Solution and Answer Guide: Erjavec/Thompson, Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach, 8e © 2025, 9780357934616; Chapter 1: Careers in the Automotive
Industry
Solution and Answer Guide
ERJAVEC/THOMPSON, AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY : A SYSTEMS APPROACH, 8e © 2025,
9780357934616; CHAPTER 1: CAREERS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Short Answer................................................................................................................1
Multiple Choice.............................................................................................................3
Tech Manual.................................................................................................................6
CONCEPT ACTIVITY 1-1....................................................................................................................... 6
CONCEPT ACTIVITY 1-2....................................................................................................................... 7
CONCEPT ACTIVITY 1-3....................................................................................................................... 7
CONCEPT ACTIVITY 1-4....................................................................................................................... 8
SHORT ANSWER
1. List at least five different types of businesses that hire technicians. Describe the types of work these
businesses handle and the advantages and disadvantages of working for them.
Answer
There are a variety of types of businesses that employ automotive technicians.
Dealerships provide repair and maintenance on vehicles while they are under warranty and beyond.
They offer the technician good technical support, special diagnostic equipment, an opportunity to
specialize, and ongoing training. A disadvantage could be becoming limited to one or two particular
model lines.
Independent repair shops service all types of vehicles, sometimes specializing in certain areas of repair, or in
either import or domestic vehicles. This type of shop may present constant service and diagnostic challenges
to the technician, providing an opportunity to gain a well-rounded technical background. Disadvantages
may include less sophisticated diagnostic equipment and less dealership-sponsored training.
Store-associated shops provide certain specialized services such as brakes, exhaust systems, and wheel
and tire repair. An advantage to the technician is the ability to specialize in one area and product. A
disadvantage is the lack of opportunity in becoming as well rounded in other areas of automotive
service.
Specialty service shops provide repairs in specialized repair areas such as engine rebuilding,
transmission/transaxle overhauling, brake, exhaust, emissions, or electrical systems. Technicians can
become very skilled in the specialized area, but they can also limit themselves.
Fleet service and maintenance shops provide service and maintenance for a fleet of company-owned
vehicles. Their technicians can become very familiar with a wide range of vehicles over an extended
period of time.
© 2025 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 1
website, in whole or in part.
,Solution and Answer Guide: Erjavec/Thompson, Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach, 8e © 2025, 9780357934616; Chapter 1: Careers in the Automotive
Industry
2. Name the different ways to gain work experience while you are a student.
Answer
There are many ways that you can gain work experience while you are a student. They include the
following:
job shadowing
mentoring
cooperative education
apprenticeship
part-time employment
3. Explain the implied difference between someone who is called a mechanic and one who is called an
automotive technician.
Answer
The term mechanic stresses the ability to repair and service mechanical systems. A technician must have
that same mechanical knowledge plus an understanding of other technologies, such as electronics,
hydraulics, and pneumatics.
4. Explain the basic requirements for becoming a successful automotive technician.
Answer
To become a successful automotive technician, one must be able to master and keep up with the latest
technologies and possess the skills to work well with people.
5. Describe a cooperative education program.
Answer
A cooperative program is when the student alternates between going to school and going to work.
6. Explain what a new car warranty is and the two different types of warranties provided with a new car or
truck.
Answer
A warranty is a guarantee from the manufacturer that the vehicle will be free of problems, and if any
problems do arise, the manufacturer will pay the cost of repairs. New car warranties include the Federal
Emissions Defect Warranty and the Federal Emissions Performance Warranty.
7. List three things that service technicians must be able to do regularly.
Answer
Diagnose vehicle problems, perform necessary tests, competently repair or replace faulty components.
© 2025 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 2
website, in whole or in part.
,Solution and Answer Guide: Erjavec/Thompson, Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach, 8e © 2025, 9780357934616; Chapter 1: Careers in the Automotive
Industry
8. What are the requirements for obtaining ASE certification?
Answer
Passing an ASE test and having a minimum of two years of work experience.
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which of the following have had a significant impact on the automotive industry?
a. Emission laws
b. Electronics
c. New technologies
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above. Electronics are widely used because they allow for rapid response to changes
in technology and vehicle operating conditions; they are inexpensive, lightweight, and very reliable.
Legislation has set requirements for safety, emissions, and fuel consumption. Manufacturers must meet the
current standards; doing so has affected the design of current vehicles.
2. Individuals often begin a career as an automotive technician in a new car dealership by ___, which is a
good way for a new technician to become familiar with the vehicles sold at the dealership.
a. working at the parts counter
b. performing new car prep
c. being a service advisor
d. serving as the lead tech
Answer: b. Often individuals begin their career as an automotive technician in a new car dealership by
performing new car prep.
3. Technician A says a hybrid vehicle uses two different power sources. Technician B says a hybrid vehicle
may use either a gas engine or electric motor to drive the wheels. Who is correct?
a. Technician A
b. Technician B
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B
Answer: c. A typical hybrid vehicle has electric motors and an engine, both of which can be used to move
the vehicle.
4. The government-mandated warranty that specifically covers the catalytic converter(s) and engine control
module is the ___.
a. Federal Emissions Defect Warranty
b. Federal Powertrain Warranty
c. Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
d. Extended Federal Exhaust Warranty
Answer: c. The Federal Emissions Performance Warranty covers the catalytic converter(s) and engine
control module for a period of 8 years or 80,000 miles.
5. Which of the following is typically included in a scheduled preventive maintenance program?
a. Oil and filter changes
© 2025 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 3
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Erjavec/Thompson, Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach, 8e © 2025, 9780357934616; Chapter 1: Careers in the Automotive
Industry
b. Coolant and lubrication services
c. Replacement of filters
d. All of the above
Answer: d. Scheduled preventive maintenance normally includes oil and filter changes, coolant and
lubrication services, replacement of belts and hoses, and replacement of spark plugs, filters, and worn
electrical parts.
6. In a large new car dealership, the individual who oversees the operation of the service department, parts
department, and body shop is the ___.
a. service manager
b. service director
c. shop foreman
d. parts manager
Answer: b. In a large new car dealership, the service director oversees the operation of the service
department, parts department, and the body shop.
7. Repair work on a system covered by the manufacturer’s warranty is usually performed by ___.
a. independent service shops
b. dealerships
c. specialty shops
d. either A or B
Answer: b. While a vehicle is still under warranty, repairs are usually performed in dealership service
departments.
8. Which of the following businesses perform work on only one or two automotive systems?
a. Dealerships
b. Independent service shops
c. Specialty shops
d. Fleet service departments
Answer: c. Specialty shops perform work on one or more automotive systems.
9. Normally, whose job is it to greet the customer and complete the repair or work order?
a. Service manager
b. Parts manager
c. Automotive technician
d. Service advisor
Answer: d. The service advisor normally greets the customer and gathers information for the repair order.
10. Technician A says that all an individual needs to do in order to become certified by ASE in a particular
area is to pass the certification exam in that area. Technician B says that the questions on an ASE exam
often force the test taker to choose between two distinct repair methods. Who is correct?
a. Technician A
b. Technician B
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B
© 2025 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 4
website, in whole or in part.
Industry
Solution and Answer Guide
ERJAVEC/THOMPSON, AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY : A SYSTEMS APPROACH, 8e © 2025,
9780357934616; CHAPTER 1: CAREERS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Short Answer................................................................................................................1
Multiple Choice.............................................................................................................3
Tech Manual.................................................................................................................6
CONCEPT ACTIVITY 1-1....................................................................................................................... 6
CONCEPT ACTIVITY 1-2....................................................................................................................... 7
CONCEPT ACTIVITY 1-3....................................................................................................................... 7
CONCEPT ACTIVITY 1-4....................................................................................................................... 8
SHORT ANSWER
1. List at least five different types of businesses that hire technicians. Describe the types of work these
businesses handle and the advantages and disadvantages of working for them.
Answer
There are a variety of types of businesses that employ automotive technicians.
Dealerships provide repair and maintenance on vehicles while they are under warranty and beyond.
They offer the technician good technical support, special diagnostic equipment, an opportunity to
specialize, and ongoing training. A disadvantage could be becoming limited to one or two particular
model lines.
Independent repair shops service all types of vehicles, sometimes specializing in certain areas of repair, or in
either import or domestic vehicles. This type of shop may present constant service and diagnostic challenges
to the technician, providing an opportunity to gain a well-rounded technical background. Disadvantages
may include less sophisticated diagnostic equipment and less dealership-sponsored training.
Store-associated shops provide certain specialized services such as brakes, exhaust systems, and wheel
and tire repair. An advantage to the technician is the ability to specialize in one area and product. A
disadvantage is the lack of opportunity in becoming as well rounded in other areas of automotive
service.
Specialty service shops provide repairs in specialized repair areas such as engine rebuilding,
transmission/transaxle overhauling, brake, exhaust, emissions, or electrical systems. Technicians can
become very skilled in the specialized area, but they can also limit themselves.
Fleet service and maintenance shops provide service and maintenance for a fleet of company-owned
vehicles. Their technicians can become very familiar with a wide range of vehicles over an extended
period of time.
© 2025 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 1
website, in whole or in part.
,Solution and Answer Guide: Erjavec/Thompson, Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach, 8e © 2025, 9780357934616; Chapter 1: Careers in the Automotive
Industry
2. Name the different ways to gain work experience while you are a student.
Answer
There are many ways that you can gain work experience while you are a student. They include the
following:
job shadowing
mentoring
cooperative education
apprenticeship
part-time employment
3. Explain the implied difference between someone who is called a mechanic and one who is called an
automotive technician.
Answer
The term mechanic stresses the ability to repair and service mechanical systems. A technician must have
that same mechanical knowledge plus an understanding of other technologies, such as electronics,
hydraulics, and pneumatics.
4. Explain the basic requirements for becoming a successful automotive technician.
Answer
To become a successful automotive technician, one must be able to master and keep up with the latest
technologies and possess the skills to work well with people.
5. Describe a cooperative education program.
Answer
A cooperative program is when the student alternates between going to school and going to work.
6. Explain what a new car warranty is and the two different types of warranties provided with a new car or
truck.
Answer
A warranty is a guarantee from the manufacturer that the vehicle will be free of problems, and if any
problems do arise, the manufacturer will pay the cost of repairs. New car warranties include the Federal
Emissions Defect Warranty and the Federal Emissions Performance Warranty.
7. List three things that service technicians must be able to do regularly.
Answer
Diagnose vehicle problems, perform necessary tests, competently repair or replace faulty components.
© 2025 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 2
website, in whole or in part.
,Solution and Answer Guide: Erjavec/Thompson, Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach, 8e © 2025, 9780357934616; Chapter 1: Careers in the Automotive
Industry
8. What are the requirements for obtaining ASE certification?
Answer
Passing an ASE test and having a minimum of two years of work experience.
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which of the following have had a significant impact on the automotive industry?
a. Emission laws
b. Electronics
c. New technologies
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above. Electronics are widely used because they allow for rapid response to changes
in technology and vehicle operating conditions; they are inexpensive, lightweight, and very reliable.
Legislation has set requirements for safety, emissions, and fuel consumption. Manufacturers must meet the
current standards; doing so has affected the design of current vehicles.
2. Individuals often begin a career as an automotive technician in a new car dealership by ___, which is a
good way for a new technician to become familiar with the vehicles sold at the dealership.
a. working at the parts counter
b. performing new car prep
c. being a service advisor
d. serving as the lead tech
Answer: b. Often individuals begin their career as an automotive technician in a new car dealership by
performing new car prep.
3. Technician A says a hybrid vehicle uses two different power sources. Technician B says a hybrid vehicle
may use either a gas engine or electric motor to drive the wheels. Who is correct?
a. Technician A
b. Technician B
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B
Answer: c. A typical hybrid vehicle has electric motors and an engine, both of which can be used to move
the vehicle.
4. The government-mandated warranty that specifically covers the catalytic converter(s) and engine control
module is the ___.
a. Federal Emissions Defect Warranty
b. Federal Powertrain Warranty
c. Federal Emissions Performance Warranty
d. Extended Federal Exhaust Warranty
Answer: c. The Federal Emissions Performance Warranty covers the catalytic converter(s) and engine
control module for a period of 8 years or 80,000 miles.
5. Which of the following is typically included in a scheduled preventive maintenance program?
a. Oil and filter changes
© 2025 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 3
website, in whole or in part.
, Solution and Answer Guide: Erjavec/Thompson, Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach, 8e © 2025, 9780357934616; Chapter 1: Careers in the Automotive
Industry
b. Coolant and lubrication services
c. Replacement of filters
d. All of the above
Answer: d. Scheduled preventive maintenance normally includes oil and filter changes, coolant and
lubrication services, replacement of belts and hoses, and replacement of spark plugs, filters, and worn
electrical parts.
6. In a large new car dealership, the individual who oversees the operation of the service department, parts
department, and body shop is the ___.
a. service manager
b. service director
c. shop foreman
d. parts manager
Answer: b. In a large new car dealership, the service director oversees the operation of the service
department, parts department, and the body shop.
7. Repair work on a system covered by the manufacturer’s warranty is usually performed by ___.
a. independent service shops
b. dealerships
c. specialty shops
d. either A or B
Answer: b. While a vehicle is still under warranty, repairs are usually performed in dealership service
departments.
8. Which of the following businesses perform work on only one or two automotive systems?
a. Dealerships
b. Independent service shops
c. Specialty shops
d. Fleet service departments
Answer: c. Specialty shops perform work on one or more automotive systems.
9. Normally, whose job is it to greet the customer and complete the repair or work order?
a. Service manager
b. Parts manager
c. Automotive technician
d. Service advisor
Answer: d. The service advisor normally greets the customer and gathers information for the repair order.
10. Technician A says that all an individual needs to do in order to become certified by ASE in a particular
area is to pass the certification exam in that area. Technician B says that the questions on an ASE exam
often force the test taker to choose between two distinct repair methods. Who is correct?
a. Technician A
b. Technician B
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B
© 2025 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible 4
website, in whole or in part.
