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Automotive Technology: A systems approach, 5th Edition |

Rob Thompson, Martin Restoule, Jack Erjavec

Copyright 2026
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Automotive Technology: A systems approach 5th Edition by Rob Thompson/Martin Restoule/Jack Erjavec

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Overview
Meet the Authors
What's New
Features
Table of Contents
Pricing

Overview

Automotive Technology: A Systems Approach provides future technicians with the essential knowledge to succeed in today’s fast-changing automotive industry. Covering everything from core systems to the latest innovations, this Canadian market-leader is the top choice for courses focused on automotive service and repair. Written by experienced educators, it presents complex concepts in a clear, logical manner that keeps students engaged. With practical insights and an emphasis on real-world applications, this resource prepares students for the challenges of modern vehicle operation and integration in Canada, making it an invaluable guide for anyone pursuing a career in automotive technology. This edition is available in MindTap — an online learning platform that helps you stay organized and study effectively by providing all your course materials and study tools in one place. Along with additional course content and activities, MindTap lets you highlight, take notes, create flashcards, and more.

Meet the Authors

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Rob Thompson

Rob Thompson has been teaching high school automotive technology since 1995. He currently teaches 11th- and 12th-grade students in an ASE Education Foundation-accredited maintenance and light repair (MLR) program. His teaching career began in 1994 as an adjunct faculty member at Columbus State Community College. Since 2007, Thompson has worked on numerous projects for Cengage Learning and is the author of AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE & LIGHT REPAIR. He has also served on the board and is a past president of the North American Council of Automotive Teachers.

Martin Restoule

Martin Restoule was born and raised in Perth, Ontario. In 1979 he graduated from the Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship program at Algonquin College and was promoted to shop foreman at Perkins Motors in Perth. In 1989 he accepted a job at Algonquin College as an Automotive Technician Professor. In 1993, Martin founded the Truck and Coach Technician Apprenticeship Program. He is the lead Canadian adapting author for Nelson’s market-leading title Automotive Technology: A System Approach, is addition to authoring the Centennial College Press Canadian Truck and Transport Technicians C of Q Exam Test Prep, in addition to eight test preparation handbooks for students in the United States.

Jack Erjavec

Jack Erjavec has become a fixture in the automotive textbook publishing world. He has decades of experience as a technician, educator, author and editor and he has authored or co-authored more than 30 automotive textbooks and training manuals. Erjavec holds a master's degree in vocational and technical education from The Ohio State University and spent 20 years at Columbus State Community College as an instructor and administrator. A long-time affiliate of the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT), he also served as executive vice-president and spent several years on its board of directors. Erjavec is also associated with ATMC, SAE, ASA, ATRA, AERA and other automotive professional associations.

What's New

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Expanded coverage and revised content throughout the text to reflect the most recent technological advancements in automotive technology, as well as the many elements unique to the role of a Canadian professional automotive technician.
Revised photos and photo sequences to improve clarity and to reflect updated technology.
Updated end-of-chapter review questions to include extensive coverage.
Updated content for oil, oil consumption, cooling system control, hybrid/EV cooling systems, coolant, and cooling system service.
Improved wiring diagram, tool checks and usage, and diagnosis information.
Improved HV and lithium-ion battery coverage, as well as updated battery testing and servicing information (including HEVs and EVs).
Heavily revised Chapter 36: Hybrid Vehicles and Chapter 37: Electric Vehicles to reflect up-to-date information.

Features

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Covers safety, including current PPE for EV, masking concerns, and customer vehicle handling concerns (both courtesy and technology).
Addresses practical workplace skills, including relevant/current terms, dates, sites, figures, wages.
Covers automotive-related career information, including current statistics and industry direction.
Charging systems coverage includes regenerative braking, suspension movement AC generation, EV and PHEV charging.
Preps students for their Certificate of Qualification (Red Seal exams) with each section outlined to match Red Seal test specifications and to address many of the identified national occupation analysis tasks.
Warning! and Caution! feature: Included frequently throughout the text, these features alert students to important safety concerns.
Shop Talk feature: Appears throughout the book to give practical common-sense advice on service and maintenance procedures.
Customer Care feature: Emphasizes the importance of presenting a professional image in automotive technology by offering tips that encourage integrity and provide guidance on educating and satisfying customers.
MindTap’s simulations provide students with 100s of videos and interactions which help them understand and practice what they’ve read, such as diagnostic tests.
MindTap’s SP/2 bundle provides students the opportunity to practice their soft skills and prepare them to enter the workforce.
MindTap’s Job Sheets get students to apply what they’ve learned in the chapter readings by performing authentic hands-on shop procedures.
The Cengage Canada Teaching Advantage delivers research-based instructor resources that promote student engagement and higher-order thinking to enable the success of Canadian students and educators. With a focus on quality, all of our resources are copyedited and questions are reviewed to ensure the content is accurate and relevant to the new edition.

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SECTION 1: AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Chapter 1 Careers in the Automotive Industry
Chapter 2 Workplace Skills
Chapter 3 Working Safely in the Shop
Chapter 4 Automotive Systems
Chapter 5 Hand Tools and Shop Equipment
Chapter 6 Diagnostic Equipment and Special Tools
Chapter 7 Basic Theories and Math
Chapter 8 Preventive Maintenance and Basic Services
SECTION 2: ENGINES
Chapter 9 Automotive Engine Designs and Diagnosis
Chapter 10 Engine Disassembly
Chapter 11 Lower End Theory and Service
Chapter 12 Upper End Theory and Service
Chapter 13 Engine Sealing and Reassembly
Chapter 14 Lubricating and Cooling Systems
SECTION 3: ELECTRICITY
Chapter 15 Basics of Electrical Systems
Chapter 16 Basics of Electronics and Computer Systems
Chapter 17 General Electrical System Diagnostics and Service
Chapter 18 Batteries: Theory, Diagnosis, and Service
Chapter 19 Starting Systems
Chapter 20 Charging Systems
Chapter 21 Lighting Systems
Chapter 22 Instrumentation and Information Displays
Chapter 23 Electrical Accessories
Chapter 24 Restraint Systems: Theory, Diagnosis, and Service
SECTION 4: ENGINE PERFORMANCE
Chapter 25 Ignition Systems
Chapter 26 Ignition System Diagnosis and Service
Chapter 27 Gasoline, Diesel, and Other Fuels
Chapter 28 Fuel Delivery Systems
Chapter 29 Electronic Fuel Injection
Chapter 30 Fuel Injection System Diagnosis and Service
Chapter 31 Engine Performance Systems
Chapter 32 Detailed Diagnosis and Sensors
Chapter 33 Intake and Exhaust Systems
Chapter 34 Emission Control Systems
Chapter 35 Emission Control Diagnosis and Service
Chapter 36 Hybrid Vehicles
Chapter 37 Electric Vehicles
SECTION 5: MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND TRANSAXLES
Chapter 38 Clutches
Chapter 39 Manual Transmissions and Transaxles
Chapter 40 Manual Transmission/Transaxle Service
Chapter 41 Drive Axles and Differentials
SECTION 6: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND TRANSAXLES
Chapter 42 Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles
Chapter 43 Electronic Automatic Transmissions
Chapter 44 Automatic Transmission and Transaxle Service
Chapter 45 Four- and All-Wheel Drive
SECTION 7: SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEMS
Chapter 46 Tires and Wheels
Chapter 47 Suspension Systems
Chapter 48 Steering Systems
Chapter 49 Wheel Alignment
SECTION 8: BRAKES
Chapter 50 Brake Systems
Chapter 51 Drum Brakes
Chapter 52 Disc Brakes
Chapter 53 Antilock Brake, Traction Control, and Stability Control Systems
SECTION 9: PASSENGER COMFORT
Chapter 54 Heating and Air Conditioning
Chapter 55 Heating and Air-Conditioning Diagnosis and Service