Automotive technicians are highly skilled workers who are responsible for the safety and reliability of many people’s most expensive possessions - their cars. Given the incredible responsibility of their job, it is important that the automotive technicians you hire are highly skilled and have received formal training from a trade school or community college. Additionally, having at least one ASE-certified technician on your shop’s team is great for solidifying your shop's credibility. In addition to formal training, it is important to encourage your team to stay up to date on the latest trends and technology in the automotive aftermarket industry. Here are a few books to keep in your shop for your technician’s use and reference.
Automotive Engines: Diagnosis, Repair, and Rebuilding by Tim Gilles
At over 700 pages, Automotive Engines: Diagnosis, Repair, and Rebuilding is a great resource to add to your collection. The 9th edition boasts comprehensive information on engine operation, diagnosis, and repair, including hybrid engines. This book is not vehicle-specific but will provide you with universal concepts and information necessary for engine repair.
Today’s Technician: Automotive Suspension & Steering Systems by Don Knowles
This comprehensive guide was designed to be used in the classroom or as a shop manual. Today’s Technician: Automotive Suspension and Steering is useful for diagnosing and servicing suspension and steering in modern vehicles.
Automotive Electricity & Electronics by Al Santini
In addition to automotive industry and vehicle-specific knowledge, it is helpful for automotive technicians to have a good understanding of the general principles that affect car repair. Automotive Electricity & Electronics provides technicians with information on the foundational electric principles needed to repair electronic systems within a vehicle. This guide is particularly useful for battery, start and charging systems, ignitions, and electrical accessory repair.
The Great Race: The Global Quest for the Car of the Future by Levi Tillemann
In The Great Race, Tillemann details the battle for the next-generation electric vehicle between global automakers. In addition to discussing the global politics that shape the future of the United States aftermarket, the book also discusses innovations like electric powertrains and autonomous technology.
Please keep in mind that this is far from an exhaustive list of all the books and resources available for automotive mechanics. In addition to books, you can access many great videos and free PDFs online for additional training. It is also helpful to double-check that you are purchasing the latest edition of any automotive maintenance guides to ensure you receive the most up-to-date repair information.