AUTOMOTIVE FUNDAMENTALS

Course Summary:

An introductory automotive program that focuses on what all car owners should know and be able to do. 

Course Outline: 

This program focuses on the fundamental knowledge and experience in owning and maintaining an automobile. Discover how to choose a quality repair facility, buy a car, choose an insurance policy, handle roadside emergencies, diagnose common problems, and communicate effectively with technicians. You will learn about safety, tools, automotive systems, and how to complete basic maintenance and repairs. For individuals that want to pursue Automotive Technology as a career, this course provides a solid foundation critical to maintenance, light repair, auto ownership, and how cars work.   

Course Requirements:

 Activities are both hands-on and Internet-based. Most hands-on activities can be completed with a limited number of tools. Some activities can also be completed more than once to extend hours of instruction, enhancing the student’s skill set.    

Standards Correlation: 

This curriculum has been correlated to the ASE Education Foundation Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) Task List. “The ASE Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that evaluates and accredits entry-level automotive technology education programs against standards developed by the automotive service industry. It also develops career-readiness education for students which fuse local partnerships, rigorous standard-based education, workplace experience, and mentorship together.” Accredited programs train students to become ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified. This course correlates to beginning MLR standards (over 60%), making it an ideal first course in becoming an Automotive Technician. For a program to be MLR certified, ASE requires 540 hours of instruction. Completing our course provides the first 135 hours.  

Course Materials: Online computer access at home. Other material TBD Categories: 

Academic Elective; Automotive 

Target Levels: Grade 8-12 

Prerequisite: No prerequisites for this class High School Credits: This course can be either a 1/2 credit or 1 credit course and covers 135 hours of instruction. 

Hands on activities and 22 courses covering automotive systems, tools and equipment, safety, buying an automobile, repair facilities, maintenance, troubleshooting common problems and emerging technology.

How Cars Work
Safety Around the Automobile
Tools and Equipment
Buying an Automobile
Automotive Expenses
Repair Facilities
Auto Care and Cleaning
Fluid Level Check
Automotive Accessories
Common Problems and Roadside Emergencies
Alternative Fuels and Designs
Electric Vehicles
Electrical System
Lubrication System
Fuel System
Cooling System and Climate Control
Ignition System
Suspension, Steering, and Tires
Braking System
Drivetrain
Exhaust and Emission System

Teacher:  Andy Huddle 

Andy is a homeschool dad of six for 18 years with over 30 years of hands-on automotive experience. Currently with Tire Rack, following 22 years at Michelin North America in quality management, auditing, inventory control, and forecasting for tire/wheel mounting systems. Holds a BS in Management and BS in Statistics from the University of Tennessee. Skilled in engine, transmission, suspension, braking (including ABS), electrical diagnostics, fuel systems (carbureted and fuel-injected), A/C, exhaust, lubrication, and more. Extensive experience in fabrication, welding, and performance modifications, with a strong focus on balancing reliability, cost, and safety. Maintained and repaired a fleet of 12 family vehicles over three decades.

Schedule:  

Thursday  2:30 PM - 4:00 PM 

September 11 - December 11, 2025

January 13  - April 9, 2026 

Thanksgiving - Week of November 24, 2025

Winter Break - December 15 - January 8, 2025

Spring Break - March 16, 2026

Tuition: 

$ 575 (two semesters 26 weeks)