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Excerpt from

Introduction to
Auto Repair
 iii

Preview

The following is a sample excerpt from a study unit converted into the Adobe Acrobat format. A
sample online exam is available for this excerpt.

The sample text, which is from the Auto Repair Technician program, explores the field of auto
repair. This ever-growing field can provide a fascinating career, a good income, job security, and
self-fulfillment to anyone with a desire to work hard and succeed.

The modern automobile is an amazing piece of technology, with its many components working
together to provide safe, reliable transportation. It takes highly trained, talented people to keep
these high-tech vehicles in running order. Since professional auto repair technicians possess
specialized abilities that few others have, their skills are always in demand. As an auto technician,
you’ll do interesting work that’s essential to everyone who owns a car. For this reason, a skilled
auto technician is always highly regarded in the community and commands the respect and
admiration of friends and coworkers.

There are many reasons why you may be interested in taking this program. You may be preparing
to start a full-time career in the automotive repair field. If you’re already employed in another
field, maybe you’re simply interested in expanding your horizons. Perhaps you want to work only
part-time, performing repairs only occasionally; or, maybe you’re interested in saving money by
performing repairs on your own vehicle. We believe that once you understand how many different
career opportunities are available to skilled auto repair technicians, you’ll understand how
rewarding and enjoyable the field of automobile repair can be. No matter what your career goals
are, this program is designed to help you succeed.

Home study provides millions of people with the opportunity to learn new skills, earn diplomas,
and start new careers. Anyone who has the desire to succeed can find personal satisfaction and
professional success through home study programs. By making the commitment to complete this
program and earn your diploma, you’ll be making a valuable investment in your future. Each and
every skill taught in this program has a real-life, hands-on application that can help you earn
money and improve your job outlook.

Now, let’s begin your lessons. As you start reading this first study unit, you’ll learn about the
growing automotive repair field and the increasing need for professional auto technicians. You’ll
discover the many exciting career opportunities that are available to skilled auto technicians. You’ll
learn about the basic operation of engines and automotive systems. You’ll be introduced to the
specialized tools that automotive technicians use, and learn how to purchase the professional tools
you’ll need to get started in the field. Finally, you’ll learn the important safety procedures that
must be followed when you’re performing auto repairs.

After reading through the following excerpt, feel free to take the sample exam based on this
material.
 v

Contents

INTRODUCTION · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 1

The Rapidly Growing Field of Automotive Repair · · · · · · · · · · · · 1

Automotive Mechanics and Automotive Repair Technicians · · · · · 3

Your Educational Goals· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 4

What Will I Learn? · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 5

EXAMINATION
 1

Introduction to Auto Repair

INTRODUCTION

The Rapidly Growing Field of Automotive Repair

The men and women who pioneered the development of the automo-
bile 100 years ago could never have imagined how the automobile
would revolutionize the world. In those days long ago, automobiles
were rare, luxurious “toys” owned only by the wealthy. Today, auto-
mobiles are owned by ordinary people everywhere and are generally
considered to be a necessity of life. Unless you live in a major metro-
politan area with a large public transportation system, you probably
rely on an automobile to get to work, school, the local shopping mall,
and just about everywhere else. The use of the automobile is so wide-
spread that today, in the United States, there are approximately 185
million registered automobiles on the road (Figure 1). This is an aver-
age of about 1.07 cars for every licensed driver!

What do these statistics mean to you? Well, think about all those auto-
mobiles, and then think about all the people who depend on those cars
to get them to work, school, and to stores. Since most people don’t
work on their own cars at home, this means that they’ll rely on you,
the auto technician, to keep their vehicles in running order.

Auto repair shops are regularly filled with customers who need the
services of skilled technicians. Every one of those 185 million vehicles
will require regular maintenance as well as frequent repairs. Proper
maintenance is so important to a vehicle’s operation that, typically, an
auto manufacturer’s warranty won’t apply to a car unless the owner
performs the recommended maintenance. Therefore, even if we lived
in a perfect world where no part ever failed and no car ever broke
down, there would still be abundant servicing opportunities for
trained auto technicians. Of course, in the real world, cars break down
every day, and these repairs represent still more earning opportunities
for you.

The average person spends about $1,400 per year on fuel, mainte-
nance, and insurance for his or her car. A large part of that $1,400 goes
directly to an auto repair technician to pay for maintenance and re-
pairs. When you multiply that amount by the current number of
licensed drivers, you can quickly see that auto repair is a huge busi-
ness. Auto technicians are seldom out of work, and excellent career
opportunities are available to highly trained and skilled technicians.
2 Introduction to Auto Repair

FIGURE 1—All of the 185 million vehicles on the road today will require the regular services of automotive
repair technicians

The better your education and professional qualifications are, the bet-
ter your chances will be to advance rapidly in this lucrative industry.

The automotive repair field is not only big—it’s continually growing.

It provides an opportunity to earn a good income and offers many
chances for personal advancement. You can work at the automotive
repair trade in any area, 365 days a year—there are no seasonal or re-
gional restrictions on the job. Professional auto technicians enjoy the
benefits of job security, interesting work, and a wide variety of differ-
ent employment opportunities. If you enjoy fixing things and working
with your hands, you’ll find personal satisfaction in the ability to re-
pair vehicles on which others depend. A check of the classified ads in
your local newspaper will no doubt indicate the many job opportuni-
ties available for skilled auto repair technicians in your area.

Remember, your customers will place their trust in you, the person
who keeps their vehicles safe and reliable. For this reason, talented
auto repair technicians are always in demand and are respected by
everyone who owns or operates a vehicle.
Introduction to Auto Repair 3

Automotive Mechanics and Automotive Repair Technicians

You may have noticed that we prefer to use the job title “automotive
repair technician” instead of “automotive mechanic” when referring to
the professionals who repair vehicles. What exactly is the difference
between these job titles? Well, the answer is simple—the difference is
the image that they represent. For many years, the people who repaired
automobiles were referred to as mechanics, and are often still referred
to that way. However, unlike the automobiles of the past, today’s vehi-
cles are far more technologically advanced. Modern vehicles contain
computerized and electronic control systems, emission control systems,
and advanced diagnostic equipment.

Since today’s mechanics are required to learn very high-tech skills as well
as the more traditional mechanical repair techniques, many service people
now prefer to call themselves “automotive repair technicians” to reflect
the wider scope of their jobs (Figure 2). In addition, most automobile
manufacturers and parts suppliers also use this newer title. The job
title you choose to use is entirely up to you—there’s certainly nothing
wrong with being called a mechanic. However, if you prefer, why not call
yourself an automotive repair technician? This newer title more
accurately describes the type of repair work you’ll do, and it can help you
reflect a modern professional image.

FIGURE 2—Today’s auto-

motive repair technician
will need many high-tech
skills as well as traditional
mechanical repair knowl-
edge.
4 Introduction to Auto Repair

Your Educational Goals

There are many different reasons why students are interested in taking
this program, and these reasons vary according to each person’s indi-
vidual goals. What are your educational goals, and how can our pro-
gram help you reach them?

Well, perhaps you’ve just finished school and are considering a career
in automobile repair. Or, maybe you’re a professional who already
works in another field, and you’re interested in a career change. Either
way, we believe that you’ll find this program to be both informative
and useful. This program is designed to fit the needs of both beginners
and more advanced students. The topics are approached in a step-by-
step manner, so you can learn correctly from the beginning without
feeling overwhelmed. You’ll also learn about the many career opportu-
nities in the automotive repair profession, and how you can seize one
of those opportunities for yourself.

If you’re already employed in the automotive field, you may be inter-

ested in upgrading your skills or in obtaining professional certification.
Maybe you feel that you need to brush up on the theory of automobile
operations, update your knowledge of the latest computer systems, or
learn about new antilock brake systems. Perhaps you would just like
to have a professional diploma that will prove your skills to your em-
ployer. If you’re one of these people, this program will help you to
fine-tune the skills you already have. The program information is pre-
sented in an easy-to-understand format, but is also designed to be in-
teresting to the intermediate or more advanced student. You’ll learn
lots of practical, professional tips that can help you do your job better,
so you’ll never be bored. This program is also an excellent tool to help
you prepare to successfully pass a professional certification exam, such
as the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) exam. (We’ll discuss certifica-
tion examinations in more detail later in the study unit.)

If you work on cars as a hobby or for your own enjoyment, perhaps

you would like to take your hobby one step further and start your own
automotive repair business. Imagine being able to earn money doing
something that you enjoy! For many people, it’s a lifelong dream to
work at a job they truly love. If this is your dream, you’ve already
taken the first step toward making it come true by enrolling in this
program. You may decide to start your own auto repair business,
either as a full-time or part-time enterprise. With a little effort and the
willingness to learn, you’ll be well on your way to owning a successful
business.

Perhaps you’re not looking for a career in auto repair at this time, but
would simply like to become a more informed consumer. Well, having
knowledge is like having money in your pocket. For example, many of
us have looked at new cars at dealerships and been confused by the
Introduction to Auto Repair 5

technical jargon on the stickers. What exactly are you buying? Often, a
used car in good condition is the best value for your money, but how
can you be sure that a used car is in good condition? The knowledge
you’ll get from this program can help you judge the condition and
quality of a car so that you’ll understand exactly what you’re buying
(and maybe even help you get a great deal). You could also use your
skills to help relatives, friends, and neighbors when they’re purchasing
cars.

Maybe you would like to be able to maintain and repair your own car.
How much money do you think you could save in a year by doing re-
pairs yourself? Even if you don’t wish to do your own repairs, you’ll
be able to make sure that your local mechanic is doing the job properly
(without overcharging you). A strong knowledge of automobile repair
can also make you feel safer and more confident when vehicle emer-
gencies occur far from home. Many emergency automotive problems
can be solved quickly and easily without calling for help, if you have
the know-how. Compare the cost of this program to the cost of towing
and expensive roadside repairs, and you’ll see how quickly your learn-
ing can pay for itself.

This practical program is designed to teach you all the basic knowledge
and skills you’ll need to start working as a professional auto techni-
cian. The program topics are all presented in an interesting, easy-to-
understand, and enjoyable format, with plenty of photos, diagrams,
and other illustrations to enhance your learning. You’ll learn through
step-by-step instruction that takes you from the basics of automobile
operation to the latest, high-tech repair techniques. You can study at
any time that fits your schedule, and at the pace that fits your needs
(as fast or slow as you wish). Therefore, you’ll get all the benefits of
professional instruction and training with none of the hassles of a for-
mal classroom. You can start using your new skills right away, either
by making repairs to your own automobiles or by obtaining employ-
ment in the auto repair field. So, you’ll quickly get the most out of your
investment in training. We’re confident that no matter what your edu-
cational goals are, this training program can help you meet them suc-
cessfully.

What Will I Learn?

Some students are unsure about how they’ll learn automotive repair
through home study. You may wonder, “Will I really be prepared to
work in the auto repair field when I complete this program? Will I be
able to fix any type of car?” The answer to both of these questions is
yes.

It’s important to remember that today, all successful professional auto

technicians have one thing in common—training. In the past, “back-
6 Introduction to Auto Repair

yard mechanics” learned their skills by tinkering with cars in their

own garages. However, because of the complex, high-tech systems
that are used on today’s cars, you probably wouldn’t be able to learn
how to fix vehicles properly without some formal training. To prop-
erly repair a vehicle today, you must thoroughly understand how all
the systems work and how they work together. The easiest, fastest way
to get this understanding is to complete a formal training program.

This doesn’t mean that a person can’t easily learn to make repairs to
his or her own car. In fact, many of the basic skills of engine repair
have remained the same for decades. However, it’s important to re-
member that today’s automotive mechanics (no matter how or where
they choose to apply their skills) are highly skilled technicians who
have learned their trade through formal training programs such as this
program. You’ll be proud to join the ranks of these professionals when
you complete your training.

The topics in this first lesson will serve as a solid foundation of knowl-
edge for you to build on as you move through the program. We’ll start
by reviewing the basics of four-stroke engine operation and some im-
portant engine performance terminology that you should know. Then,
we’ll talk about the basic operating systems that make up the automo-
bile. Finally, we’ll end your first study unit with a discussion of auto-
motive tools and safe work practices.

If you’ve already worked on automobiles in the past, you may already

know some of the information we’ll discuss in this first study unit. If
so, that’s great! You’ll have a head start on completing the rest of the
program. (Remember, though, it won’t hurt to review these important
concepts.) If you’re new to these automotive topics, take some time to
study this first lesson carefully. As you proceed through the program,
the study units will quickly become more challenging, covering more
detailed automotive repair topics. You’ll learn all the hands-on skills
you need to perform repairs on every automotive system. For exam-
ple, later in the program, you’ll learn about engine rebuilding, brakes,
electrical systems, fuel systems, transmissions, computer control sys-
tems, emission control systems, and all sorts of high-tech automotive
testing and repair techniques.

Don’t let the idea of “high-tech” automotive systems intimidate you.

Remember that today’s automobiles are similar in many ways to those
of years past. Yes, today’s engines contain electronic control systems,
but these systems are simply “add-ons” to the same old gas-powered
engine. All the other fundamental engine components have remained
the same for many years. Today’s engines still have pistons, crank-
shafts, camshafts, oil pumps, bearings, and so on, just like the engines
in our grandparents’ day. In fact, it’s far more likely that a problem
will occur in one of these basic mechanical components than in an elec-
tronic component. Therefore, while today’s technicians must know
Introduction to Auto Repair 7

about the latest electronic systems, they still need the same foundation
of basic knowledge that was required in years past.

In this program, we’ll concentrate on the repair of automobiles and

light trucks (such as minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehi-
cles). As you’ll quickly learn, while the exact design of a vehicle will
vary from one manufacturer to another, all gas-powered vehicles work
according to the same principles. Therefore, you’ll be able to apply the
skills you learn in this program to just about any type of automobile or
light truck there is—both domestic and foreign. It’s important to keep
this in mind, because imported cars account for a large percentage of
the vehicles sold today in the United States. When you complete the
program, you’ll have the basic skills you need to work on almost any
vehicle manufactured and sold today.

Also, since many of the basic principles of operation, repair, and trou-
bleshooting apply to other types of vehicles, you’ll be able to further
your training in the future if you wish. Perhaps someday you’ll want
to learn to repair medium or heavy trucks, buses, or diesel engines. If
so, this program can provide you with a strong foundation in basic
skills that you’ll be able to expand on at a later date.