Auto Literacy for Life

Want to know more about your car but don’t know where to start? Have you been dreading going to the mechanic or dealership? Do you feel like car maintenance is something you should “just know”, but were never taught? Look no further, this class is for you!

As our largest form of transportation, much of our daily life depends on a reliable vehicle. Despite this need, as trade skills fall out of school curriculums and cars become more complex, many people don’t know much about their cars or how they work. This can become a huge source of stress, mentally and financially, and starting the learning process can be intimidating. An educated car owner can be proactive in their vehicle's maintenance, make informed decisions about repairs, and catch small problems before they become big ones-- saving time and money in the long run.

This course offers a digestible introduction to cars and car ownership. Whether you have some mechanical intuition or you’ve never stepped foot in a workshop, we’ve got you covered. Beginning with the basic anatomy, participants will walk their way through the fundamental systems of what makes their car stop and go, learn about common problems, and how to identify them. We will begin in the classroom, move to a vehicle on the lift to examine key inspection points, and end in the parking lot with students getting familiar with their own car and its maintenance points. We aim to send participants away with newfound confidence and a deeper understanding of cars and their needs.

Please bring your car's owners manual. If you do not have a copy they can typically be found for free online. This sometimes requires entering your VIN number. For help locating your VIN number go to this website: https://www.txdmv.gov/motorists/how-to-find-the-vin

Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty

Instructor: Jenna Ehnot and Lam Detzler

Bio: Jenna is an engineering graduate student with a love for teaching and community engagement. She started on her auto education journey about seven years ago out of frustration and necessity, after struggling to find trustworthy, affordable car care- an experience she found to be common amongst her friends and family. Having overcome this challenge personally, she is passionate about creating a welcoming learning space accessible to all.Lam is the volunteer autoshop manager at Port City Makerspace, with prior experience as Shop Manager and President of her university's student-run autoshop. Although she has no formal automotive training, she brings almost a decade of her own experience working on vehicles of her own, her friends, and the local car community.

Class for 18+ only.

Class needs a minimum of 5 attendees to run.

Class available for up to 15 attendees.

Registration closes three (3) days before the event.

Attendees can receive refunds up to 7 days before your event start date.

Active members receive 25% off class list price. 

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