Surrey Archives | Automotive Training Centre

A student diagnosing a radiator fan not working in an automotive workshop

Radiator Fan Problems: Overheating at Idle, A/C Clues, and Electrical Tests

A radiator fan not working can cause overheating at idle and weak A/C performance. Learn how techs test relays, fuses, wiring, sensors, and fan motors.

23 September 2026

An automotive student diagnosing bad EVAP purge valve symptoms with a scan tool

Purge Valve Problems: Hard Starts After Refuelling, EVAP Codes, and Test Clues

Hard starting after refuelling can point to an EVAP purge-valve problem. Learn how technicians connect symptoms, trouble codes, scan data, and leak tests to confirm the cause before replacing parts.

18 September 2026

An automotive student inspecting brake caliper slide pins during brake service

Brake Caliper Slide Pins: How Sticking Hardware Affects Pad Wear and Braking

In Brief: Brake Caliper Slide Pins Sticking and Wear ____________________________________________________________________________ Brake pads can tell a story. Remove a set during service, and you migh

17 September 2026

Technician inspecting an engine block heater before cold weather

Engine Block Heaters Explained: What Technicians Inspect Before Cold Weather

Engine Block Heaters at a Glance: How They Work and What Technicians Check What does a block heater do? Depending on its design, an engine block heater warms engine coolant or another part of the engi

11 September 2026

A 2027 Toyota bZ electric SUV with AWD powertrain

Toyota bZ 2027: AWD Electric Powertrain and Charging Updates Future EV Techs Should Know

In Brief: Toyota bZ 2027 Updates The Toyota bZ 2027 gives future EV technicians a useful look at how electric powertrains, charging hardware, software, and thermal management come together. Canadian A

9 September 2026

A technician inspecting a transfer case before winter driving in Surrey

Transfer Case Basics: What Techs Inspect Before Wet and Snowy Driving

In Brief: Transfer Case Basics A transfer case helps many 4WD systems, and some AWD drivetrains, deliver power to more than one axle. Before wet, muddy, or snowy driving, technicians may inspect the c

4 September 2026

A technician measuring all four tires before an AWD tire replacement

AWD Tire Matching: Why Tread Depth Differences Matter to Modern Drivetrains

In Brief: AWD Tire Replacement and Why Equal Tread Depth Matters AWD tire replacement requires more care than simply finding another tire with the same size printed on the sidewall. As tires wear, the

2 September 2026

An automotive technician investigating bad timing chain symptoms in an engine

Timing Chain Problems: Rattle, Correlation Codes, and Oil-Service Clues

In Brief: Bad Timing Chain Symptoms Common bad timing chain symptoms can include rattling noises, a check engine light, camshaft/crankshaft correlation codes, misfires, poor performance, and, in

28 August 2026

An EV technician diagnosing an electric automotive air conditioning compressor

Electric A/C Compressors: High-Voltage Safety and Cooling-System Diagnosis

In Brief: Automotive Air Conditioning in EVs Electric compressors change how technicians approach automotive air conditioning in hybrid and electric vehicles. Rather than relying on an engine-driven c

26 August 2026

A technician diagnosing why a brake pedal is hard during a brake inspection

Brake Booster Problems: Hard Pedals, Vacuum Leaks, and First Checks

In Brief: Why Is My Brake Pedal Hard Why is my brake pedal hard? Reduced power assist is one possibility. A brake booster problem, vacuum leak, damaged hose, vacuum-pump fault, or another braking-syst

21 August 2026

EV technician activating electronic parking brake service mode

Electronic Parking Brake Stuck? Why Service Mode Matters During EV Brake Work

In Summary: Why Service Mode Matters During a Stuck Parking Brake Electronic parking brakes use electrically controlled actuators rather than relying solely on a conventional hand lever or foot-operat

19 August 2026

Technician checking bad PCV valve symptoms during engine diagnosis

PCV Valve Problems: Oil Consumption, Rough Idle, and Vacuum Leak Clues

In Brief: Bad PCV Valve Symptoms Common bad PCV valve symptoms can include rough idle, unusual oil consumption, vacuum-related drivability problems, and abnormal crankcase pressure. Because similar sy

14 August 2026

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

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

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 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

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

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 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

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

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

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 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 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

An automotive student testing electrical circuits on a hybrid vehicle during practical training

Auto Electrician Skills: Why EV Mechanics Need Strong Electrical Basics

TL;DR: A Summary of Modern Auto Electrician Skills An auto electrician diagnoses and repairs the electrical systems that power today’s vehicles. As hybrid and electric vehicles become more

1 July 2026

An automotive student is diagnosing electrical circuits on a hybrid vehicle during training

Automotive Electrical Careers: How EVs Are Changing Technician Skills

Electric and hybrid vehicles are changing what employers look for in new technicians. While mechanical knowledge remains essential, the ability to diagnose wiring faults, interpret scan tool data, and

26 June 2026

An automotive student examining powertrain components during hands-on training

Powertrain Basics: What Future Automotive Service Technicians Learn

TL;DR The powertrain includes the components that generate power and deliver it to a vehicle’s wheels. This typically includes the engine, transmission, driveshafts, differentials, and related syste

24 June 2026

An automotive student testing electrical circuits on a hybrid vehicle

EV Mechanics and Electrical Diagnosis: Why Wiring Skills Matter

TL;DR The modern auto electrician needs far more than basic wiring knowledge. Electric vehicles, hybrids, and advanced driver-assistance systems rely on complex electrical networks, sensors, modules,

19 June 2026

An automotive student observing a vehicle during chassis dynamometer testing

Dyno Tuning Explained: What Technicians Learn From Performance Testing

TL;DR A dyno tune uses a dynamometer to measure vehicle performance and evaluate how engine adjustments affect power, torque, and engine operation. While many people associate dyno tuning with perform

17 June 2026

Automotive students examining different engine configurations during hands-on training

Engine Types Explained: What Future Mechanics Should Know

TL;DR Engines come in many designs, and understanding their differences is an important skill for future automotive technicians. From inline and V-shaped configurations to modern hybrid powertrains, d

12 June 2026

www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca

Omid Fard Automotive Service Technician

My name is Omid Fard, I’m an international student at ATC as an automotive technician student. I will be graduating in September. My instructor – Dave is the best instructor in the mechanics field. I spent a lot of time in the shop learning and got a lot of experience during the course. I recommend anyone interested in cars to come to ATC.

Thank-you ATC!

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