Carlos
How did you learn how to fix cars and be able to get as far in life as you are?
I am in 11th grade interested in automotive engineering. I started learning about this career since i was a young child. My father was an unauthorized engineer but was very great at what he did. I've always been interested in the job because it is what i grew up around and have been focused on. #engineering #automotive #mechanics
3 answers
Joe W.
Joe’s Answer
Hi Carlosfalu,
Automotive engineering is a subset of mechanical engineering and encompasses a lot of different things. To get started in this career you'd need to study math and physics and then enroll in a mechanical engineering program at a college or university. Just to clarify, automotive engineers do not usually fix cars, they design or test them. If you'd like to fix cars for a living then you should consider going to a trade school (such as WyoTech, Devry, ITT tech, etc.) to learn how to become a mechanic. Getting started in this field is similar to mechanical engineering as you would want to study a lot of math and science.
Wael Al-Rihawi
Wael’s Answer
Carlos, I would start with a vehicle repair manual :) ... You can get them online for whatever you are working on. However, please make sure to have some supervision when you work on cars.
Karla Medrano
Karla’s Answer
If you're interested in automotive engineering
As an 11th grader, I'd focus on building these foundations:
Math: especially algebra, trigonometry, calculus eventually
Physics: mechanics, forces, energy, electricity
CAD: SolidWorks, Fusion 360, CATIA, or similar
Programming: Python and eventually C/C++
Electronics: sensors, circuits, microcontrollers
Hands-on mechanical work: engines, brakes, suspension, diagnostics
Projects: don't just study—build things
Your father's experience can actually be a huge advantage. Even if he wasn't formally credentialed as an engineer, learning how he diagnosed problems, used tools, understood mechanical systems, and approached failures can teach you something that textbooks can't.
Start documenting your projects
For example:
Project: Rebuilt/serviced an engine component
Problem: What wasn't working?
Diagnosis: How did you determine the cause?
Solution: What did you repair/change?
Result: What happened afterward?
What I learned: What would you do differently?
Take pictures and keep notes.
By the time you apply to university, having 3–5 substantial projects can give you something much more interesting to talk about than simply saying, "I've always liked cars."
And don't worry if you're not already an expert
You're in 11th grade.
You don't need to know how to design a transmission or calculate suspension dynamics yet. Your job right now is to develop the fundamentals and keep experimenting.
If you eventually discover that you love designing systems more than repairing them, automotive engineering may be the right path.
If you discover that you love diagnosing and repairing vehicles more than mathematical design, automotive technology/mechanics may actually be a better fit.
And there's nothing inferior about either path. A brilliant technician can understand a vehicle more deeply than an engineer who has never touched one.
Your biggest advantage right now is simple: you already know you enjoy this. Use the next couple of years to turn that interest into mathematics, physics, engineering knowledge, and real hands-on skill.
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