Automotive

Automotive Classes for High School Students

Interested in exploring the Automotive world?

Students in the automotive technology program learn how to perform routine maintenance on their vehicles while preparing for more advanced classes where they learn how to diagnose and repair more complex vehicle problems. The shop is run like a professional automotive repair shop; students are taught how to communicate effective with clients while expertly troubleshooting and repairing their vehicles. All students in advanced classes will be encouraged to sit for 7 different ASE certification exams and have the option to graduate from high school with 14 college credit hours from Western Wyoming Community College.

If you see a course you’re interested in, contact your high school counselor to get started.

Auto Maintenance Basics

This course is open to all students. This is a semester long course, offered both fall and spring semesters.

This course focuses on automotive maintenance, preventative maintenance and repair(s). Also included is the explanation of automobile terminology and parts. Students will learn about the tools of the trade along with operating lifting equipment (hydraulic lifts and floor jacks) typically found in a shop.

Electrical/Electronic Systems

Prerequisite: Auto Maintenance

This is a semester long course, offered both fall and spring semesters.

This electrical course will describe how electricity works from atoms, starting and charging systems along with learning about voltage, current (amperage) and ohms of resistance. Students will be trained on series and parallel circuits, wiring diagrams, and diagnosing electrical problems using Ohms Law.

Engine Repair

Prerequisite: Auto Maintenance

The course is a two-period block class, one semester, offered fall semester.

This course focuses on identifying the major parts of a typical automotive engine and describing the four-stroke cycle. Students will have the opportunity to disassemble an engine, measure all of the critical parts of the engine with PMI (precision measuring instruments) and then reassemble the engine. In addition, the student will be taught on diagnosis of engine related problems.

Drivetrain and Transmissions

Prerequisite: Auto Maintenance

This is a semester long course.

In this course the student will be trained on how to service automatic and manual transmissions, the diagnosis and service of a clutch and its mechanical and hydraulic components. Drive shafts, axles and differentials are also a part of this training.

Brakes

Prerequisite: Electrical/Electronic Systems

This course is a two-period block class, one semester, offered spring semester.

In this brakes course, students will be trained on the hydraulic and mechanical principles of the braking system. Power brakes and master cylinders will be covered, disc and drum brakes will be explained along with the student learning how to use a brake lathe. ABS (anti-lock brake system), traction control, and stability control will also be discussed.

*This course meets the requirements of Western’s AUTO 1740 for concurrent credit enrollment.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Prerequisite: Electrical/Electronic Systems

This is a semester long course.

This course focuses on the principles of refrigeration, the basic function and construction of each major part of a typical heating and air conditioning system. The student will be trained on evacuation and charging of an air conditioning system. Additionally, the student will be trained on diagnosing heating problems and blower motors.

Suspension and Steering

Prerequisite: Electrical/Electronic Systems

The suspension and steering course offers the student information concerning tires, wheels (steel and alloy) and will have the opportunity to mount and balance the wheel and tire assembly. All the major parts of the suspension and steering system will be covered along with discussions on wheel alignment.

Engine Performance

Prerequisites: Auto Maintenance, Electrical/Electronic Systems, & Engine Repair

This course is a two-period block class, one semester.

This section will cover the drivability of vehicles. Specific topics include ignition and fuel system(s), lectures on the vehicle’s computer system and all of the sensors and actuators involved. Students will be able to diagnose a “check engine” light with a scan tool and will be trained on troubleshooting procedures. Additionally, emissions will be explained along with students performing tune-ups in class.