Safety & Information: Vehicle Configurations

Engine layouts	Identifying engines	Multi-cylinder engines are produced in four common configurations. They are: Inline, "Vee", Horizontally Opposed, Rotary.
	Engine configurations	Engines have different layouts, depending on the vehicle application. Common arrangements include in-line, vee, flat or rotary.
	V engines	A V engine is a common configuration for an internal combustion engine.

Body designs	Sedan	A sedan also be referred to as a saloon or convertible.
	Station wagon	A station wagon, or estate car, has a large rear door and a large baggage capacity.
	Coupe	A 2-door coupe or sports car normally has a more rigid structure than a sedan/saloon.
	Hatch-back	A hatchback is a versatile vehicle, similar to a sedan but with some of the benefits of a station wagon.
	Pick-up/utility	A pick-up truck or utility can carry heavier loads and has stronger suspension.
	Light vehicle vans	Vans are designed for maximum cargo space, and are generally based on light vehicle configurations.
	General goods transport vehicles	Goods vehicles are specifically designed to carry various types of cargo.
	Buses & coaches	Buses and coaches are passenger carrying vehicles – buses for commuter transport, coaches for longer distance travel.
	Convertible	A convertible is an automobile built with a folding, retracting, or removable roof.
	Truck	The term truck is most commonly used in American English and Australian English to refer to what earlier was called a motor truck, and in British English is often called a lorry or, for bigger vehicles, a Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV).
	Vehicle closures	A vehicle body contains many openings apart from the vehicle doors.

Drive configurations	Engine & transmission configurations	Engine and transmission layout can be longitudinal or lateral – depending on the vehicle application.
	Vehicle axles	Vehicles can have different numbers or types of axles.
	Location of driving axles	Vehicles can have single or multiple driving axles, depending on the vehicle design or purpose.
	Transmissions & final drives	Engine torque is transmitted to the wheels through a different types of transmission and final drive.
	4-wheel drive transmission	4-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles transmit torque to more than one set of driving wheels.
	Chassis	A chassis consists of a framework which supports an inanimate object.
	Transmission components	When changing gears in a manual transmission, a stick shift and selectors are utilised.
	Chassis configurations	Vehicles can be described by the number of axles. Most light vehicles only have 2 axles.

Vehicle inspection procedures	Carrying out a visual inspection	Be sure to work in a systematic manner, or you could miss a faulty bulb or other component.
	Inspecting under body components	This is a systematic visual inspection of all major vehicle systems.
	Measuring a wheelbase	The wheelbase is the distance between the center of the front wheel and the center of the rear wheel and is normally the same on both sides of the vehicle.
	Checking windshield washer liquid	Only use an approved windshield washer fluid.
	Checking & replacing wiper blades	Never bend the arms to make better contact with the windshield. The arms are pre-tensioned by the manufacturer and damage could result.
	Checking a security system	Transponders are designed to cope with normal operating stresses. Do not drop them into liquid or subject them to extreme heat or force.
	Checking door hinges	Always make sure that you have the correct service manual for the job you are working on.
	Checking a seat belt	Any seatbelt that has been involved in a severe impact may have been weakened and should be replaced.
	Checking interior trim	Different vehicles have different methods of trim fixture, although they all follow similar methods of removal.
	Checking driver's seat fabric	Poor seat condition can be the subject of a safety defect, making the vehicle unroadworthy.
	Vehicle valet service	Leather vehicle interiors and seats can be severely affected by ultra-violet rays and it is common to use protective agents on them. They are easier to clean than fabric seats as dirt generally sits on the surface of the leather - provided it has not been damaged.
	Routine vehicle checks	There are four manufacturer-recommended scheduled service types. They are: Pre-delivery Service, First Service, Distance-based Service, Time-based Service.