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What Skills Do I Need to Be a Mechanic?

The average car is made up of 30,000 parts. That number may come as a surprise for some, but for students with a passion for cars, it’s what they enjoy seeing when they open the hood of a vehicle or slide under a car in auto repair class.

Automotive repair classes give students a chance to learn about automotive theory, expand their automotive skills, and roll up their sleeves for hands-on work. Keep reading to find out more about the mechanical skills and techniques Apex students are taught in auto repair classes.

Perform Basic Car Care and Maintenance

Some students may already know a little about the history of cars, but automotive repair classes at Apex offer students the chance to learn entry-level knowledge and build upon it in our hands-on shop classes. Instructors teach basic theories to help students understand the engine, drive-train and other support systems.

Additionally, students are taught basic car care and maintenance techniques, such as how to read an owner’s manual, check oil and oil filters, check tires, inspect fluids, examine belts and hoses, inspect and install wiper blades, and test a vehicle’s battery.

Fix the Inner Parts of a Vehicle

Students disassemble inner parts of a vehicle to understand how pieces work together and contribute to the inner workings of an internal combustion engine and an electronic automatic transmission. Students are taught how to use hand tools to assemble and disassemble parts.

Students and instructors often discuss common engine failures and why they might occur. In addition, students learn about a car’s computer software, battery, rear axles, differentials, drive shafts, torque converters, and how fluid flows through a transmission.

Understand and Test Major Components

Learning about automotive electrical theory helps prepare students to understand and test major components inside a vehicle. While working on engines and diagnosing issues, students use knowledge about electrical energy and how it works in the electrical circuits of the car. Instructors show students how to use a digital multimeter to read voltage, resistance and amps.

Cars must have brakes that operate safely. Students are taught about how braking systems work as well as how to use tools to remove brake pads and repair brake lines.

Ready to put your passion into motion? Gain automotive skills to jumpstart an entry-level position in this exciting field. Use our online scheduler to set up a tour at Apex where you can ask questions about our auto repair training program and visit our classrooms and auto shop

*Apex Technical School and its instructors are licensed by the State of New York, New York State Education Department.

Disclaimer: Apex Technical School provides training for entry-level jobs. Not everything you may read about the industry is covered in our training programs.