Surrey Archives | Automotive Training Centre

Technician draining rear differential fluid during maintenance service

Differential Fluid: What It Does, When to Change It, and Common Symptoms

TL;DR Differential fluid lubricates the gears that allow your wheels to rotate at different speeds, especially during turns. Over time, the fluid breaks down or becomes contaminated, leading to noise,

27 March 2026

A technician checking transmission fluid for cars using a dipstick

Transmission Fluid for Cars: What It Does, When to Change It, and Warning Signs

TL;DR Transmission fluid for cars lubricates, cools, and enables smooth gear shifts. Over time, it degrades and can lead to shifting issues, overheating, and transmission damage. Checking fluid condit

25 March 2026

An EV battery pack immersed in dielectric coolant for thermal management

Dielectric Coolant in EVs: Immersion Cooling, Service Impacts & Safety

TL;DR Dielectric coolant in EVs allows batteries to be cooled more efficiently through immersion cooling, supporting faster charging and improved safety. As EV systems evolve, technicians must underst

20 March 2026

A technician showing how to clean battery terminal corrosion from a car battery terminal using a wire brush

How to Clean Battery Terminals: Preventing Corrosion and No-Start Issues

TL;DR Learning how to clean battery terminals is an important maintenance skill that helps prevent starting problems and electrical faults. Corrosion buildup around battery posts can interrupt electri

18 March 2026

A technician testing charging voltage to diagnose bad alternator symptoms

Bad Alternator Symptoms: What Techs Look For and How Charging Tests Work

TL;DR Bad alternator symptoms often include dim lights, warning lights on the dashboard, electrical issues, and difficulty starting the vehicle. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery

13 March 2026

A dashboard showing a red battery light warning on the instrument cluster

Battery Light On in Your Car? What It Means and What Techs Check First

TL;DR When the battery light in the car appears, it usually indicates a charging system problem rather than a simple battery failure. The red battery light may point to issues with the alternator, wir

11 March 2026

An electric vehicle connected to a bidirectional charging station supplying home backup power

V2G & V2H Bidirectional Charging: The Next EV Skill set for Techs

TL;DR Bidirectional charging allows electric vehicles to send electricity back to homes or the power grid. Systems like V2H (vehicle-to-home) and vehicle-to-grid are transforming EVs into mobile energ

6 March 2026

Technician testing an EV auxiliary battery with a digital multimeter

EV 12V Battery Failures: Symptoms, Causes, and Fixes

TL;DR When an EV won’t start, the issue is often the 12V auxiliary battery, not the high-voltage battery pack. The low-voltage system powers computers, relays, and safety systems that allow the vehi

4 March 2026

An auto technician using a tablet scan tool to perform vehicle diagnostics inside a modern automotive workshop

UDS Explained: How Scan Tools Talk to Modern Vehicles

TL;DR UDS is essentially the “language” that many scan tools use to communicate with vehicle computers (ECUs). It’s defined by ISO 14229 and lets a diagnostic tester (scan tool) control diagnost

27 February 2026

An automotive technician using an automotive oscilloscope to test battery and charging system voltage in a repair shop.

Automotive Oscilloscope Basics: The First Tests Every Diagnostic Technician Should Learn

TL;DR An automotive oscilloscope search usually means you’re ready to move past “symptom guessing” and start diagnosing with evidence. Instead of relying on vehicle reports, a scope shows what a

25 February 2026

An automotive technician is inspecting an EV charging system in a service bay

Canada’s 2026 ZEV Targets: What They Mean for ASTs and Future Auto Careers

TL;DRCanada’s ZEV sales targets begin in the 2026 model year and require a growing percentage of new vehicle sales to be zero-emission. For Automotive Service Technicians (ASTs), this means more EV

20 February 2026

An automotive service technician performing vehicle diagnostics with a scan tool in a modern Canadian repair shop

AST vs Auto Mechanic in Canada: What’s the Difference (And Which Career Path Fits You)?

TL;DR In Canada, the term automotive service technician (AST) refers to a certified trade professional, often working toward or holding a Red Seal endorsement. While “auto mechanic” is still commo

18 February 2026

Technician using remote car diagnostics software on a tablet.

How Connected Cars and Remote Diagnostics Will Change Auto Repair by 2026

TL;DR: Remote car diagnostics and connected car technology are reshaping auto repair. By 2026, technicians will rely more on telematics, wireless data, and OTA vehicle updates—without replacing hand

13 February 2026

A confident electric vehicle mechanic standing in a mechanic workshop, looking at the camera.

How to Become an Electric Vehicle Mechanic in 2026

TL;DR To become an electric vehicle mechanic in 2026, a technician typically needs strong fundamentals in automotive systems plus EV/hybrid-specific training, especially high-voltage safety, bat

11 February 2026

Original equipment vs aftermarket vs remanufactured parts comparison in a repair shop

Choosing Parts in Real Shops: Original Equipment, Aftermarket, and Remanufactured Options Explained

TL;DR Original equipment vs aftermarket vs remanufactured parts, what’s the difference? Technicians choose between original equipment, aftermarket, and remanufactured parts based on fitment, rel

6 February 2026

Automotive technician reviewing repeat failure patterns during vehicle diagnostics

Repeat Failure Patterns: How Technicians Spot Trends Without Jumping to Conclusions

TL;DR Repeat failure patterns in auto repair can improve diagnostic speed and inspection quality, but only when technicians rely on evidence. By confirming trends through data, inspection, and verific

4 February 2026

An ADAS calibration after repair using camera and radar targets

ADAS After a Repair: Why Calibration Is Becoming Part of Everyday Mechanic Work

TL;DR ADAS calibration after repair is now a routine part of modern auto service. As vehicles rely more on cameras and sensors for safety features, mechanics must understand when calibration is requir

30 January 2026

Auto service technician performing routine maintenance in a busy repair shop

Auto Repair Work Is Not Slowing Down: What Industry Growth Means for New Mechanics

TL;DR: The auto repair industry continues to grow as vehicles stay on the road longer and become more complex. This sustained demand creates steady opportunities for new technicians who enter the fiel

28 January 2026

Engineering lessons from iconic cars that shaped modern automotive design

The Untold Story of Iconic Automotive Designs and Engineering Lessons for Today

TL;DR Iconic vehicles weren’t just stylish. They were engineering problem-solvers. Understanding engineering lessons from iconic cars helps today’s technicians sharpen diagnostics, understand syst

26 January 2026

A female auto mechanic using a tablet in a digital tools auto repair shop 2026 environment.

How Digital Tools Are Transforming the Auto Repair Shop of the Future

TL;DR: In a digital tools auto repair shop 2026 environment, advanced diagnostic scanners, shop management software, and online platforms are redefining how repairs are performed. These tools help mec

22 January 2026

Auto mechanic performing an under-hood inspection checklist during vehicle service

What Auto Mechanics Look for During a Visual Under-Hood Inspection

TL;DR A visual under-hood inspection allows auto mechanics to identify potential problems quickly before deeper diagnostics begin. By checking for leaks, wear, and loose components, mechanics can spot

16 January 2026

An auto mechanic job candidate asking thoughtful questions during an interview with a shop manager.

Smart Questions to Ask at the End of an Auto Mechanic Interview

TL;DR: Asking the right questions at the end of an auto mechanic interview shows preparation, professionalism, and long-term interest. Thoughtful questions help employers see motivation while giving n

14 January 2026

An auto mechanic using a torque wrench during auto mechanic school in Surrey training

Why Torque Specifications Matter in Auto Mechanic Work

TL;DR Torque specifications ensure fasteners are tightened to precise manufacturer standards. Following them prevents component failure, protects safety, and is a foundational skill taught in professi

9 January 2026

A mechanic completing repair documentation at ATC auto mechanic school in Surrey

How Auto Mechanics Document Their Work in Real Shops

When people think about auto mechanics, they often focus on hands-on repairs, such as diagnosing engines, replacing components, and restoring vehicle performance. However, a critical part of the job h

7 January 2026

Auto mechanic job candidate shaking hands with an interviewer after a successful first interview.

How to Prepare for Your First Auto Mechanic Job Interview

Walking into your first auto mechanic job interview can be nerve-wracking. The good news is that preparation will calm your nerves and help you make a great impression. As a new or soon-to-be graduate

2 January 2026

An instructor teaching auto mechanic apprentices in a classroom setting as part of an automotive service technician program.

Why Some Jobs Go to Senior Techs: Understanding Skill Levels in the Shop

For a new automotive service technician program graduate, it might be surprising to see certain jobs always going to the more experienced technicians. However, this practice is standard across auto re

31 December 2025

An Automotive service technician program student concentrating on a complex vehicle repair in a busy service center, working methodically through an unfamiliar issue

Handling the Unknown: How Mechanics Stay Effective When There’s No Clear Answer

As explored in ATC’s automotive service technician program, not every problem comes with a clear or familiar solution. In fact, one of the true measures of a mechanic’s skill is how they respond w

26 December 2025

An automotive service technician program student reviewing a repair checklist on a clipboard during vehicle maintenance to ensure accuracy and completeness

The Habit of Double-Checking: Why Great Mechanics Rarely Assume They’re Done

As learned during an automotive service technician program, attention to detail can make the difference between a flawless repair and a costly comeback. That’s why great mechanics cultivate the habi

24 December 2025

Auto mechanic student inspecting a vehicle on a lift during hands-on training.

Knowing When to Slow Down: Why Rushing Repairs Leads to Costly Mistakes

Speed isn’t always efficiency in the garage. For aspiring auto mechanics, one of the most important lessons is learning that rushing through a repair often creates more problems than it solves. Work

19 December 2025

An automotive service technician program graduate working in a busy automotive repair shop

Reliability as a Skill: Why Showing Up Matters More Than You Think in Auto Repair

Technical skill is essential for any automotive service technician program graduate. But long-term success in the industry often comes down to something simpler: reliability. Being the mechanic who sh

17 December 2025

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Maciej Buczek

I wanted to try this before; I actually had an ATC flyer and was looking into it. I had a secure job that paid well with union benefits. I got laid off with all the cutbacks that were happening. So I thought ok well I always wanted to try this so this was the time and I’ve loved ever since.

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