Automotive Technology
The Automotive Technology program is approved by the National Automotive Technical Education Foundation to train students to repair and maintain modern industry vehicles. Students who enjoy hands-on problem-solving will value the extensive mechanical, electrical, and electronic service performance skills acquired by working on “live” and training vehicles. Our Automotive Technology lab is a technologically rich environment with sophisticated tools required for electronic diagnostics and repair of domestic and foreign vehicles. Graduates are eligible for one year of credit toward the two-year work requirement for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) automotive technician certification.
Skills You Will Learn:
- Vehicle maintenance
- Electronic diagnostics and repair
- Air conditioning diagnostics and repair
- Servicing the brake, fuel, exhaust, and suspension systems
- Service writing, billing, parts ordering, and inventory control
- Rebuilding automatic transmissions, differentials, and engines
- Introduction to diesel hybrids and electrical vehicle technology
Hands-on Projects
Service Station: Answering the phone, speaking with customers, and settling invoices is a major part of running a service station. Our students, together with our instructors, operate a real-world service station that is open to the public through the Automotive Technology program. From managing the service desk to providing customer service and learning billing procedures, students hone their technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills while working in the service station. This active learning lab also allows students to practice their skills by completing basic automotive work such as brake repairs, tire rotations, alignments, suspensions, exhausts, mufflers, and fuel systems.
Engine Rebuild: Sophomores in Automotive Technology gain the knowledge and confidence to overhaul an automotive hydraulic brake system. This consists of using precision measuring equipment to measure and machine rotor and drum specifications. Removing and rebuilding brake calipers and wheel cylinders, and measuring and replacing brake pads and brake shoes as needed. Students also learn the technique of cutting, bending, and flaring steel brake lines, removing and bleeding master cylinders, and reinstalling every component in the entire system. In the final stages of the project, students test their system for proper function, thereby proving their own capabilities.
Service Station: Answering the phone, speaking with customers, and settling invoices is a major part of running a service station. Our students, together with our instructors, operate a real-world service station that is open to the public through the Automotive Technology program. From managing the service desk to providing customer service and learning billing procedures, students hone their technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills while working in the service station. This active learning lab also allows students to practice their skills by completing basic automotive work such as brake repairs, tire rotations, alignments, suspensions, exhausts, mufflers, and fuel systems.
Engine Rebuild: Sophomores in Automotive Technology gain the knowledge and confidence to overhaul an automotive hydraulic brake system. This consists of using precision measuring equipment to measure and machine rotor and drum specifications. Removing and rebuilding brake calipers and wheel cylinders, and measuring and replacing brake pads and brake shoes as needed. Students also learn the technique of cutting, bending, and flaring steel brake lines, removing and bleeding master cylinders, and reinstalling every component in the entire system. In the final stages of the project, students test their system for proper function, thereby proving their own capabilities.