Blog Archives

An auto mechanic is diagnosing car problems that only happen while driving during a road test, looking for car problems that only happen while driving

Why Some Vehicle Problems Only Show Up After Driving, Not in the Shop

TL;DR Some vehicle problems only appear once a car is driven under real conditions. Road tests allow mechanics to identify issues caused by heat, load, vibration, and motion that can’t be replicated

15 January 2026

An auto mechanic performing a preventive maintenance inspection during auto mechanic training

Why Preventive Maintenance Is a Core Part of an Auto Mechanic’s Daily Work

TL;DR Preventive maintenance is a major part of an auto mechanic’s daily work. From inspections to routine services, these tasks help prevent breakdowns, extend vehicle life, and keep drivers safe,

8 January 2026

An auto mechanic training graduate at a job interview handshake, representing career readiness after automotive training.

7 Common Auto Mechanic Interview Questions (and What Employers Are Really Looking For)

Job interviews after auto mechanic training tend to focus on more than just technical knowledge, they also emphasize your attitude, problem-solving skills, and readiness to learn. Employers want to ga

1 January 2026

An auto mechanic training grad selecting a wrench from an organized toolbox, reflecting care and professionalism in a clean shop

Respecting the Shop: Why Cleanliness and Care Signal Professionalism

Respecting the workspace through cleanliness and care is a hallmark of good auto mechanic training and well-run shops. It’s not just about looking neat; a clean shop impacts safety, efficiency, and

25 December 2025

An auto mechanic training student working in a shop while staying aware of vehicles and tools.

Situational Awareness in the Garage: A Skill Every Mechanic Develops Over Time

Walk into a busy auto repair shop, and everything is in motion: vehicles being moved, tools in use, engines running, and technicians working side by side. In this environment, technical skills alone a

19 December 2025

A student listening attentively to a customer in a training garage during auto mechanic training

Reading Between the Lines: How Mechanics Interpret Client Descriptions Effectively

At CATI School, students in auto mechanic training learn the art of communication that comes with the job. Understanding what the client means, even when they can’t describe it clearly, is an essent

11 December 2025

Three automotive training students in red and black shop uniforms smiling and standing in a garage during practical cati school training.

Staying Motivated in the Trades: How Future Mechanics Push Through Tough Learning Moments

Learning automotive technology has its challenges. Suppose you’re a student in auto mechanic training. In that case, you’ve likely hit a few bumps in the road, whether it’s a tricky engine repai

4 December 2025

Mechanical vs. Electronic Throttle Control: What Future Technicians Must Understand

Today’s technicians must understand far more than the basics of engine operation—they must also understand how key systems have evolved. One of the most important examples is the transition from t

27 November 2025

A student in auto mechanic training checking a vehicle during an inspection.

The Mechanic’s Checklist: The Most Overlooked Steps During Vehicle Inspections

Thoroughly inspecting a vehicle is a vital skill for any auto mechanic training graduate. However, the difference between a beginner’s inspection and a professional one often comes down to the small

20 November 2025