. Failure or breakage can cause severe engine damage in interference engines. Regular replacement per manufacturer guidelines is crucial.
Which sensor measures the oxygen content in the exhaust gases?
Throttle position sensor
Mass airflow sensor
Oxygen sensor
Knock sensor
An oxygen sensor (O2 sensor) monitors the oxygen level in exhaust gases to help the ECU adjust fuel mixture for optimal combustion and emissions control. A faulty sensor can lead to poor fuel economy and increased emissions. They are typically located before and after the catalytic converter.
What is the main purpose of a catalytic converter?
Increase engine power
Convert harmful gases into less toxic emissions
Regulate transmission fluid temperature
Reduce oil consumption
The catalytic converter uses catalysts like platinum and palladium to convert hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and NOx into water, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. It's a critical component for meeting emissions regulations. Clogged or damaged converters reduce performance and fuel economy.
What does ABS stand for in vehicle braking systems?
Anti-block suspension
Anti-lock braking system
Applied brake sensor
Automatic braking sequence
ABS, or Anti-lock Braking System, prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking by modulating brake pressure. This improves steering control and reduces stopping distances on slippery surfaces. ABS uses wheel speed sensors and a hydraulic control unit.
What engine configuration arranges cylinders in two banks forming a 'V' shape?
Boxer engine
V engine
Inline engine
Rotary engine
A V engine has two cylinder banks set at an angle to each other, forming a 'V' shape. This layout allows a shorter crankshaft and more compact design compared to inline engines. V configurations are common in V6 and V8 engines.
What is the primary role of a vehicle's radiator?
Filter engine oil
Dissipate heat from engine coolant
Cool transmission fluid
Pressurize fuel
The radiator transfers heat from the engine coolant to the surrounding air via fins and tubes. It maintains the engine at an optimal operating temperature. A blocked or leaking radiator can lead to overheating and engine damage.
Which type of oil filter is replaced as a single unit during an oil change?
Cartridge filter
Spin-on filter
Magnetic filter
Screen filter
A spin-on oil filter is a self-contained unit that screws onto the engine and is discarded when replaced. It contains the filter media and gasket in one housing. Cartridge filters require only the internal element to be changed.
What is the typical compression ratio range for most gasoline engines?
8:1 to 12:1
14:1 to 18:1
5:1 to 7:1
2:1 to 4:1
Gasoline engines typically have compression ratios between 8:1 and 12:1 to balance power, efficiency, and knock resistance. Higher ratios improve thermal efficiency but require higher-octane fuel. Diesel engines operate at much higher ratios.
Which tool is used to measure valve clearance (lash) in an engine?
Feeler gauge
Torque wrench
Dial indicator
Oil pressure gauge
Feeler gauges are thin metal blades of precise thickness used to measure the gap between the cam or rocker arm and valve tip. Correct valve lash ensures proper valve seating and timing. Incorrect clearance can lead to noisy operation or valve damage.
What is the role of the MAF sensor in an engine management system?
Monitor oil pressure
Control ignition timing
Measure coolant temperature
Measure mass airflow entering the engine
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor measures the amount of air entering the intake tract so the ECU can calculate the correct fuel injection volume. Accurate readings are vital for efficient combustion and emissions control. Dirty or failing sensors cause rough idle and poor fuel economy.
In a four-stroke engine cycle, which stroke follows the power stroke?
Fuel injection stroke
Intake stroke
Exhaust stroke
Compression stroke
After the power (expansion) stroke, the piston moves upward to expel combustion gases in the exhaust stroke. This clears the cylinder for fresh air-fuel mixture in the next intake stroke. Timing valves correctly is essential for efficient operation.
Which component directs hydraulic fluid to different clutch packs in an automatic transmission?
Flywheel
Valve body
Torque converter
Muffler
The valve body is the hydraulic control center in an automatic transmission, routing fluid under pressure to apply and release clutch packs and bands. It uses a series of valves and passages to manage gear shifts. Faulty valves can cause shift delays or harsh engagement.
What is a common method for repairing a small leak in a vehicle radiator?
Adjust the pressure cap
Replace the thermostat
Use a soldering/brazing kit
Increase coolant concentration
Small holes in a metal radiator can often be repaired by soldering or brazing with a suitable kit and flux. The area must be cleaned thoroughly before heating and applying solder. This provides a durable seal without replacing the entire radiator.
What is the standard termination resistance value for a CAN bus in most vehicles?
120 ohm
60 ohm
240 ohm
330 ohm
A Controller Area Network (CAN) bus requires 120 ? termination resistors at each end of the two-wire twisted pair to prevent signal reflections. Proper termination ensures reliable high-speed data communication between ECUs. Incorrect resistance can lead to data errors and bus faults.
What advantage does a piezoelectric injector provide in a common rail diesel system?
Simpler design
Reduced fuel atomization
Lower injection pressure
Faster and more precise injection events
Piezoelectric injectors use rapid-response crystals to control injector needle movement, allowing extremely precise timing and multiple injection events per cycle. This improves fuel atomization, reduces noise, and lowers emissions. They respond faster than traditional solenoid injectors.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Engine Fundamentals -

    After completing the mechanic test, learners will be able to describe core engine components and their roles in power generation, providing a solid foundation for automotive maintenance and repair.

  2. Identify Essential Tools -

    Participants will recognize common mechanic tools and their correct applications, ensuring they can select and use equipment safely and effectively in troubleshooting tasks.

  3. Apply Troubleshooting Techniques -

    Through car mechanic quiz scenarios, users will practice systematic diagnostic methods to pinpoint and resolve typical engine and system issues.

  4. Recall Mechanic Trivia -

    By engaging with fun mechanic trivia questions, learners will remember historical developments and interesting facts that enrich their understanding of automotive technology.

  5. Analyze Diagnostic Scenarios -

    The auto mechanic quiz challenges readers to evaluate hypothetical situations, fostering critical thinking skills for real-world repair decisions.

  6. Evaluate Skill Readiness -

    Upon finishing the mechanics test, users can assess their performance, identify knowledge gaps, and plan next steps for advanced learning or hands-on practice.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Four-Stroke Engine Cycle -

    Review the intake, compression, power and exhaust strokes that underpin every internal combustion engine (source: SAE International). Use the mnemonic "I Could Pump Energy" to lock in the sequence and appreciate how valve timing affects performance on your mechanic test.

  2. Torque vs. Horsepower Formula -

    Memorize the key equation HP = (Torque × RPM) ÷ 5252, a staple in any auto mechanic quiz (per SAE and engine dynamics research). For example, 300 lb-ft at 4,000 RPM equals about 229 HP, a calculation you'll apply in troubleshooting performance issues.

  3. Ohm's Law for Electrical Troubleshooting -

    Master V = I × R to diagnose circuits and use a digital multimeter to check voltage, current and resistance (MIT OpenCourseWare). Practice continuity tests on wires and fuses to ensure you nail the electrical section of the mechanics test.

  4. Systematic Diagnostic Approach (P-D-I) -

    Adopt the Problem-Diagnose-Implement flow endorsed by ASE: identify symptoms, consult wiring diagrams or service manuals, then apply and verify fixes. This structured method boosts efficiency on any auto mechanic quiz or car mechanic quiz challenge.

  5. Fluid Specs & Maintenance Intervals -

    Learn S.A.E. viscosity codes (e.g., 5W-30 vs. 10W-40) and OEM fluid recommendations from manufacturer bulletins. Remember "Winter 5, Summer 30" to recall multigrade oils and ace the fluids section of the mechanic quiz.

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