Understanding Automotive Systems: A Guide for Auto Service Training Students
If you’re interested in automotive mechanics, you’ll know that every vehicle is essentially a finely tuned machine. From Ferraris to Fords, under almost every convertible roof or shiny hood ornament are the same basic mechanical systems, all working to help the machine perform.
With hands-on training, you can unpack and intricately understand the functioning of each of these automotive systems—and there are many! To start you off, it helps to learn about the main automotive systems you’ll find in every fuel-powered vehicle you’ll encounter throughout your career in auto mechanics.
Whether you are planning to enroll in automotive service courses, or you’ve already started your program, read on for a guide to the eight main automotive systems found in almost every vehicle.
1. Fuel System: Fixing Filters and Fluids
The fuel system transfers fuel from the fuel tank through filters (which trap contaminants) to the injectors and the engine. Filters require regular replacements by auto mechanic pros, and clients typically head to their local garages for fuel system work when a vehicle’s “check engine” lights are activated.
2. Brake System: An Essential Part of Auto Service Training
Critical to a driver’s safety, brake systems are daily fixes for graduates of auto service programs. With the right training, you will understand how brakes are a major part of operation procedures within the dealerships, repair facilities, body shops and retail parts stores you’ll be eligible to work for.
You may be called to change brake pads/shoes, check hydraulic pressure in wheel cylinders, and other routine procedures that keep brakes up to scratch.
3. Emission Systems: Managing Exhaust and Pollutants
Emission systems control emissions, exhaust, and pollutants using sensors and computerized engine controls. When you train to work in the industry, you’ll learn how these systems comply with laws that control harmful gases like carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons.
4. Belt and Hose Systems in Auto Repair Training
Clients often visit auto mechanics for wear-and-tear problems related to belts and hoses. Belts in the vehicle should work to maintain an engine’s proper rhythm, and transmit power through to the air conditioning and charging systems. And radiator and heater hoses simply carry coolant to the engine and radiator.
6. Suspension Systems Keep Cars Supported and Stable
The suspension system interacts with the steering system to keep the car supported, promoting control and stability. Mechanics work to maintain a careful suspension balance between the wheels and the frame to absorb any ‘shock’ energy from bumps or potholes.
7. Systems for Starting, Charging, and Batteries
Comprehensive auto service training will prepare you to accurately analyze damage and provide estimates that comply with industry-standard principles and guidelines. Starting and charging system issues require a wide variety of actions at a range of costs. Their battery cells, ignition modules, spark plugs, ignition coils, and electric alternators can often require professional attention.
8. Auto Service Training Teaches the Major Role the Transmission
The transmission works with the engine to power a vehicle’s wheels, keeping the engine’s output optimized for speed and load conditions. Whether automatic or manual, transmission systems will play a major role in the performance of your future clients’ cars. Clients will also look to you to for choosing the right type of transmission fluid—which is essential for cleaning, lubricating, and protecting their transmission systems.
Bonus: Lights and Wipers
Lights and windshield wipers are crucial for a driver’s visibility: chances for road accidents dramatically increase when drivers can’t clearly see or be seen. Professionals are responsible for repairing and/or installing important lighting and wiper system elements, like wiper blades, wiper fluid, and headlights/taillights themselves.
With the right training, you’ll learn the ins and outs of every system that makes a car run, setting yourself up for professional success in a variety of rewarding automotive careers.
Are you interested in pursuing auto repair training?
Visit ATC for more information or to speak with an advisor.
