AUTO TECH STUDENTS HAVE IT IN GEAR

Auto Tech students check under the hood (Uno Yi/The Current).

by Uno Yi

Every driver has had the experience of their cars breaking down on the highways, but many do not know how to deal with it. MCC Longview’s Automotive Technology program gives students the opportunity to learn simple skills to maintain their vehicles.These basic skills can be attained from the Fundamentals of Automotive Technology class, which helps drivers “understand the costs associated with purchasing, maintaining and repairing an automobile.” Instructor Rory Perrodin advises that “all drivers should be able to check the oil, jack up their car, and change a tire on the road. General knowledge of how the machine works is important, so drivers can give specific information to a technician and help shop focus in on what wrong with car.”

The department also provides repair services for students and members of community.

“We don’t charge labor, only the disposable we use, and parts. It’s much cheaper, but customers need to know the students are doing the work. So it takes longer than technicians,” Perrodin said.

Auto classes range from simple fundamental classes that teach students to diagnose the vehicles and to advanced levels where students become certified. Second year student Jesse Smith has been satisfied with the program.

“I feel like I learned a lot. I’ve always liked working on cars and I thought I had a good knowledge of them, but this class has shown me how much more I have yet to learn,” Smith said.