Welcome

This online Automotive Technology (AT) Academy has been created by Tom Denton, a leading Automotive author with over 40 years of relevant experience, and 20 published textbooks that are used by students and technicians worldwide. More about the author here. The aims of the academy are to:

  • Improve automotive technology skills and knowledge
  • Provide free access to study resources to support the textbooks
  • Create a worldwide community of automotive learners
  • Freely share automotive related information and ideas
  • Reach out to learners who are not able to attend school or college
  • Improve automotive training standards and quality


Textbooks

Click the  'Add to Cart' link to purchase a textbook from me using PayPal or a card - 10% off as a trade discount, FREE delivery to the UK, and signed by the author! For shipping outside the UK there is an extra cost, sometimes £10-£20 (sorry). Sales tax or import charges may have to be added - contact me on the email address below for a quote.

Choose a book 10% off and free UK shipping:

Advanced Automotive Fault Diagnosis (5th ed.)

Available for pre-order. Item will ship after September 23, 2020

Ideal for technicians and students, along with 25 new real-life case studies, this fifth edition includes new content on diagnostic tools and equipment: VCDS, decade boxes, scanners, pass through, sensor simulators, break out boxes, multimeter updates for HV use, and more.

It explains the fundamentals of vehicle systems and components, and it examines diagnostic principles and the latest techniques. Diagnostics is an essential part of a technician's work, and as automotive systems become increasingly complex there is a greater need for these skills.

Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Diagnostic technique
  3. Tools and equipment
  4. Sensors, actuators and oscilloscope diagnostics
  5. On-board diagnostics
  6. Engine systems
  7. Chassis systems
  8. Electrical systems
  9. Transmission systems
  10. Case studies

Automobile Electrical and Electronic Systems (5th ed.)

This textbook will help you learn all the skills you need to pass all Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Systems courses and qualifications.

As electrical and electronic systems become increasingly more complex and fundamental to the workings of modern vehicles, understanding these systems is essential for automotive technicians. For students new to the subject, this book will help to develop this knowledge, but will also assist experienced technicians in keeping up with recent technological advances.

This new edition includes information on developments in pass-through technology, multiplexing, and engine control systems. In full colour and covering the latest course specifications, this is the guide that no student enrolled on an automotive maintenance and repair course should be without.

Case studies to help you put the principles covered into a real-life context.
Useful margin features throughout, including definitions, key facts and ‘safety first’ considerations.

Contents
  1. Electrical and electronic principles
  2. Tools and equipment; Electrical systems and circuits
  3. Batteries
  4. Charging
  5. Starting
  6. Ignition
  7. Fuel control
  8. Engine management
  9. Lighting
  10. Auxiliaries
  11. Instrumentation
  12. Heating ventilation and air conditioning
  13. Chassis electrical
  14. Comfort and safety
Automobile Mechanical and Electrical Systems (2nd ed.)

The second edition of Automobile Mechanical and Electrical Systems concentrates on core technologies to provide the essential information required to understand how different vehicle systems work. It gives a complete overview of the components and workings of a vehicle from the engine through to the chassis and electronics. It also explains the necessary tools and equipment needed in effective car maintenance and repair, and relevant safety procedures are included throughout.

Designed to make learning easier, this book contains:
  • Photographs, flow charts and quick reference tables
  • Detailed diagrams and clear descriptions that simplify the more complicated topics and aid revision
  • Useful features throughout, including definitions, key facts and ‘safety first’ considerations.
In full colour this is the guide no student enrolled on an automotive maintenance and repair course should be without.

Contents
  1. Overview and introduction
  2. Engine systems
  3. Electrical systems
  4. Chassis systems
  5. Transmission systems
Electric and hybrid vehicles (2nd ed.)

Electric and hybrid vehicles are now the present, not the future. This straightforward and highly illustrated full colour textbook is endorsed by the Institute of the Motor Industry and introduces the subject for further education and undergraduate students as well as technicians.

This new edition includes a new section on diagnostics and completely updated case studies. It covers the different types of electric vehicle, costs and emissions, and the charging infrastructure, before moving on to explain how hybrid and electric vehicles work. A chapter on electrical technology introduces learners to subjects such as batteries, control systems and charging which are then covered in more detail within their own chapters. The book also covers the maintenance and repair procedures of these vehicles, including fault finding, servicing, repair and first-responder information.

Clear diagrams, photos and flow charts outline the charging infrastructure, how EV technology works, and how to repair and maintain hybrid and electric vehicles. Optional IMI online eLearning materials enable students to study the subject further and test their knowledge.

Contents
  1. Electric vehicles introduction
  2. Safe working, tools and hazard management
  3. Electrical and electronic principles
  4. Electric vehicle technology
  5. Batteries
  6. Motors and control systems
  7. Charging
  8. Maintenance, repairs and replacement
  9. Case studies
 Alternative Fuel Vehicles (1st ed.)

Alternative Fuel Vehicles gives full coverage of all associated qualifications and awards in the emerging field of alternative fuels. It is an essential introduction to the ever-growing demand for vehicles that operate using non-conventional fuels.

This first book on AFVs endorsed by the IMI begins with an overview of the subject, ideal for beginners, before outlining what is meant by alternative fuels, why they are necessary, and why climate change and associated legislation are key drivers. Details of how alternative fuels are made, the supply infrastructure, and how these vehicles work are all included.

A chapter on fuel cells introduces learners to the use of hydrogen, and one on engines and engine management includes coverage of combustion as an aid to understanding why changing the type of engine fuel is complex. Some basic engine technology is included to help readers new to the subject. Real-life case studies and examples are used to illustrate different technologies in current use, and to speculate on new developments. This book is an ideal companion to any unit of study on alternative fuel, but will also be of interest to working technicians and keen amateurs.

Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. The environment
  3. Alternative fuels
  4. Fuel cells
  5. Engines
  6. Case studies

 Automated Driving Vehicles (1st ed.)

Automated vehicles are set to transform the world. Automated driving vehicles are here already and undergoing serious testing in several countries around the world. This book explains the technologies in language that is easy to understand and accessible to all readers. It covers the subject from several angles but in particular shows the links to existing ADAS technologies already in use in all modern vehicles.

There is a lot of hype in the media at the moment about autonomous or driverless cars, and while some manufacturers expect to have vehicles available from 2020, they will not soon take over and it will be some time before they are commonplace. However, it is very important to be ready for the huge change of direction that automated driving will take. This is the first book of its type available and complements the other books.

Contents
  1. Introduction
  2. Safety
  3. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
  4. Automated driving technologies
  5. Social and human issues
  6. Case studies

Access to the following course is FREE to owners of the textbooks:

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    Automotive Textbooks Additional Support
    This course is free for owners of any of my textbooks. It is split ...