Calling all car enthusiasts!  This weekly class is an incredibly comprehensive overview of the auto industry - past and present - and the mechanics of modern day cars.  

In addition to discussion, demonstrations, diagrams, and videos will be utilized often to bring a visual understanding to the topic being discussed each week.    

This class thrives on questions and group participation. As a result, there might be weeks where we don’t complete our scheduled topics and we adjust the following weeks to continue moving through the outline at a pace that accommodates the questions and curiosity of our participants.  

Auto industry news and updates will also be shared at the end of each class, time permitting.  Examples could be looking at a new car design that has just been released or discussing a parts shortage that is affecting the supply line.   

Topics covered in this class:
- History of cars: first automobile, first production automobile, a timeline of major events, and a balanced look at Henry Ford’s genius and flaws 
- Vehicle types and usage
- Overview of the automotive industry
-Types of engines:  gas, diesel, and hybrid
- Internal combustion engine principles
- Engine components and functions:  alternator, throttle body, water pump, and oil pump
- Transmission types:  manual and automatic
- Discussion about FWD, RWD, AWD, and 4WD
- Drivetrain components:  Driveshafts, axles, transfer case 
- Brake types:  Disc, drum, regenerative braking 
- Brake system components: hydraulic lines, calipers, pads, ABS, parking brake
- Suspension types: independent and dependent
- Steering components: steering rack and column 
- Wheel alignment basics:  camber, toe, caster
- Electrical system basics
- Battery maintenance and charging system
- Wiring system and an intro to wiring diagrams
- Safety components:  airbags and seatbelts
- Electronic safety systems: lane aid, traction control, cruise control, blind spot, back-up cameras 
- Maintenance: oil change, fluid checks, tire maintenance, and warning lights 
- Basic safety for tools and equipment use
- Handling and disposal of hazardous materials
- Overview of career paths in the automotive industry
- Educational pathways and certifications

Sample schedule:
Week One - History of cars: first automobile, first production automobile, a timeline of major events, and a balanced look at Henry Ford’s genius and flaws 
Week Two - Vehicle types and usage and an overview of the automotive industry
Week Three - Types of engines:  gas, diesel, and hybrid
Week Four - Internal combustion engine principles

This is an ongoing class and learners may join at any time.  The content continuously loops over an approximate 12-week period.  For example, if a learner joins and the group is in week 10 of the content cycle, they can loop back around to week one and complete the cycle.  Learners regularly join the class at any interval and are seamlessly worked into the group dynamic.  Come join us!  

Benefits of this class:
Learning about the mechanics of a car equips young people with practical skills, enhances safety, opens up career opportunities, fosters appreciation for technology, promotes environmental awareness, and cultivates valuable life skills.