Automotive Learning Lab
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Automotive Learning Lab

Hands-on automotive education for teens and adults • Phoenix & surrounding areas

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Thanks for a great 2025! Our semester is complete. We’re updating the new schedule — meanwhile, book a private group or one-on-one lesson.
Session LengthHands-On • 2 Hours
Skill LevelBeginner-Friendly
Group SizeSmall Groups
ToolsWe Bring the Tools

What We Offer

In-person, hands-on automotive training for teens and adults. Every session builds real-world skills and confidence through safe, practical instruction.

  • Private 1-on-1 Lessons — Personalized sessions around your vehicle and goals. $250 for 2 hours
  • Group Classes — Fun, beginner-friendly workshops. Teen $60 · Adult $75 · Teen & Parent $100
  • Ages 12–19 + Adults — All experience levels welcome
  • Small groups: Max 10 participants
Instructor: Keith Elsner

Keith is a UTI graduate, Ford-certified diesel technician, and automotive instructor with over 6 years of teaching experience at a local public school. His professional background includes working as a Lead Fleet Mechanic, where he was responsible for maintaining and servicing a commercial vehicle fleet. He holds a valid Fingerprint Clearance Card.

In addition to Automotive Learning Lab, Keith is a flight instructor at FreedomPPG. He is also a husband and father, and brings patience, safety, and real-world perspective to every class.

Keith Elsner with his family
ESA / ClassWallet

ESA Friendly

We are proud to be approved ClassWallet vendors. ESA families: submit your request and we will hold your seat while it processes.

Questions? [email protected]

From classroom lessons to hands-on wrench time, our students gain real skills and confidence under the hood. Scroll through moments from recent classes across the Valley!

Automotive Learning Lab — Courses

Course Catalog

Hands-on learning for teens & adults — Phoenix & surrounding areas

Safety & Under-the-Hood Inspection Beginner

The starter class for new drivers. Learn safe habits around a running vehicle, then go under the hood to identify belts, hoses, battery, filters, fuses, and fluids. Practice simple checks and learn what needs attention now vs. later.

  • Safety around heat/moving parts; hair/clothing safety
  • Under-hood tour: belts, hoses, battery, air filter, fuse box
  • Fluids: oil, coolant/overflow, brake, washer (top-off)
  • Warning lights & “what to do” rules
Students leave able to: work safely, identify major components, perform basic checks, and know when to get help.

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Engine Fundamentals Beginner

How engines make power, 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke, air/fuel/spark/compression, and real parts you can handle. Build a clear mental model of how an engine “breathes.”

  • 2-stroke vs. 4-stroke cycle
  • Identify major engine parts
  • Fuel systems overview (carb vs. injection)
  • Compression testing demo
Students leave able to: explain the cycle, name key parts, recognize basic fuel layouts.

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Roadside Safety & Service Confidence Beginner

Know what to do during a breakdown and how to talk at the service counter. We practice safe pull-over steps, flat-tire basics, and how to read estimates and avoid unnecessary upsells.

  • Breakdown protocol & visibility
  • Flat-tire demo: jack points, lug pattern, tools
  • Build a practical roadside kit
  • Reading estimates & invoices, warranties, common upsells
Students leave able to: handle roadside issues, build a kit, and approve/decline work confidently.

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Vehicle Electrical Systems — 12V Basics & DVOM Beginner

Demystify 12-volt systems. Learn power/ground, simple circuits, and DVOM usage for quick checks. Read basic wiring diagrams and track down simple faults.

  • 12V fundamentals: series/parallel
  • Lighting & fuses overview
  • Using a DVOM safely
  • Basic diagram symbols
Students leave able to: use a DVOM for simple checks and follow a basic circuit.

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Brakes — Inspection, Measurement & Replacement Beginner

Inspect pads/rotors, measure wear precisely, and understand replacement steps, tools, torque, and safety.

  • Pad/rotor inspection & wear patterns
  • Micrometers/calipers to 0.0001"
  • Torque & sequence basics
  • Safety & tool overview
Students leave able to: evaluate wear, understand replacement steps, and discuss with a shop.

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Drivetrain — Power to the Wheels Beginner

Follow power from engine to road: transmissions, driveshafts, differentials, CV joints, wear signs, and maintenance needs.

  • Manual vs. automatic basics
  • Axles, CV joints, driveshafts
  • Differentials explained
  • Common noises & symptoms
Students leave able to: explain parts and recognize wear/noise cues.

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Cooling System Essentials Beginner

Radiators, pumps, thermostats, hoses, coolant types, leak checks, and overheating prevention.

  • Radiator, pump, thermostat, hoses
  • Coolant safety & types
  • Leak checks & hose inspection
  • Overheating causes & response
Students leave able to: identify parts, check hoses/coolant, and prevent overheating.

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Under Car Inspection Beginner

Suspension, steering, exhaust, and safe lifting points. Spot issues before they become costly repairs.

  • Suspension & steering basics
  • Exhaust overview
  • Safe jacking & lifting
  • Bushings, leaks, and visible wear
Students leave able to: perform a safe under-car check and spot early issues.

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Oil Change — Hands-On Service Beginner

Complete an oil & filter change with the right tools, torque, and disposal. Smaller class size due to tools/fluids and one-on-one coaching.

  • Tools & safety gear
  • Drain oil & replace filter
  • Torque specs & tightening sequence
  • Cleanup & proper disposal

Note: smaller class size · Teen $100 · Adult $125 · Teen & Parent $175

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Phoenix & surrounding areas • © Automotive Learning Lab