Aqua_Man

This is pretty random but I want to know what people on this forum think about online mechanics school. Being in high school still, I want to get my mechanics degree but I don't really have time to go to another school for classes. Im not planning on going directly to mechanics school after high school. I want to get a business degree and then start my own hotrod/4x4 garage.

What do you guys think?

wrvond

As long as you don't lose sight of the business degree, online classes for something you have a passion for are great.

Aqua_Man

Thanks. I was kinda thinking that but I really wan't to know how much different an online class is from a hands on class. Im just kinda wondering if an online class is worth the time.

RLXXI

I've been wrenching a little over 30 years now and i can't imagine knowing what i do that any class without hands on could possibly be worth anything. You might learn a few basics but that's not going to support a family.

packplantpath

I'm not a mechanic, but have done my fair share over the years on odd vehicles. It isn't something that comes with book teaching. There is some of that involved, but it is mostly hands on.

I'd say, unless you need to learn the basics of engine mechanics, it will be a waste of time.

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

You can watch people shoot guns online, but until you actually shoot one you don't know what it's like.

Aqua_Man

That makes sense. I mean i know quite a bit about cars and trucks, I just don't know a ton on how to fix alot of things such as ball joints and such. I also want to be able to disassemble a motor and build it back up to create more horsepower. My only issue is that I want to get a job in a garage this summer but I don't have anything to prove that I know anything. I would much rather be getting my hands dirty working on cars and trucks (which is really my passion) than working at a publix or something like that haha.

bubbabud

^^^^100%^^^^ I should think you could learn just as much reading a good sevice manual. There is no subsitute for grease under your nails and if you need help a good book and some advise from someone that that has greasy hands. So my advise is go to a trade school or save your money and buy some quality tools.

wrvond

Actually, most online courses are tougher than you might think. An online class through a reputable institution can teach you just as much theory as a physical classroom. However, there is no substitute for hands on experience. Even classrooms with hands on training will not fully prepare you for the real world. This is probably true for any subject you can think of. Taking online classes now, while you are still in high school will give you a good background in theory. When you earn your business degree you will be well equipped to decide what you want to do with it. The owners of most service centers don't work on any cars and certainly don't know about every make. They hire hands on trained and experienced mechanics (or technicians) for that.

wrvond

My son became an ASE Master Technician, and I can tell you, no amount of hands on work at the dealerships can prepare you for those tests.
Something to keep in mind - as an electronics technician, I was trained to troubleshoot and repair down to the component level. I was even certifiec aviation grade micro miniature repair. The reality was, I troubleshot down to a circuit board and simply replaced that board. Most schools will teach you how an engine is built and why it is built that way. Experience will teach you that the "tic tic tic" you hear is a cam phaser, or the "tick tick tick" you hear is a flat lifter. To be a great mechanic, you need both. To be a successful boss, you need that degree.