Recent economic events have led to a general increase in professionals seeking to change careers. High school graduates and students still in high school are also considering what career paths will help them find gainful employment.
One of the fastest growing areas of interest offering better employment opportunities is automotive repair.
There is a high demand for well-trained, highly motivated auto mechanics all over the world.
Getting the required training and certificates is often what dissuades many from pursuing a career as an auto mechanic, but it shouldn’t. Online training and certification programs are readily available, and all you need to do is choose what’s best for you. To make the selection process easier, we’ve reviewed the top six best online auto mechanic training programs. Read on to learn more about how you can transition to a career as an auto mechanic quickly and easily.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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EDITOR'S CHOICE |
1. Prodiags
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RUNNER UP |
2. Auto-Mechanic PRO
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Check Price |
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3. Society Of Automotive Engineers
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Check Price |
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4. I-CAR
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Check Price |
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5. Pearson Education Automotive Video Library Series By Eric Bergwall
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Check Price |
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6. Autoshop 101
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Check Price |
1. Prodiags
Course Overview
This program is best for mechanics interested in specific ala carte training courses. Aspiring and professional mechanics seeking additional training visit their website and browse the available courses. You make a selection, then download the module of your choice. Videos, diagrams and text are combined into unique and engaging courses designed to help you learn the content quickly and efficiently.
Most persons new to auto repair can get their ASE certification in as little as a year if they decide to purchase and learn all of the content available. Best of all, Prodiags offers training in English, German and Finnish, allowing international learners to develop their skills in their first language.
Programs/Courses
Here’s what’s on offer for the English language courses at Prodiags:
If you are a mechanic who wants to propel yourself into the world of automatic transmissions, this training module is for you. It is important for you to have a hold on the fundamentals like the torque converter, operation, hydraulic pressure regulation and shifting pressure control, and very importantly, transmission fluid. The module will enable you to diagnose the common automatic transmission faults such as slipping and grinding of gears and how to fix them.
At the end of the module, you will be confident with the learning of Automatic Transmissions. You will easily identify the faults in the automatic transmissions and feel comfortable in repairing them.
There is an electrical city inside an automobile. And this city, at times, throws problems for you to decipher and solve.
This module gives you a basic understanding of many of these typical electrical troubles. The starter wires of the battery turned loose, the battery turned dead, the engine starter not giving that click sound, and power windows not rolling up and down.
So that you can diagnose and troubleshoot the problems accurately, this module gives you enough knowledge methodically and comprehensively. This training is through circuit diagrams, oscilloscopes, reading the waves for voltage aberrations and drops, and more.
Tires and rims are often neglected and taken for granted when it comes to maintenance but are contrarily one of the most crucial aspects of an automobile’s health. That’s because they are the muscles that carry the body load.
If you are looking for a tutorial that gives 360-degree know-how of the technical characteristics of tires and wheel rims, this module is the best fit. The tutorial includes inspection of tires, types of tires, tips for upsizing, tire rotation, correct time, safe way to change tires, wheel alignment/balancing, and wheel mounting & unmounting.
What gives this module an edge is a strategy to make you hands-on with tires & rims. The module shows the steps implemented in two ways, one done by professionals and the other as DIY. The module then highlights how you can perform the job at different stages, where most DIY mistakes happen.
Only if you are fully acquainted with a vehicle part’s structures and components, you can be confident of diagnosing the faults and fixing them correctly during regular inspections.
This training module gives you a tour of brake systems— for the old vehicles and even the new electric cars. You learn about front and rear brakes, drum brakes, parking brakes, brake fluid leakages reasons, and when and how to replace brake parts, the dashboard warning lights, and critical maintenance points. Your journey begins with an understanding of the components of brake systems and then moves to deconstructing or disassembling them. This training is through step-by-step pictures and simulations. The aim is to make you comfortable assessing any service and repair. This includes covering the ground checks and vehicle lift ramps.
As all vehicle’s electrical systems interconnect through the battery and charging system, this becomes a critical area for training. The first thing one has to check while troubleshooting the electrical system is the battery and the charging system.
This training module covers it all to get you started inspecting the charging system and troubleshooting its faults. The module simulates the starter battery and its structure and operation, battery chargers, alternator structure and function, alternator control circuits and operation types, charging system voltage drops, maintaining vehicle memory circuits, measurement results, and analysis.
As with most of our modules, this module is for mechanics and vehicle owners alike.
What needs to be fixed if the headlights are not bright as per specifications? Where is the fault if the air conditioning is not catching the auto mode?
Automobile electronics have evolved from fundamental wiring technology. Old switches, wires, relays, and motors are redundant. They have been replaced by modern batteries, starter solenoids, sensors, actuators, alternators, electronic steering, electric start, and other devices a long way towards sophistication.
This training module spans from the basics of electronics to the complex functioning of the components. It includes know-how of resistors, transistors, diodes, LEDs, microcircuits, voltage divider circuits, voltage stabilizing in electronics, amplification circuits, charging systems, computer chips, spark plugs, electric wirings, and more.
Detailed animations, descriptions, and pictures of components help you diagnose the fault and identify the fix needed.
Do not let your vehicle and, if you are a mechanic, your career comes to a stop. Keep the engine purring and the starter motor rotating. For this, take this training module that familiarizes you with the symptoms of starter faults and troubleshooting them in time.
Whenever the starter system refuses to turn on the engine, the fault doesn't always lie in the system or the engine. For instance, the seat belt not fastened or the parking assistant's inactive state could also be the possible reasons.
The common causes of the starter system not working and whether you need to take your car to a repair center are not tough to understand. You simply need this training module covering the traditional starter systems and the start-stop system used in hybrid automobiles. Detailed simulations and step-by-step pictures help you understand the engineering behind the starter and start-stop systems. You also learn about the motors, the reasons for loud click sounds (or a series of clicks) from the starter system, etc. It also helps you in identifying the correct diagnostic steps.
Better safe than sorry is a common adage. When it comes to an automobile workshop, it is critical to understand occupational safety. This module is precise to be understood by new car workers and students getting trained to be mechanics.
Let this training module familiarize you enough with workshop safety measures to keep yourself away from any mishaps and noncompliance. Noncompliant mechanics are dangerous to themselves and the fellow staff/customers in the workshop.
This module explains the reasons for the occupational safety guidelines and measures to abide by them. For example, it covers how to handle combustible products, act in situations of emergencies, and give appropriate first aid.
If you are looking for guidelines for sorting and recycling workshop waste, which are as stringent as the workshop safety measures, take this training module.
Rules-appropriate behavior for sorting and recycling workshop waste has several advantages. It slots you as a compliant mechanic, brands your workshop as alignment/balancing environment-friendly, and wins the customers’ trust.
This module trains you to identify and sort different types of waste generated during repairs, like paints, oils, wires, and e-waste. The module helps you in determining the correct category for waste as well. To prepare for such challenges, there are ample examples and exceptions.
A common-rail fuel system is the lifeblood of an automobile. Hence, it is imperative to be more than familiar with this system.
In this module, you virtually go through the entire fuel system - from the tank to the injector, the criticality of injection pressure. You gain experience by analyzing the faults the system may show up. For example, a fault commonly faced is the rail injector failure, which stems from excess water contamination of the fuel.
The module trains you to decode the error codes the automobiles indicate, such as P0171 and P0174. Detailed animations and pictures help you diagnose the fault in the fuel system and then select the most appropriate fault-correction mechanism.
Vehicle maintenance doesn’t need a dire reason to carry out. It is a regular activity that vehicle owners must undertake for their vehicle’s sustained performance. This module gives you valuable and practical insights on maintenance jobs from start to finish, essentially the entire workflow and ways to earn customer satisfaction.
The module gives you a 360-degree coverage of vehicle service, from marketing to follow-up with the customer on the services provided. It helps you be sure that you have performed all the mandatory and recommended jobs.
In addition to the detailed information about the service procedures, the training also gives you tips to perform all the actions required to complete the job. Like, the first step for you is to list down and estimate the model-specific jobs. It would help if you then made a note of the faults the customer wants to get fixed. In addition, you must ascertain the vehicle’s condition if any additional jobs are needed and then communicate them to the customer with valid technical rationales. The module, then, handholds you on the prescribed sequence of steps and teaches you how to handle challenging situations and customers smoothly. After all, the customer must leave the workshop satisfied.
This module equips you with the skills you need to service and repair hybrid and electric vehicles. The tutorial comprehensively covers the mechanics of these vehicles, which prepares you to safely drive, charge, and handle these vehicles and fix them when the need arises.
This module helps you with the know-how about electric systems of hybrid and electric vehicles. No matter if you are an owner of this category of vehicles or a repair expert, you will benefit from this training equally. You get fully acquainted with the dangers these vehicles pose, the safety practices, and the right tools to avoid accidents. Also, you will get familiar with personal safety equipment, high-voltage systems, collision damage, and much more.
If you belong to the auto-service and repair-shop personnel segment, which has basic knowledge of safe use and handling of hybrid vehicles and want to deepen your understanding, go for this training module. Make yourself familiar with the Toyota Prius PHEV 2014 and its safety levels, maintenance, and repair. Get an account of the recent manufacturer instructions needed to service and repair the automobile.
This learning module simulates the components of the high-voltage system and explains how and when the components are active. In addition, it illustrates the special usage and driving features. The module helps you understand the high-voltage operating system in Toyota Prius PHEV 2014 and the difference from other previously known systems.
Diesel engines and their harmful emission reduction systems belong to a different league. Make yourself comfortable with diesel systems such as Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) from vacuum controlled valve to dual circulation system, particle filter systems and their regeneration, SCR catalysts and how they operate, and more.
In the training module, the experts at diesel engines share valuable insights into the repair and maintenance of diesel engines and tips to pick up signs, respond to indicator lights, troubleshoot faults, and handle after-treatment malfunctions and repairs.
Take your learning about electric generation and measurement, voltage and power laws, multimeters, and their applications to a higher and practical level.
This module helps you brush up on your concepts about how electrical current and magnetism are related to the generation and use of electricity. The electricity produced must be measured as well. Make your fundamentals about multimeter and quantitative principles of electrical engineering rock solid with practical examples.
There’s more to this module as it illustrates essential electrotechnical variables, such as voltage, resistance, current, and power, and helps you put these to practice.
A practical approach to the mathematical application of electro technics makes this training module a must-take.
On-board diagnostic is like an alarm in an automobile that signals for your attention whenever there is an abnormality in the automobile. This online training module enables you to diagnose faults and understand how the EOBD/OBD-II Self-Diagnostics system works.
When your job is to troubleshoot and repair vehicles equipped with OBD diagnostics, it becomes imperative for you to have a hold on the various aspects of these systems, such as trouble codes, malfunction indicator lights (MILs), and operating modes, and OID codes. Further, when you use testing devices to draw information from the diagnostic systems, you must understand the faults shown by the devices.
Take this training to help yourself extend your existing knowledge of various aspects of automobiles, like electric circuitry and fuel injection, with EOBD/OBD-II Self-Diagnostics systems. Get ready to make a mark in the industry.
This online training is for all vehicle owners. Yes, all vehicle owners! That’s because this module trains you to listen, sense, and watch your vehicle for the signals it gives to you.
Driving a vehicle with the correct technique and abiding by laws is as important as observing your vehicle for any signs of faults and wear and tear. This module provides you with lessons on essential vehicle maintenance to keep problems at bay. Learn what to observe in your vehicle daily and frequently, both outside and inside the car, such as tires, tire pressure, engine compartment, and oil levels. Get familiar with the fault codes and indicator light signals. Discern the sounds and noises your vehicle produces. In a nutshell, learn to be aware of the performance of your car from this training and enjoy comfortable rides.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) are mandatory equipment that every manufacturer must sell with the vehicle. As car maintenance and repair professional, it becomes essential for you to diagnose and troubleshoot faults in tires and tire pressure. Though not often counted in the safety features of vehicles, emergency braking and evasive maneuvering are possible when your tires are in good health.
This training module guides you on the concepts of direct and indirect tire pressure monitoring and how to fix TPMS malfunctions. This online training teaches the basics of performing tire checks during routine servicing and checking and replacing faulty tire sensors. The module also acquaints you with legislation and minimum requirements of operation and differences in systems and characteristics of vehicle tires, and minimum driving conditions for TPMS operations.
Campus Location
Prodiags is based in Finland in the Vantaa region. The courses are all online and can be downloaded to any personal computer, Mac or mobile device. User reviews state that the company and instructors maintain excellent communication with their learners. I’d recommend checking out their “Success Stories” testimonials when you visit the site, as they give a better overall picture of what you can expect from Prodiags training.
Tuition & Fees
Courses are paid for by module, with an average cost of $25 per course. They offer assistance from trainers at no additional cost.
Types of Financial Aid Available
Given the ala carte nature of Prodiags training, there is no financial assistance available.
Admission Requirements
Prodiags has no admission requirements. Sign up and start learning as soon as you are ready.
Coursework Sample
There are sample modules available on the website for your perusal. I’d recommend downloading what's available to determine if Prodiags is right for you and your learning style.
Degree Outcomes
Prodiags does not offer certification, but their courses are an excellent choice to prepare for certification exams.
Course Overview
A program designed for anyone who wants to quickly learn about auto repair and cars, Auto-Mechanic Pro provides master mechanic knowledge. What sets this program apart is how it is structured. AMP takes an entire one-year course for ASE certification and organizes it so you can complete your certificate program in just one to three months. They accomplish this through clear visual diagrams, self-pacing, and easy-to-understand text. AMP also composes their curriculum in such a way that it avoids the common setbacks of learning more intricate automotive systems. Best of all, they constantly update their content to stay on the cutting edge of automotive technology and repair.
Programs/Courses
Here are just a few of the training courses available via Auto-Mechanic PRO:
- Air Conditioning
- Anti-Locking Braking Systems (ABS)
- Basic Electrics
- Starting Circuits
- Charging Circuits
- Primary Ignition
- Secondary Ignition
- Mechanical Fuel Injection
- Electronic Fuel Injection
- Sensors and Actuators
- Emissions
- Engine Control Modules
- Troubleshooting Charts
- Mechanical Pumps
- OBD / Fault Codes
- Primary Ignition
- Secondary Ignition
- Sensors and Actuators
- Starting Circuits
- Timing Belts\
- Troubleshooting Charts
- Turbochargers
- Tyre Sizes and Pressures
- Variable Valve Timing
- Waveform Library and Oscilloscope Settings
- Wheel Alignment
Campus Location
This course is all online, but it is owned and operated by eight active mechanics, engineers, and technicians from five different countries. They have decades of experience and hands-on knowledge working with cars, trucks, gasoline and diesel engines. AMP is also very good about responding to questions and aiding students with coursework.
Tuition & Fees
Officially, the cost of the program is about $19.995 USD. They also offer a one-year, money-back guarantee if you are not completely satisfied with your training.
Types of Financial Aid Available
Given the low price of this resource and its long-term availability, AMP does not offer any type of financial aid.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements.
Coursework Sample
The available courses are listed above, but if you visit their website they have three sample modules available for download for free. I’d advise checking them out before investing, but they truly are some of the best designed, self-paced courses available.
Degree Outcomes
AMP does not offer certification, but their courses more than prepare you to take your certificate exam for most major automotive repair certifications.
Course Overview
The best option for international SAE training and certification, The Society of Automotive Engineers offers complete training programs online. Additionally, unlike many online education institutions, SAE offers onsite education in locations worldwide. If you are seeking official certifications for a career as an auto mechanic, the SAE is an excellent place to begin and continue your education.
Programs/Courses
There are far too many programs and courses to list here. SAE offers programs for everything automotive, from LIDAR, ADAR and Autonomous Sensor Systems to Hybrid/EV Transmission and Drivetrain Maintenance and Repair. All courses are instructor-led with options for self-pacing, and most also contribute to earning an SAE certification.
Campus Location
Courses are predominantly conducted online, but there are physical locations worldwide offering in-person instruction. To check for in-person instruction in your area, visit the SAE website.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates vary by course and setting, and fees for exams are determined by certification and level. For the most up to date information, consult the SAE website.
Types of Financial Aid Available
Financial aid may be available depending on whether you are attending in-person or online. The specific institution and SAE website have more information specific to your location.
Admission Requirements
There are no requirements for entry-level online certification courses. Higher-level courses for certification have prerequisite courses, but all training can be completed via SAE sites.
Coursework Sample
SAE has sample overviews of courses posted on their website, but there are no free modules available. Some of the more popular courses are Automotive Cybersecurity and Robotics for Autonomous Vehicle Systems Bootcamp. Both courses are excellent choices for veteran auto mechanics looking to develop their skill set as automotive technology continues to evolve.
Degree Outcomes
The chief benefit for degree outcomes with SAE is that you can get your education, training and certification through one organization. Better still, they offer certification in multiple disciplines and levels for auto technicians and mechanics at every stage of their careers. The cost may be somewhat higher than other online training programs, but the value is commensurate with the higher price tag.
4. I-CAR
Course Overview
In terms of comprehensive automotive technician training, I-CAR has everything you could want or need. Body work, welding, non-structural, diagnostics and even auto damage appraisal are all available via their online courses. I-CAR also offers hands-on skill courses via partner locations around the world, so aspiring mechanics can add real-world experience to their certification process.
Programs/Courses
I-CAR offers programs for the following automotive repair and maintenance careers:
- Estimator
- Non-Structural Technician
- Structural Technician
- Refinish Technician
- Production Manager
- Electrical Diagnostic Technician
- Mechanical Technician
- Auto Physical Damage Appraiser
There are also skill courses you can take in both Hands-On Skills Development and Welding Training & Certification. Their catalog also includes additional 275 courses available for continuing education and retraining for veteran auto mechanics.
Campus Location
I-CAR has over 450 training sites in the continental US. Furthermore, they also hold partnership training programs with major companies like Enterprise Car Rental, Collision Advice, 3M and more. The I-CAR site has additional information.
Tuition & Fees
Training is offered in Gold and Platinum Level tiers, and the cost varies based on the type of certification you are seeking to obtain. Their website has complete details on costs broken down by tier and course level.
You can also choose to subscribe to the service for a price based on how many technicians you intend to train if you are in a group. There is a subscription calculator for each tier available on their website. Last but not least, I-CAR offers A La Carte Pricing for specific modules, and pricing details are available from the I-CAR website.
Types of Financial Aid Available
Traditional financial aid is not available for I-CAR, but they do have a variety of financing options available to help break up the cost of your training over time.
Admission Requirements
I-CAR does not have any requirements to be admitted to their entry-level courses, but there are prerequisites for certain certifications and programs for higher-level courses. Complete details area available on their website.
Coursework Sample
Perusing the site, there isn’t too much in the way of specific coursework samples. However, the course overviews are extremely in-depth, and they provide an excellent perspective on what you can expect to gain from any of the certificate courses you choose.
Degree Outcomes
As an institution, I-CAR offers their own internal certifications that are recognized nationwide in the U.S. and by their vast network of partners. Completing a certificate course via I-CAR can set you up in your new chosen career quickly and conveniently. You can also be confident that the academic and hands-on professional training you receive will give you a competitive edge when you start looking for your first auto mechanic or technician job.
Course Overview
For the self-starter, Pearson Education offers the Autmotive Video Library Series created by one of the most trusted names in automotive repair education, Eric Bergwall. The series includes eight modules, all of which are available via the Pearson MyLab - Automotive website. The videos were created with instructors in mind, but they make an excellent study aid for anyone seeking to study for their ASE certification.
Programs/Courses
The initial seven modules in the series cover everything an aspiring mechanic needs to know to take their ASE. There are study questions, quizzes, tests and other learning tools available to help you further develop your automotive technology knowledge. Additionally, the eighth module covers L1 automotive performance technology. That L1 module is an excellent resource for existing and aspiring mechanics who want to learn all they can about performance tuning and upgrades.
Campus Location
This is strictly an online only resource. You also need to register with an instructor to access the MyLab courses. Pearson is one of the most widely recognized names in education fortunately, so finding a local tech school with an inexpensive online course should be easy.
Tuition & Fees
This varies by the institution offering your automotive repair and maintenance course necessary to access the materials.
Types of Financial Aid Available
Any type of financial aid or financing will be handled through your educational institution.
Admission Requirements
Requirements and prerequisites vary by institution.
Coursework Sample
There are no samples available on the website. You must be a registered student to access any content.
Degree Outcomes
The Bergwell series is a preparatory course for an ASE certification. You will still need to register for and pass an ASE certification exam to receive a degree.
6. Autoshop 101
Course Overview
Led by Professor of Automotive Technology Kevin R. Sullivan of Skyline College, Autoshop 101 is an excellent introduction to principles of automotive technology and auto mechanic fundamentals. If you are considering a career in automotive technology and repair, Autoshop 101 is an excellent starting point.
Programs/Courses
Autoshop 101 offers the following instruction modules:
- Electrical Fundamentals
- Electrical Circuits
- Control Devices
- Circuit Protection
- Variable Resistors
- Understanding Relays
- Battery Basics
- Battery Services
- Understanding Alernators
- Understanding Logic Gates
There are further modules available under the Technical Articles section, as well as online tests on all content. Technical Articles include the following:
Toyota Series - Electrical
- Electrical Fundamentals
- Electrical Circuits
- Electrical Components
- Analog vs Digital Meters
- Wire, Terminal and Connector Repair
- Automotive Batteries
- Toyota Starting Systems
- Toyota Charging Systems
- Understanding Toyota Wiring Diagram
- Electrical Diagnostic Tools
- Diagnosing Body Electrical Problems
- Semiconductors
- Transistors
- Computers / Logic Gates
- Overview of Sensors & Actuators
Toyota Series - Electrical (623 Training Course)
- Essential Electrical Concepts
- Electrical Circuits
- The Battery
- The Starting System
- The Charging System
- Introduction to Electrical Signals
- Electrical Circuit Theory
- Using the Electrical Wiring Diagram
- Electrical Diagnostic Tools
- Six-Step Troubleshooting Plan
- Diagnosing Body Electrical Problems
- General Development of Multiplexing
General Technical Articles
- Control Devices
- Circuit Protection
- Understanding Relays
- Battery Basics v1.1
Campus Location
All content is strictly online, and while you can contact the author with questions, Autoshop 101 is meant to be self-directed.
Tuition & Fees
All learning modules on the Autoshop 101 site are free.
Types of Financial Aid Available
N/A
Admission Requirements
N/A
Coursework Sample
All coursework is posted on the website for free. The only requirement is a computer and internet connection to access it.
Degree Outcomes
You won’t earn any certificates from this program. That being said, it does provide a free method of exploring automotive technology learning to determine if it’s the right career path for you.
Conclusion
All courses considered, Prodiags offer the best cost to value ratio here. Investing your time and money into auto mechanic training is both costly and time-consuming. Most cannot afford to sink money into a program only to discover it won’t get them where they want to go. More importantly, you need the training program that will give you an edge while job hunting for your new career. Prodiags is going to be your best bet in terms of networking and national/international recognition, too. Ready to start training to be an auto mechanic? Visit the Prodiags website today and get started on your new chosen career.