Locations Archives | Automotive Training Centre

Technician performing plug-in hybrid maintenance in an automotive shop

Plug-In Hybrid Fuel Systems: Why Stale Fuel and Engine Run Cycles Matter

In Brief: Plug-In Hybrid Maintenance And Stale Fuel Plug-in hybrid maintenance requires attention to systems that conventional gasoline and fully electric vehicles do not share. Because a plug-in hybr

12 August 2026

A mechanic performing a Quebec vehicle inspection

Quebec Vehicle Inspections: When an SAAQ Mechanical Inspection Is Required

In Brief: When a Car Inspection Report is Needed A car inspection report documents the condition of a vehicle’s major safety-related systems, including brakes, steering, suspension, tires, light

12 August 2026

A technician checking engine oil pressure with a mechanical gauge

Oil Pressure Warning Light: What Technicians Check Before Recommending Engine Repairs

In Brief: Diagnosing Low Oil Pressure Symptoms Experiencing low oil pressure symptoms does not automatically mean an engine needs major repairs. Before recommending expensive work, technicians inspect

11 August 2026

An automotive student testing a fuel pump relay with a digital multimeter

Fuel Pump Relay Problems: Electrical Checks Before Replacing the Pump

In Brief: Fuel Pump Relay Symptoms A no-start condition doesn’t automatically mean the fuel pump has failed. Fuel pump relay symptoms can closely resemble pump or wiring faults, making proper di

7 August 2026

An automotive student performing a fuel pressure test on a vehicle

Fuel Pressure Testing: How Technicians Separate Pump, Injector, and Sensor Problems

In Brief: Fuel Pressure Testing A fuel pressure test helps technicians determine whether performance problems are caused by the fuel pump, injectors, pressure regulator, or another component. In

6 August 2026

Student learning EV battery preconditioning during hybrid vehicle training

EV Battery Preconditioning: Why Temperature Changes Charging Speed and Range

EV Battery Preconditioning in Brief EV battery preconditioning prepares an electric vehicle’s battery for the ideal operating temperature before driving or DC fast charging. This improves chargi

5 August 2026

An automotive student inspecting fuel lines to diagnose a gasoline smell in a car

Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? What Montreal Mechanics Check First

Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? A Quick Answer Why does my car smell like gas? The answer could range from a loose gas cap to an EVAP system fault or a leaking fuel line. Professional technicians use

5 August 2026

An automotive student performing a smoke test to diagnose a vacuum leak

Vacuum Leak Diagnosis: How Smoke Tests and Fuel Trims Find Hidden Air Leaks

Vacuum Leak Symptoms and Diagnosis in Brief Recognizing vacuum leak symptoms is an important part of modern engine diagnostics. Technicians combine visual inspections, smoke testing, scan tool data, a

4 August 2026

An automotive student inspecting an ABS wheel-speed sensor during brake system training

How Anti-Lock Brakes Work: Wheel-Speed Sensors, Valves, and Pump Control

Understanding ABS in Automotive Vehicles in Brief Understanding ABS in automotive systems is essential for modern technicians. Anti-lock braking systems use wheel-speed sensors, hydraulic valves, and

31 July 2026

An automotive student inspecting milky oil on an engine dipstick

Milky Oil on the Dipstick: Causes, Risks, and Diagnostic Checks

Milky Oil: A Quick Summary Milky oil may be caused by ordinary condensation, especially after frequent short trips in cold weather, or by engine coolant entering the lubrication system. Technicians co

30 July 2026

An automotive student identifying different transmission fluid types during hands-on training

Transmission Fluid Types: Understanding ATF, CVT, and DCT Requirements

A Quick Guide to Transmission Fluid Types Understanding transmission fluid types is an essential skill for future automotive technicians. Automatic, continuously variable, and dual-clutch transmission

29 July 2026

Automotive student inspecting hybrid transaxle fluid during EV service training

Hybrid Transaxle Fluid: Why Electrified Drivetrains Still Need Service

What Is Transaxle Fluid, In Brief Understanding “What is transaxle fluid?” is essential for technicians working on hybrid vehicles. Hybrid transaxles rely on specially specified fluids to lubricat

29 July 2026

An automotive student inspecting transmission fluid colour during a vehicle service

Transmission Fluid Colour Guide: What Red, Brown, and Dark Fluid Can Mean

A Guide Summary: Transmission Fluid Colour Transmission fluid colour can provide valuable information about a vehicle’s transmission condition, but it is only one part of a complete inspection.

28 July 2026

Automotive student comparing power steering fluid and transmission fluid during a vehicle inspection

Power Steering Fluid vs ATF: Can One Safely Replace the Other?

In Brief: Power Steering Fluid Vs Transmission Fluid Understanding power steering fluid vs transmission fluid is an important skill for future automotive technicians. While some vehicles are designed

24 July 2026

Automotive student testing a car alternator with a digital multimeter during charging system diagnostics

What Does an Alternator Do? How the Charging System Supports Modern Vehicles

What is an Alternator in a Car? A Quick Guide What is an alternator in a car? It’s the component that generates electricity while the engine runs and keeps the battery charged. A healthy c

23 July 2026

Automotive student locating an EV service disconnect before high-voltage maintenance

EV Service Disconnect Explained: Safe Shutdown and Zero-Voltage Verification

TL;DR Working on an electric vehicle begins with safety, not repairs. An EV service disconnect helps isolate the high-voltage battery, but technicians must still verify that no hazardous voltage remai

22 July 2026

Automotive student testing engine coolant with a refractometer in a Montreal training shop

Coolant vs. Antifreeze in Quebec: What New Mechanics Should Know About Seasonal Protection

Before You Read What is coolant? It’s more than just a liquid that prevents overheating. In Quebec, the correct engine coolant mixture helps protect against freezing, corrosion, and overheating

22 July 2026

Automotive student inspecting engine oil for metal shavings during a vehicle service

Metal Shavings in Oil: What They Reveal About Internal Wear

A Brief Guide to Metal Shavings In Oil Finding metal shavings in oil doesn’t automatically mean an engine or transmission has failed, but it does tell technicians that further inspection is need

21 July 2026

Student learning EV battery thermal management in a hybrid vehicle training lab

Battery Thermal Management: EV Cooling Basics for New Techs

A Basic Guide to Battery Thermal Management Battery thermal management helps keep EV batteries within their ideal operating temperature for safety, performance, and long-term reliability. Future techn

17 July 2026

Automotive technician performing vehicle testing on a chassis dynamometer

What Is a Dyno? Performance Testing for Future Auto Technicians

What is a Dyno? A Quick Guide What is a dyno? A dynamometer, or dyno, measures a vehicle’s performance in a controlled environment by calculating power, torque, and other operating data. While n

16 July 2026

Student learning about a DC-DC converter in an electric vehicle training lab

DC-DC Converter Basics: Why EVs Still Need Low-Voltage Power

A Quick Guide to DC-DC Converters A DC-DC converter transfers energy from an EV’s high-voltage battery to power the vehicle’s low-voltage system and charge its auxiliary battery. Understan

15 July 2026

Automotive student learning engine timing principles during hands-on training

Engine Timing Explained: Why Timing Matters in Vehicle Performance

Engine Timing: A Summary for Students Engine timing determines when an engine’s valves open and the spark occurs, directly affecting performance, efficiency, and reliability. Although modern veh

15 July 2026

Automotive student inspecting a vehicle during hands-on mechanic training

Car Mechanic Profession: What Students Should Know Before Training

A Quick Guide to the Car Mechanic Profession The car mechanic profession combines technical expertise with problem-solving, communication, and continuous learning. Quality automotive training gives st

14 July 2026

An automotive technician inspecting a hybrid vehicle in a repair shop

Hybrid Maintenance Cost: What Future EV Technicians Should Explain

In Brief: Understanding Hybrid Maintenance Costs Understanding hybrid maintenance costs is about more than knowing prices. It’s about understanding the systems that influence long-term vehicle c

10 July 2026

An automotive student inspecting a front suspension strut during hands-on shop training

What Is a Strut? Suspension Basics for New Auto Technicians

A Brief Guide to What Is a Strut If you’ve ever wondered what a strut is, you’re asking about one of the most important components in a vehicle’s suspension system. Struts help suppo

9 July 2026

An automotive student inspecting an electric vehicle during hands-on training

EV Maintenance Checklist: What Future EV Mechanics Inspect First

TL;DR Although electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than gasoline-powered vehicles, EV maintenance is still essential. Future technicians need to understand batteries, braking systems, tires, coo

8 July 2026

Automotive student completing hands-on shop training at an auto mechanic school

Mechanic Training Hours: What Students Should Know Before Starting

Why Mechanic Hours Matter Building a successful automotive career takes more than classroom learning. Mechanic hours spent in practical training help students develop technical knowledge, safe work ha

8 July 2026

An automotive student organizing a beginner mechanic toolbox during shop training

Mechanic Tools List: What New Students Need for Their First Shop

In Brief: A Toolbox for Mechanics A good toolbox for mechanics doesn’t have to be filled on day one. New technicians should focus on learning how to use essential hand tools safely while develop

7 July 2026

Automotive student inspecting front suspension struts during hands-on training

Shocks vs Struts: What New Automotive Technicians Need to Know

TL;DR: Shocks vs Struts: A Quick Guide Understanding shocks vs struts is essential for anyone learning automotive repair. While both help control ride quality and vehicle handling, they serve di

3 July 2026

Automotive student inspecting a front suspension ball joint during practical training

Ball Joints Explained: What They Do and How Technicians Spot Wear

TL;DR: A Quick Guide to Fixing Ball Joints Ball joints connect the steering knuckle to the suspension while allowing the wheels to move up, down, and turn smoothly. Because they influence steeri

2 July 2026

www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca

Meredith Orr Auto Mechanic

The staff exhibits extreme efforts to help students and are very friendly. The course I’m taking is taught by Ernest Mashingaidze. He is very informative and willing to answer any questions. There are no bad questions. I feel that this course will prepare me for a number of jobs in the field. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.

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