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When it comes to electric vehicles, we can’t ignore the crucial role of the electric vehicle HVAC system. This innovative technology is revolutionizing how we think about heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in cars. We’ve seen a significant shift from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric ones, and with this change comes a whole new approach to keeping passengers comfortable while maximizing energy efficiency.
How good are you at reading tire wear patterns? Interpreting these patterns is an essential skill that is equal parts experience, knowledge and skill. The key is to be able to match the wear pattern with the condition of the suspension. Tread patterns reveal the condition of alignment angles, suspension and ride control components. Learning how to read the tire and communicate your findings to your customers is the key to selling ride control.
One crucial vehicle component that often gets overlooked is the car battery. Over time, battery terminals can accumulate corrosion, dirt and other debris, which can hinder the flow of electricity and potentially cause starting issues or even complete battery failure. That’s why it’s crucial to clean the car battery terminals regularly. Working with car batteries can be hazardous if proper safety measures are not taken.
Electric vehicle (EV) safety is a crucial topic in modern automotive repair facilities. High-voltage systems can be intimidating, but with proper knowledge and respect for safety protocols, servicing EVs is no more dangerous than working on conventional vehicles. The key to safe EV maintenance lies in understanding the technology, adhering to manufacturer guidelines, and using the right tools and personal protective equipment (PPE).
EV and hybrid batteries consist of numerous cells arranged in series and parallel configurations. This design achieves the desired voltage and capacity. Variations in manufacturing, temperature, and usage can cause individual cells to charge and discharge at different rates. Impact of Imbalance in Battery Cells Imbalances between cells can lead to overcharging or undercharging of specific cells.
EVs are not immune to tire punctures. Just like any tire repair, you’re going to want to begin by removing the tire from the wheel and doing a thorough inspection of the puncture or leak. Look for any signs that it was run underinflated for an extended period of time. With the rim removed from a tire that was on an EV, we can see that it has a foam core.
Project Green Schools (PGS) announced its involvement in what it said is a groundbreaking new initiative aimed at advancing clean energy education and career training at Brockton High School. Supported by a $900,000 grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center , the initiative will advance electric vehicle education as part of the school’s new Clean Automotive Technology Center of Excellence, a collaborative program between Brockton High School, Project Green Schools, ACDC, DeVivo Comp
Josh Stover is a second-year student at the Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL, where he exemplifies dedication and excellence in automotive technology. As an ASE Master Certified technician, Josh has earned certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Mopar, Nissan, Toyota, Snap-On, and AC Delco. He is an active member of SkillsUSA, the National Technical Honor Society, and serves as a senator in his schools auto club.
For many years, vehicle hoods utilized coil springs integrated into large hinge assemblies to assist in opening and to hold the hood open for service. These springs were very heavy and powerful, but they also had a difficult job, since the hoods were very large and heavy, as well. As cars became smaller and lighter, the hoods were smaller and lighter, and these types of springs were no longer necessary.
LG Energy Solution s subsidiary, LG Energy Solution Arizona, has signed a supply agreement with Rivian, which will provide Rivian with 4695 cylindrical batteries for more than five years, totaling 67 gigawatt-hours. The 4695 cylindrical battery has a diameter of 46 millimeters and a height of 95 millimeters and offers over six times the capacity of the existing 2170 cylindrical batteries, LG Energy Solution said.
Back in the 80s, turbochargers were all the rage, but they had a pretty short lifespan sometimes only lasting about 40,000 miles. By the early 90s, many automakers ditched them. But rather than becoming forgotten technology, turbos have returned in a big way. Today, nearly 25% of new cars have turbochargers, and that number will likely jump to more than 50% in the next few years.
If you look at sensors on a vehicle, the majority use a 5-volt reference. It doesnt matter if the sensor detects pressure, temperature or movement. The basics of the circuit are that the sensor is typically supplied with 5 volts from a module. The ground used by the circuit might be a signal ground that goes through the module, but some use the chassis as a ground.
Situated between the engine block and the cylinder head is the head gasket. The primary function of this thin layer of material is to create a perfect seal between these two major components. The head gasket keeps engine oil and coolant separate, ensuring they don’t mix and contaminate each other. It also prevents the high-pressure gases generated during combustion from escaping the cylinders, and it helps maintain proper compression ratios for optimal engine performance.
When it comes to EVs, range is king. But what exactly determines how far we can drive on a single charge? Many factors impact the range, with battery capacity being the most obvious. A larger battery pack typically offers more range, but it also adds weight to the vehicle. This means manufacturers cant always use bigger batteries as the solution to maximize EV range.
As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise, it’s crucial that first responders and technicians are equipped with the knowledge and skills to safely handle incidents involving these advanced vehicles. One of the key tools in this effort is the EV first responder loop, a critical safety feature that helps mitigate the risks associated with high-voltage systems in EVs.
Certifications not only validate a technician’s skills but also offer a clear path for professional development and career growth. For those entering the industry, building a strong foundation of knowledge through certifications can open doors to higher earnings and greater job security in the long term. Donna Wagner, VP of Industry and Media Relations at ASE, emphasizes the value of early certifications, which can begin as soon as high school. “The test process tells you what you do
The transmission game has changed. Solenoids, sensors and computers have replaced vacuum lines, governors and kick-down cables on modern automatic transmissions. The tools for transmission diagnosis have also changed: Scan tools, scopes and meters have replaced pressure and vacuum gauges. Even with codes and datastream information, you must be able to think like the transmission to find the correct diagnosis, which typically doesn’t involve replacing the entire transmission.
Here are seven diagnostic strategies that can be applied to any vehicle with problems with the variable valve timing systems. Check for a screen: The passages in the oil control solenoid and actuator can be tiny. Toyota, Honda and just about every manufacturer have a metal screen filter to prevent debris in the oil from reaching the variable valve timing system.
SAE International has released SAE J3400/2 , a new NACS connector standard for electric vehicles (EVs). Developed by SAE’s Hybrid-EV Committee, this standard outlines the physical and mechanical design of connectors and inlets used in the North American Charging System (NACS). The J3400/2 standard defines this architecture through 2D mechanical drawings and 3D models.
In the past 20 years, 4MATIC has become an option on every vehicle Mercedes-Benz sells. The current generation of the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system is mechanically bulletproof. But what can go wrong are the electronics that manage the system, and the seals that keep the fluids inside the transfer case and differentials. Transfer Cases and Center Differential 4MATIC vehicles have a transfer case mounted at or in the rear of the transmission.
How do you train todays technicians to work on powertrains that barely existed a decade ago and keep evolving each year? Bosch Mobility took on that challenge with its nationwide EV technician training tour , a hands-on program designed to meet technicians on-site. Brittany Kearns , Project Manager for EV Service Concept at Bosch Mobility , joins The Amped EV Podcast to discuss this mobile training initiative.
Every time a vehicle moves, theres a critical component working behind the scenes to transfer power efficientlythe driveshaft. From early steel designs to todays advanced composite materials, the driveshaft has evolved significantly, improving performance, durability, and efficiency. The fundamental role of a driveshaft has remained unchanged: it transfers torque from the engine and transmission to the wheels.
In this episode of Tomorrow’s Technician’s Partnership Pathways Podcast presented by NAPA, Doug Kaufman speaks with Robert Ballard, automotive instructor at Chapel Hill High School in Chapel Hill. Ballard has built an impressive automotive program at his high school, as evidenced by his school being named Blaster Products Instructor of the Year in 2022 and the WIX School of the Year in 2023 but he is quick to acknowledge that success isnt due to his efforts alone.
Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) are transforming the automotive industry by enhancing transparency and efficiency. For service managers, DVIs streamline inspections, document findings with photos and videos, and improve communication with customers. This modern approach builds trust, increases repair approvals, and sets shops apart by providing a professional, customer-friendly experience.
Cadillac recently revealed the 2026 Cadillac Vistiq, a luxury three-row EV SUV. Production is set to begin in early 2025 at General Motors’ Spring Hill Manufacturing plant in Tennessee. The Vistiq will be available in the U.S. and Canada, among other markets. According to Cadillac, the Vistiq features a standard dual-motor all-wheel-drive system and a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, delivering 615 horsepower and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque.
As opposed to internal combustion engines, electric vehicles do not have transmissions that require frequent maintenance. The drivetrain of an EV only has two gears – one for moving forward and one for moving backward. This is still considered a transmission because it controls the direction of the car, but it does not have multiple gears of varying sizes for acceleration.
Chevrolet ‘s recently announced 2025 Silverado EV will be available later this year in three trims, offering various range, content, and price options for both retail and commercial customers, the company said. According to Chevrolet, features of the 2025 Silverado EV include: Range: The 2025 Silverado EV Max Range model offers 492 miles, setting a new standard for electric trucks; Trims: Available trims include Work Truck (WT), LT, and RST, each featuring new technology, range, and design packa
When it comes to customer complaints to nail down a steering pull condition, there are two questions you should ask. 1) “Is it all the time?” If the problem is intermittent, it warrants some diagnostic time. The issue could be the brakes, power steering or other systems like ADAS. 2) “Does the pull increase or decrease with speed?” This prompt hopefully will give you an indication of the severity of the condition.
If you have a diesel truck, you’re probably pretty familiar with smoke. While the idea of “rolling coal” is more a thing of the past, different smoke colors can directly correlate to problems your engine may be experiencing and you might want to look into fixing or addressing. We caught up with some experts to help us identify what those different smoke colors might mean for your diesel engine.
Turbine speed is not a PID you will see on your scan tool for a Volkswagen or Audi turbocharged car or truck. However, many of the PIDs are dependent on how fast the turbocharger’s compressor and turbine are turning. How fast the shaft is turning will influence how much boost is being generated. But the turbine speed can be influenced by the engine and valves on the turbine and compressor side of the turbo.
In 2015, Ford introduced its all-aluminum body F-150 pickup. In 2023, the automaker sold 765,000 F-150s in the U.S., which translates to roughly seven million of these aluminum trucks on the road today. There is a great opportunity to repair these trucks, yet because they’re aluminum, many shops shy away from anything more than fender replacement. It boils down to proper tools and training.
An EV has traveled more than 70,000 miles over the past eight years and still uses the original brake pads. The pads still have eight to 10 millimeters of friction material on the backing plates. But the backing plate shows significant corrosion that may affect pad movement in the caliper bracket. Most internal combustion vehicles could not go this far.
The automotive world continues to evolve and rules concerning emissions and fuel economy are driving manufacturers to develop new or revise existing technologies to improve fuel economy and improve engine performance. One of the key developments of these adaptations has been the increased use of turbochargers. Many people remember thatturbochargers have been around a while, though in the past, the technology was unreliable at best, typically because of overheating.
The unique architecture of electric vehicles, particularly their high-voltage systems and battery packs, requires a specialized approach to maintenance and repair. Auto shops must prioritize electric vehicle lift safety, as traditional repair techniques can pose risks when applied to EVs. EVs differ significantly due to their power sourcethe high-voltage battery pack.
The technician shortage is no secret, but the solution might be closer than you think. In a recent Tomorrows Technician Partnership Pathways podcast, Van Harris, a regional sales rep for NAPA Auto Parts, shared how strong partnerships between schools, shops, and suppliers can help secure the future of the industry. Harris has been working with automotive training programs for over two decades, helping schools like Chapel Hill High School transform their programs from underfunded afterthoughts in
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) computer, or HCU, is a node on a high-speed vehicle bus. This means that the information can typically be accessed through the OBD-II DLC. The ABS controller/modulator is the heart of any ABS or ESC system. The modulator gets the brake pressure from the master cylinder. Located inside are the valves and solenoids that control the pressures to the wheel.
Whether youre a professional technician or a DIYer, reading and understanding wiring diagrams is an essential skill required for automotive repair. To many people, wiring diagrams can seem overwhelming, because they might just look like spaghetti on a piece of paper. However, with patience, youll realize theyre not as bad as they seem. When youre first looking at a wiring diagram, always begin with the diagram instructions and symbols.
If a vehicle comes into your shop with the TPMS light already on, there are a few key things to always check first for times sake. Sometimes the solution is much simpler than the time it takes to diagnose the issue itself. The first step is to turn on the vehicle and look at the TPMS light yourself. Check if the TPMS light turns on instantly and remains solid, or if it blinks before remaining solid.
Did you know that despite the advanced technology of electric vehicles (EVs), they still rely on a traditional 12-volt battery for important functions? Its a fact that these batteries are responsible for powering various components such as windshield wipers and airbags, playing a vital role in both comfort and safety. While we may be immersed by the high-voltage systems that propel EVs, the 12-volt battery quietly maintains the vehicles essential auxiliary components.
Jeremy Marshall is a 12th-grade student at Bullard-Havens THS who stands out for his enthusiasm and dedication to automotive technology. Jeremy holds an internship at a local VW dealership, where he excels under the guidance of his mentors. In addition to his studies and internship, Jeremy plays on the schools varsity football and baseball teams and volunteers for several events.
As electric vehicles continue to revolutionize the automotive industry, the role of vehicle electric water pumps has become increasingly crucial. These innovative components play a vital part in maintaining optimal temperature control for various EV systems, including the battery pack, electric motors, and power electronics. EVs rely on efficient cooling systems to ensure peak performance and longevity of their electrical components.
For optimal performance and visibility on the road, Wagner recommends changing headlights in pairs. When one of the headlights burns out, it is likely that it won’t be long before the other bulb burns out. Changing your headlights in pairs ensures that your customers can see and be seen in low-light conditions. Remind customers not to touch the glass of the new bulb with their fingers.
GM Energy has introduced the GM Energy PowerBank, a stationary storage product designed for electric vehicle (EV) owners to store and transfer energy from the grid and integrate with solar power equipment. The GM Energy PowerBank is available in 10.6 kWh and 17.7 kWh battery capacity variants and can provide power during outages or help offset higher electricity rates during peak demand, the company said.
Constant velocity, or CV axles transfer power from the transmission or differential to the wheels while also allowing for steering and suspension movement. When your customer is replacing a CV axle, be sure to remind them to use the correct OE torque specification and procedure to ensure proper installation and operation of the drivetrain. Here is why.
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