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What Will I Learn in Auto Repair School?

Before you make the decision to further your education in auto repair, you’ll probably want to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Here are a few things you’ll learn from auto repair school that you can apply to your day-to-day work life.

Penn Foster blog author icon.

Penn Foster

Whether you’re looking to expand upon your existing knowledge of auto repair or learn its fundamentals, receiving formal training in automotive repair can help you expand your knowledge and skills in this industry. Before enrolling in training, you’ll probably want to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Here are a few things you’ll learn from auto repair school that you can apply to your day-to-day work life.

Auto repair schools often help prepare students for the certifications required by employers throughout the auto repair industry — specifically, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification Tests. The ASE Certification Tests cover a wide range of topics so, as an aspiring auto mechanic, you’ll want to make sure that your school’s curriculum is aligned with the exam.

Auto Repair Skills

Engine repair

Learn to diagnose problems and repair automotive engines - the most important part of a well-running vehicle.

Automotive transmission/transaxle

Transmissions automatically control an engine’s power, so learning to repair and replace them is essential work for an auto repair tech.

Manual drive train & axles

Learn more about the operation of a manual transmission and clutch system and develop an understanding of how to address and service issues.

Suspension & steering

Suspension and steering are important to keep the vehicle firmly on the road. You’ll learn how wheel alignment and more can impact the suspension and steering elements, as well as how to make adjustments and more.

Brakes

Properly working brakes are important for a vehicle’s safety. Learn to service and maintain braking systems, as well as understanding the function of antilock brakes.

Electrical/electronic systems

Understand how computer controls and electrically powered components of vehicles work, as well as how to diagnose and repair them.

Heating & air conditioning

You’ll learn how automotive heating and cooling systems work, how to diagnose issues, and repair them.

Engine performance

Automotive repair isn’t just fixing issues. It also involves regular maintenance to keep the engine working well. You’ll learn the different aspects of fuel, ignition, and emissions systems to keep a vehicle in top shape.

One of the benefits of pursuing an education in auto repair is that you can take online auto repair courses. Learning is a smart solution for those looking for flexibility - and in some cases, affordability - in their automotive repair training. If you decide that online learning is right for you, be sure to choose an online auto repair program that offers a work experience option for the opportunity to gain hands-on training in a field that is largely hands-on.

Want to learn more about becoming an auto mechanic? Check out these resources to help you gain a better understanding of the industry:

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