hey im 16 years old and i just got intrested in automotive. im in a engines and tune up class at my high school and ive gone to my other friend's high school after school to learn more there. they entered a competition and asked me to join. they didn't care if we lost or anything becuase they just wanted to get a feel for how the competition would be. so i went and it wasn't as bad as i expected. but they talked about so many things that i had no idea what they were. and i felt dumb. like what i don't get, is that they just look at an engine and they know its amazing. how do they know?

but i was wondering, where is a good place like online or something to learn a lot more about automotive. like i need to learn about suspension, trannys, and pretty much everything. but just don't know where. so any help please?

right now while you are in High School go ask the teacher of the course you are taking and the guidance department or teaching staff at your school.

If you are very serious about the automotive field and technical schooling it's available better at another school see if one is available for you,

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Patman; I was 16 when I started tinkering with cars (if there were no girls around). That was 40 yrs ago. <sigh>. In addition to what Tom wrote, you could go to the local library to get started. Don't try and cram too many areas (engine, trans, ect) at once. Start with the basics. I remember reading a book MANY years ago that explained exactly how an engine runs. Once you understand the basics, the rest will come much easier. Then, you can move on to another area. Just a thought, but today's vehicles are getting more and more electrically complicated. The electrical side of repair is where the most money is. And, your hands stay clean. The engines still go back to that original basic knowledge, but...And, with technology changing so fast, us old farts will be out of the picture in a very few years. People are going to depend on you young guys to fix the problems. Our local high school has a work experience program. We have, usually a Jr. or a Sr. come to our shop for a semester or two to get a "feel" of what it's like. Might check with your school. Good luck. Good learning.
Loren
SW WA

Hanging around car forums like this would really help you, since you can get information from car veterans and newbies alike. Broaden your exposure to cars by going to car shows and getting updated with the latest car news. It wouldn't hurt to ask the people around you like your friends or your teacher about the things you don't understand or the parts you don't recognize. Lastly, getting yourself a project car could help too. You can get a hands-on experience on repairing a car, and be able to retain more about its specific parts. Don't rush yourself into learning all these new things. Take your time.

I hope this helps! Good luck!

And, above all, don't be afraid to ask questions!!!!
Loren
SW WA