On 28 Feb 2003,  John Jensen wrote:

> What basic skills and procedures would you want to teach that person?

IMHO Preventive maintenance is the best here.  EVERY DAY:

Check tire pressure & how to change a tire,
Check the oil level - add oil.  maybe change the oil & filter,
Check the coolant level.
        Add coolant & maybe how to bleed the coolant system,
Check the auto tranny fluid level and add fluid (if auto),
Check engine belts,
Check the brake and clutch fluid, (& how to add fluid).

After that maybe how to check for spark & fuel delivery (maybe how to
change plugs).

After than how to check the timing.

After that the person is no-longer a novice.  M