Toronto Archives | Automotive Training Centre

An automotive student performing a battery cable voltage drop test

Battery Cable Voltage Drop: Corrosion, Resistance, and Slow-Crank Clues

Corroded battery cables can create resistance and slow cranking. Learn how technicians use voltage-drop tests to find hidden power and ground problems.

22 September 2026

A technician checking daytime running lights during a fall vehicle inspection

Fall Lighting Checks: Headlights, Brake Lights, and DRLs as Days Get Shorter

In Brief: Daytime Running Lights and Fall Vehicle Lighting Checks As summer gives way to fall in Toronto, one change becomes obvious during the evening commute: darkness arrives earlier. That makes ex

15 September 2026

2027 Toyota GR86 showing updated throttle and manual shift engineering

2027 Toyota GR86: What Updated Throttle Calibration and Shift Feel Teach Future Techs

In Brief: The Updated 2027 Toyota GR86 The most interesting 2027 Toyota GR86 changes are small but instructive. Toyota recalibrated the relationship between accelerator input and engine torque f

8 September 2026

A technician investigating heater core symptoms in a vehicle

Heater Core Symptoms: Fogged Windows, Sweet Smells, and Weak Cabin Heat

In Brief: Heater Core Symptoms Common heater core symptoms include weak cabin heat, persistent windshield fogging, a sweet smell in the car, damp passenger-side carpeting, and unexplained coolant loss

1 September 2026

Technician inspecting engine mounts after a vibration complaint

Engine Mount Symptoms: How Technicians Trace Vibration and Excessive Movement

In Brief: What Are Motor Mounts: What are motor mounts? They are components that secure the engine and transmission to the vehicle while helping isolate vibration and control powertrain movement. Worn

25 August 2026

A technician inspecting bad CV axle symptoms on a vehicle

CV Axle Problems: Clicking, Vibration, and Torn Boot Clues

In Brief: Bad CV Axle Symptoms Common bad CV axle symptoms include clicking or popping during turns, clunking during acceleration or deceleration, vibration, torn boots, and grease around the inside o

18 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 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 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 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

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 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

An automotive student examining a direct fuel injection system on a modern gasoline engine

Direct Injection Engines: What New Mechanics Should Know

TL;DR: A Quick Summary of Direct Injection Engines A direct injection engine delivers fuel directly into the combustion chamber instead of the intake port. This design can improve fuel efficiency, pow

30 June 2026

An automotive mechanic examining a carburetor on a classic vehicle engine

Carburetor Function: What Older Engines Teach New Mechanics

TL;DR What is the carburetor? A carburetor is a mechanical device that mixes fuel and air before sending the mixture into an engine for combustion. While most modern vehicles use electronic fuel injec

23 June 2026

An automotive student examining a turbocharger assembly during hands-on training

Turbocharger Basics: What New Mechanics Should Understand

TL;DR A turbocharger in automobile systems increases engine power by forcing additional air into the combustion chambers. This allows smaller engines to produce more power while improving efficiency.

16 June 2026

An automotive student learning about flat-rate compensation systems during technician training

Flat Rate Pay for Mechanics: What Students Should Understand

TL;DR What is flat-rate pay? It is a compensation system where technicians are paid according to assigned labour times rather than the actual time spent completing a repair. While flat-rate pay can re

9 June 2026

An automotive student learning engine specifications during mechanic training

Engine Displacement Explained: What New Mechanics Should Know

TL;DR Engine displacement refers to the total volume of air and fuel an engine can move through its cylinders during one complete cycle. It plays a major role in determining power output, torque, fuel

2 June 2026

Automotive technician inspecting brake pads and rotors during brake service

Brake Pads Explained: Wear Signs, Replacement Clues, and What New Techs Inspect

TL;DR Learning how to check brake pads is one of the most important skills for new automotive technicians. Brake inspections involve more than simply measuring pad thickness. Technicians also inspect

19 May 2026

An electric vehicle technician performing diagnostics on an EV in a repair shop

Electric Vehicle Technician Career: What You’ll Actually Do in the Shop

TL;DR An electric vehicle technician works on much more than batteries. Today’s EV technicians diagnose software issues, inspect thermal systems, perform charging diagnostics, and follow strict high

12 May 2026

A hybrid battery cooling fan inside a vehicle

Hybrid Battery Cooling Fan Problems: Symptoms, Causes, and Preventive Maintenance

TL;DR A hybrid battery cooling fan plays a critical role in regulating temperature inside the hybrid battery pack. When airflow is restricted or the fan fails, heat buildup can lead to performance iss

5 May 2026

A technician performing an insulation resistance test on an EV system

Insulation Resistance Test: A Must-Know Skill for EV and Hybrid Diagnostics

TL;DR An insulation resistance test is used to detect electrical leakage in EV and hybrid systems. Technicians use tools like a megohmmeter to ensure high-voltage components are properly insulated, he

28 April 2026

A technician analyzing fuel trim data on a diagnostic scan tool

Fuel Trim Explained: How Techs Diagnose Lean and Rich Conditions Using Live Data

TL;DR Understanding fuel trim is essential for diagnosing lean and rich engine conditions. By analyzing short-term and long-term fuel trim values through an OBD2 scanner, technicians can identify issu

21 April 2026

A technician connecting an OBD2 scanner to a vehicle’s diagnostic port

OBD2 Scanner Basics: The First Diagnostic Skill Every New Technician Should Master

TL;DR Understanding how an OBD2 scanner works is one of the first essential skills in automotive diagnostics. These tools read diagnostic trouble codes, access live data, and communicate through the C

14 April 2026

Technician performing a high-voltage isolation test on an electric vehicle

EV Isolation Faults: What They Mean and Why Technicians Take Them Seriously

TL;DR EV isolation faults indicate that high-voltage electricity may be leaking from the system where it shouldn’t. These faults can be caused by moisture, damaged wiring, or insulation breakdown. B

7 April 2026

A catalytic converter is installed in a vehicle's exhaust system during automotive training

What Does a Catalytic Converter Do? Symptoms of Failure and Why It’s Important

TL;DR What does a catalytic converter do? The answer is simple: it reduces harmful exhaust emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful ones. When it fails, it can cause performance issues, w

31 March 2026

A technician performing a 4-wheel alignment using a computerized wheel alignment machine

Wheel Alignments Explained: Symptoms and What Shops Adjust

TL;DR Wheel alignments correct the angles of the wheels so they meet the road properly. Misalignment can cause uneven tire wear, steering pull, and reduced handling. Technicians adjust angles like toe

24 March 2026

A technician is inspecting an electric vehicle for EV battery water intrusion

EV Battery Pack Water Intrusion: Risks, Diagnosis & What to Do Next

TL;DR EV battery water intrusion can pose serious safety risks, including corrosion, insulation faults, and electrical hazards. Technicians must follow strict safety procedures before diagnosing a flo

17 March 2026

Automotive technician checking engine oil using a dipstick

How to Check Oil the Right Way: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Techs

TL;DR Learning how to check oil correctly is one of the first skills every technician must master. A simple dipstick check can reveal low oil levels, contamination, or potential engine problems. By fo

10 March 2026

Electric vehicle charging port showing CCS connector

EV Charging Standards in 2026: CCS vs. SAE J3400 (NACS) and Real-World Repair Challenges

TL;DRAs SAE J3400 (formerly NACS) gains industry adoption alongside CCS, EV charging problems are becoming more complex. Mechanics must understand charging standards, adapters, and safe diagnostic pro

3 March 2026

Technician performing ADAS calibration using targets and alignment equipment

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for Future Technicians: Calibration, Diagnostics, and Career Value

TL;DRADAS calibration is no longer a specialty skill. It has become part of everyday repair work. As advanced driver assistance systems become standard in newer vehicles, technicians who understand di

24 February 2026

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Battery Cable Voltage Drop: Corrosion, Resistance, and Slow-Crank Clues

Fall Lighting Checks: Headlights, Brake Lights, and DRLs as Days Get Shorter

2027 Toyota GR86: What Updated Throttle Calibration and Shift Feel Teach Future Techs

Heater Core Symptoms: Fogged Windows, Sweet Smells, and Weak Cabin Heat

Engine Mount Symptoms: How Technicians Trace Vibration and Excessive Movement

CV Axle Problems: Clicking, Vibration, and Torn Boot Clues

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

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

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

Metal Shavings in Oil: What They Reveal About Internal Wear

Car Mechanic Profession: What Students Should Know Before Training

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

Direct Injection Engines: What New Mechanics Should Know

Carburetor Function: What Older Engines Teach New Mechanics

Turbocharger Basics: What New Mechanics Should Understand

Flat Rate Pay for Mechanics: What Students Should Understand

Engine Displacement Explained: What New Mechanics Should Know

Brake Pads Explained: Wear Signs, Replacement Clues, and What New Techs Inspect

Electric Vehicle Technician Career: What You’ll Actually Do in the Shop

Hybrid Battery Cooling Fan Problems: Symptoms, Causes, and Preventive Maintenance

Insulation Resistance Test: A Must-Know Skill for EV and Hybrid Diagnostics

Fuel Trim Explained: How Techs Diagnose Lean and Rich Conditions Using Live Data

OBD2 Scanner Basics: The First Diagnostic Skill Every New Technician Should Master

EV Isolation Faults: What They Mean and Why Technicians Take Them Seriously

What Does a Catalytic Converter Do? Symptoms of Failure and Why It’s Important

Wheel Alignments Explained: Symptoms and What Shops Adjust

EV Battery Pack Water Intrusion: Risks, Diagnosis & What to Do Next

How to Check Oil the Right Way: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Techs

EV Charging Standards in 2026: CCS vs. SAE J3400 (NACS) and Real-World Repair Challenges

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for Future Technicians: Calibration, Diagnostics, and Career Value

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