Automotive Maintenance and the Trail to Eagle
Automotive Maintenance is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 5 main requirements for Automotive Maintenance. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Explain to your counselor the hazards you are most likely to encounter during automotive maintenance activities.
- b.Discuss with your counselor the safety equipment, tools, and clothing used while checking or repairing a motor vehicle.
- 2
General Maintenance. Demonstrate how to check fluid levels, tire condition, and the operation of the lighting system and windshield wipers.
- 3
Explain the function of the engine, drive train, electrical system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, and emission-control system.
- 4
Do TWO of the following: change engine oil and filter, inspect and replace an engine air filter, change a tire, replace an automotive bulb, replace windshield wiper blades.
- 5
Find out about three career opportunities in the automotive maintenance field.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Automotive Maintenance, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Automotive Maintenance is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 6 weeks for a challenging badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 7 Automotive Maintenance requirements for you.
Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Automotive Maintenance merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Automotive Maintenance is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Automotive Maintenance merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Automotive Maintenance in about 6 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Automotive Maintenance merit badge?
Automotive Maintenance is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Automotive Maintenance can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Automotive Maintenance merit badge have?
Automotive Maintenance has 5 main requirements with 2 sub-requirements, for 7 items in total.
