Cambridge Archives | Automotive Training Centre

Secure gateway module blocking scan tool access during vehicle diagnostics

Secure Gateway Modules: Why Some Scan Tools Get Blocked (and What Technicians Do Next)

TL;DR Secure gateway modules diagnostics, limit scan tool access on many modern vehicles. Technicians must authenticate, follow manufacturer procedures, and adapt their diagnostic workflow to safely a

5 February 2026

An automotive technician working in a supportive repair shop environment

Why Some Shops Keep Great Technicians (and Others Lose Them)

TL;DR Technician recruitment and retention in auto repair is a growing challenge. Shops that invest in training, support, and career growth keep great technicians longer, while students who choose the

29 January 2026

An automotive technician inspects a vehicle's undercarriage with a flashlight in a repair workshop- showing one of the auto technician's in-demand skills 2026

The Most In-Demand Skills for Automotive Technicians in 2026 (and How Schools Are Teaching Them)

TL;DR: Auto repair is evolving fast, and in 2026, technicians need more than just hands-on skills. Top shops want candidates trained in EV systems, ADAS calibration, digital diagnostics, and customer

23 January 2026

An auto mechanic diagnosing mechanical vs electrical car problems using scan tools

How Auto Mechanics Decide Whether a Problem Is Mechanical or Electrical

TL;DR Before any repair begins, auto mechanics must determine whether a vehicle issue is mechanical or electrical. This diagnostic process relies on systematic testing, experience, and training to acc

15 January 2026

An auto mechanic training graduate performing a final vehicle inspection

What Happens After a Repair Is Finished: Final Checks and Quality Control

TL;DR After a vehicle repair is completed, auto mechanics carry out inspections, test drives, cleanup, and documentation checks to ensure safety and reliability. These quality control steps are a core

8 January 2026

An auto mechanic training graduate explaining repair recommendations to a customer in an auto repair shop during routine service.

Why Not Every Recommended Repair Gets Approved (and How Mechanics Handle It)

Quick Summary Not every repair recommendation gets a green light, and that’s okay. One of the first lessons new auto mechanics learn is how to navigate client decisions with professionalism and clar

2 January 2026

An image of an auto shop, cars ready for inspection as they are lifted, as explored in auto mechanic training

Learning to Ask Better Questions: A Skill Every Successful Mechanic Develops

Curiosity might have a reputation for getting people into trouble, but in auto mechanic training, curiosity, in the form of asking good questions, is an invaluable asset. Successful mechanics are not

25 December 2025

An auto mechanic instructor providing hands-on feedback to a student during automotive training.

Learning to Take Feedback: How Auto Mechanic Students Grow Faster in the Shop

A mechanic’s skill set isn’t built on hands-on practice alone. Just as important is the guidance received along the way. In an auto mechanic training classroom, feedback from instructors and peers

19 December 2025

A technician speaking with two customers in a repair shop during auto mechanic training.

How Mechanics Build a Professional Reputation: The Small Habits That Matter

Technical know-how might get your foot in the door. Still, it’s the small habits, such as being on time, communicating clearly, and consistently doing quality work, that truly set great mechanics ap

11 December 2025

A student in an automotive school garage using a diagnostic scanner during hands-on auto mechanic training.

Developing Diagnostic Confidence: How Students Learn to Trust Their Own Process

Every engine noise, flickering dash light, or performance issue tells a story, and it’s the job of the auto technician to interpret it. For students at an auto mechanic school, learning how to diagn

4 December 2025

Mechanic performing a cooling system pressure test

Cooling System Pressure Testing: How Mechanics Catch Problems Early

Few automotive problems escalate as quickly or as expensively as cooling system failures. Overheating can warp cylinder heads, damage gaskets, and lead to complete engine failure. That’s why pressur

27 November 2025

An auto mechanic training graduate inspecting a vehicle suspension for vibration issues

What Causes Vibrations at Different Speeds? A Mechanic’s Diagnostic Guide

When drivers feel unexpected vibrations at certain speeds, their first instinct is often concern, and rightfully so. Vibrations can signal issues that affect drivability, safety, and long-term vehicle

20 November 2025

A student in auto mechanic training carefully inspecting a vehicle while wearing full PPE.

Shop Safety Starts With Attitude: Building Habits That Protect You and Others

Staying safe in an auto shop starts long before you touch a tool. In fact, the most important piece of safety equipment might just be your mindset. Whether you’ve just started auto mechani

13 November 2025

An instructor teaches hybrid system diagnostics as part of auto mechanic training.

Finding Purpose in the Trades: Why Mechanics Love What They Do

Working with vehicles can offer a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose. Many auto mechanic training graduates describe a genuine thrill when a stubborn engine problem is solved or a worn-out part is

6 November 2025

Two auto mechanic training students repairing a car in a professional shop

From Passion to Paycheque: Turning a Love for Cars into a Career

If you spend weekends under the hood and dream about engines, why not turn that passion into your profession? ATC Cambridge’s auto mechanic training program helps car enthusiasts become job-ready me

30 October 2025

A vehicle on a snowy winter road with winter tires, illustrating challenges covered in auto mechanic training.

5 Winter Maintenance Mistakes New Mechanics Learn to Avoid

Cold weather can be tough on cars, revealing any weak spots in their maintenance. New auto mechanics fresh out of auto mechanic school quickly learn that winter is the ultimate test for vehicles. Inex

23 October 2025

An auto mechanic training students, gaining hands-on experience in the workshop at ATC Cambridge.

Green Garage: Sustainable Practices for Modern Mechanics

Sustainability is steering the auto mechanic training and automotive industry toward a greener future. More garages are adopting eco-friendly practices that protect the environment, reduce costs, and

16 October 2025

A close-up view of an organized mechanic's tools on a workshop wall, demonstrating the clean workspace emphasized in auto mechanic training.

Why Shop Cleanliness Is a Big Deal: Professional Habits for Auto Mechanic Students

Auto mechanics soon learn that keeping the workshop clean is as important as understanding engines during auto mechanic training. An organized workspace offers many advantages: it creates a safer envi

9 October 2025

Auto mechanic student at ATC Cambridge working on a car engine during training

New Mechanic Mistakes: 5 Lessons for Aspiring Auto Technicians

Starting a career as an auto technician can be exciting, but it also comes with challenges. Many new mechanics enter the shop eager to learn, only to stumble over common mistakes that could easily be

2 October 2025

An auto mechanic training student working alongside a mentor during an apprenticeship

Acing Your Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship: Tips for Success in the Shop

Starting an apprenticeship is one of the most exciting milestones for students finishing their auto mechanic training. It’s the point where classroom knowledge meets real-world practice, and it’s

25 September 2025

An SUV on a scenic road, highlighting real-world vehicle diagnostics skills learned in auto mechanic training.

Help! My Car Won’t Start: 5 Common Causes Every New Mechanic Should Know

When a car refuses to start, it’s stressful for drivers and a big test for mechanics. For students in auto mechanic training, knowing how to diagnose a no-start problem is a vital skill. By learning

18 September 2025

A mechanic performing maintenance using diagnostic tools in a modern auto service centre.

AI in Auto Repair: How Smart Diagnostics Will Support Tomorrow’s Mechanics

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way auto mechanic training graduates work with cars. Modern vehicles are equipped with numerous sensors and onboard computers that generate massive

11 September 2025

As practiced in auto mechanic training: student performing an oil change during hands-on training

Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil: What Aspiring Technicians Should Know

Oil changes are one of the most frequent services a technician will perform, but not all oils are created equal. For students in auto mechanic training, understanding the difference between convention

4 September 2025

An automotive student using OBD vehicle diagnostics scanner in a repair workshop

From OBD-I to OBD-III: The Evolution of Onboard Diagnostics

Modern cars are like computers on wheels. If you’ve ever seen the “check engine” light pop on, you’ve encountered your car’s Onboard Diagnostics (OBD) vehicle diagnostics system in action.&n

28 August 2025

A team of students and instructors showing success in the automotive training program

Your Path to Red Seal: Certification Tips for Ontario Automotive Students

Earning your Red Seal certification is a key milestone for aspiring automotive training graduates in Ontario. This nationally recognized endorsement confirms that your skills meet Canada-wide industry

21 August 2025

3D Printing in Auto Repair: How Emerging Tech Is Revolutionizing the Shop

For students in automotive technology training, staying current with emerging tools is crucial. One innovation now making its way into auto repair shops is 3D printing, a technology that is reshaping

14 August 2025

An auto mechanic student checking coolant levels under the hood

Overheating 101: Diagnosing Engine Cooling Problems in Hot Weather

Summer may be great for road trips, but for your engine, it’s one of the harshest times of year. As the mercury rises, so does the risk of overheating, and cooling system problems are one of the mos

7 August 2025

An auto mechanic training apprentice fixing an engine under supervision

Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship: Top Tips for Success

Completing a pre-apprenticeship program during auto mechanic training can prepare you to excel once you land an apprenticeship. In Ontario, the automotive service trade is designated as a Red Seal tra

31 July 2025

A student in auto mechanic training updating vehicle software in the shop

Software Updates: The New Oil Change in Car Maintenance

For decades in auto mechanic training, routine oil changes have been the gold standard in car maintenance. Miss one, and your engine pays the price. But in today’s tech-driven vehicles, there’s an

24 July 2025

An auto mechanic student inspecting a car’s A/C system

Keeping Your Cool: A/C Refrigerants and Climate Control in Modern Cars

Few systems in a vehicle affect comfort as directly as the air conditioning system. And in today’s auto mechanic training, understanding how to maintain, diagnose, and repair climate control systems

10 July 2025

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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