What is Automotive Technology
Instruction in systems such a engines, fuel, on-board computers, transmissions, steering, suspension, and brakes is the basis for this program.
The Automotive Technician option provides knowledge of the various systems used to develop skills in troubleshooting, performing preventative maintenance, servicing and repairing automobiles. The program, which is designed to be completed in two years, prepares graduates for entry-level service technician jobs in the auto repair industry. The student may be provided a work-study experience alternating between periods of work on-site and work in a classroom-laboratory setting.
What are my career choices?
Demand for technicians will grow as the number of vehicles in operation increases, reflecting continued growth in the driving age population and in the number of multi-car families. This means you will have a variety of employment opportunities. Persons trained in automotive repair can expect to find employment in new car dealerships, government and independent fleets, as well as independent and franchised repair facilities.
Median hourly wage-and-salary earnings of automotive service technicians and mechanics, including commission, were $16.24 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.96 and $21.56 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.17 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $27.22 per hour. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of service technicians were as follows: Local government, excluding schools $19.07; automobile dealers $18.85; automotive repair and maintenance $14.55; gasoline stations $14.51; automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores $14.38.
Many experienced technicians employed by automobile dealers and independent repair shops receive a commission related to the labor cost charged to the customer. Of course, weekly earnings depend on the amount of work completed; however, most employers guarantee certified technicians a minimum weekly salary.
What are my degree, diploma or certificate options?
Diploma:
- Automotive Technician: 61-64 credit hours
Certificates:
- Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic: 4 credit hours
- Automotive Electrician: 10 credit hours
- Manual Transmission/Drive Train Technician: 5 credit hours
- Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Technician: 5 credit hours
- Brake Repairer: 5 credit hours
- Engine Repairer: 5 credit hours
- Front End Mechanic: 5 credit hours
- Tune-up Mechanic: 25 credit hours
To see a complete course listing for each credential use the KCTCS Course Catalog.
Upon completion of this program, the graduate can:
- Perform basic automotive maintenance, such as lubrication, battery, cooling system, wheels and tires, spark plugs, wipers, lamps and bulbs, fuses, and other “quick service” items, including vehicle pre-delivery service.
- Diagnose and repair problems such as unusual tire wear, noise, and vibration related to the suspension and steering systems.
- Demonstrate basic hydraulic principles and design.
- Demonstrate the construction and operation of various brake systems.
- Diagnose and repair both drum and disk brakes, master cylinder, wheel cylinder, vacuum power booster, antilock brakes, and related component parts.
- Demonstrate the electronic components of the automobile, including semiconductors, diodes, transistors, and other components.
- Demonstrate how each component of the automobile interacts with the electronic circuit.
- Demonstrate computer basics, actuators, and speed control devices in the automobile.
- Maintain and repair conventional ignition systems, coils, distributors, ignition timing, electronic ignition, and distributorless ignition systems.
- Demonstrate the principles of refrigeration and the refrigeration cycle.
- Diagnose and repair automotive heating and air conditioning systems to produce maximum comfort to passengers.
- Diagnose and repair problems involving power and fuel economy.
- Diagnose and repair faults in electronic controls and circuitry, including how automotive computers receive, convert, process, compare and use various input data to control appropriate systems and components.
- Diagnose, repair and adjust the carburetor, fuel injection, and other parts of the automotive fuel system.
- Communicate the principles of the four-stroke engine.
- Repair internal combustion engines according to manufacturer’s specifications using appropriate equipment, hand tools, and measuring instruments.
- Demonstrate principles of operation, construction, and service of manual transmissions and related drive train components, differentials, clutches, u-joints, rear-wheel drive, and 4-wheel drive.
- Repair and reassemble rear-wheel-drive automatic transmissions and front-wheel-drive automatic transaxle, hydraulic principles and power flow.
Admission Requirements
This program has no special admission requirements.
Length of Program
You can earn an Associate in Applied Science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
