Author Archives: ATC

Paint to Protect: Part II – Tips & Techniques

In our last installment, we discussed the major contaminants and hazards that can damage a car’s finish. Bird droppings, dirt, insects, stones, tree sap – even such seemingly innocuous things as sunlight and water – will harm the paint on a vehicle. This time, we discuss how professional collision-repair technicians and vehicle restorers who have […]

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Paint to Protect: Part I – Know Your Enemy

Paint is the most obvious visual indicator of a vehicle’s condition. Concerned vehicle owners pay close attention to conditions that can damage finish. Professional collision-repair technicians and vehicle restorers who have received training from a certified collision-repair school know what’s at stake. Even small imperfections can grow to ruin a paint job. Knowing what can […]

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Engine Performance

The modern internal-combustion engine is – at its heart – an intricate balance of specific events. Intake, enrichment, compression, ignition and exhaust all act in harmony to efficiently produce power. When these events all happen in the correct order – and in the right balance – the engine will run smoothly. Even minor inconsistencies can […]

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Automotive Metal Cutting

Despite growing use of composite materials, today’s automobile remain a large piece of metal. Whether metal components and assemblies are tack-welded, seam-welded or riveted; they must all at some point be cut. For professional automotive mechanics and those who have received collision technician training through a certified collision repair school; this has long meant gas […]

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Paint Technology Preserves Vehicles

Most drivers think of the paint on their car in terms of a personal statement – concerned with what the glossy black, brilliant white or smoky silver paint job will say about them. At the same time, individuals who have received collision technician training from a certified collision repair school know better. They know there’s […]

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Post-Accident Vehicle Restoration

In the world of automotive repair and restoration, the terms “repair” and “restoration” can mean two very different things. Those individuals who have received collision technician training from a certified collision repair school will understand the difference, as will those with formal training in other areas of auto mechanics. Defining Repair Versus Restoration When we […]

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Adhesive Vinyl vs. Paint

While enamel, urethane, and lacquer have been the traditional materials used to paint a car, the latest trend is to use adhesive vinyl, a process called car wrapping. We mentioned car wrapping in a previous article about temporary fixes you can make to a leased car. If you own a car and want to improve […]

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Avoid Vehicle Damage

Modern car technology can actually help drivers avoid accidents. The latest technologies include night vision thermal imaging, infrared radiation, multiple cameras with computers, radar detection and interior projection screens. There are several impressive options for protecting yourself in a vehicle, depending on the car model and the amount of money you’re willing to spend on […]

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Professional Car Painting Tips

Car painting is usually done by a professional auto body shop; the task requires all kinds of special equipment and safety precautions. Whether you’re in training to become an automotive collision repair technician or you are a car owner and simply want to make it a do-it-yourself project, we provide the resources. Automotive Learning Library […]

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Off-Road Tires

  Off-road tires are one of the greatest inventions ever for people who like to travel in rugged terrain, but let’s face it… not everyone knows how to install these tires or even which tires will meet their needs (which drastically reduces the efficiency of the final product). Fortunately, as part of diesel mechanic training, […]

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