It’s a typical rainy, dreary Portland night and you’re left with a flat tire in torrential rain after hitting a pothole on Interstate 84. You could sit there and wait for AAA or a good Samaritan to help. But doesn’t it sound so much nicer to be able to quickly change your tire yourself for free as opposed to frantically searching Google for the nearest roadside assistance shop, waiting an hour or longer for them to arrive, and then paying upwards of $100 for their help?

Learning the basics of auto maintenance can be a valuable skill for anyone, but it’s a topic that many people go their whole lives without learning. That’s why Mt. Hood Community College’s (MHCC) Auto Service and Maintenance community education class is gaining popularity among locals who want to take control of their vehicle’s upkeep. In this two-day, hands-on course, students not only learn how to change a flat tire and jumpstart a dead battery but also gain the confidence to tackle a variety of other maintenance tasks and become more familiar with their vehicles. With a focus on safety and practical skills, this class is empowering students to be more self-sufficient and save money on expensive repairs.

The savings don’t end there. According to “Mechanic Advisor,” the average auto mechanic marks up the cost of car parts anywhere from 25-50% and then charges service fees on top of that. You could be saving yourself money every time you need to change a tire, change your air filter, or jumpstart a dead battery by performing these basic maintenance tasks yourself through knowledge acquired in our Auto Service and Maintenance class.

Director of Workforce, Apprenticeship and Community Education Dawn Loomis saw the need for this class while attending driver’s ed with her son when she realized that there wasn’t a local class for community members to learn these helpful skills. Loomis then partnered with experienced mechanic Robert Cruikshank to develop this invaluable course. Cruikshank worked as a maintenance technician for General Motors dealerships for more than 40 years before joining MHCC’s Automotive Technology program as a mentor.

“The class covers very basic car maintenance skills that any new or inexperienced driver would find helpful,” said Cruikshank.

This class is perfect for anyone who wants to know how to keep their car safe and functional for as long as possible and is open to all community members. Students can enjoy hands-on learning with their own vehicles or with the vehicles available to work on in MHCC’s state-of-the-art automotive lab.
Students will learn how to change a tire, use a car jack, jump a car battery, check fluid levels, read maintenance menus, identify the parts of a car, and more. In doing so, students will also save themselves unnecessary stress and hundreds of dollars by having the knowledge to successfully solve common car problems.

Although the course is a relatively new offering at MHCC, several attendees reported having a very positive experience. Here are just two of the positive remarks left on anonymous student evaluations:

“Very grateful for this class. I feel less fearful and more empowered about my car’s basic functions. The hands-on practice was especially helpful.”

“Create a Part 2 to this course; I want to learn more!”

Whether you’re a new driver or someone who wants to become more self-sufficient, MHCC’s Auto Service and Maintenance class provides community members the opportunity to gain the knowledge and confidence they need to take control of their vehicle’s upkeep and extend the life of their vehicle through high-quality maintenance practices.

To apply for this class visit the MHCC Community Education website at https://learn.mhcc.edu/modules/ and navigate to the Home, Garden & Family course catalog.