Free ASVAB Auto and Shop Information Study Guide [2024 Updated]

The ASVAB Auto and Shop Information subtest evaluates your knowledge of automobile technology, basic repairs, and various shop tools and fasteners. This is a specialized section that does not count toward your Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score but is used to determine your eligibility for specific military occupations.

This ASVAB Auto and Shop Study Guide is a comprehensive study guide that will teach you everything you need to know about ASVAB. The guide also includes information on automobiles and shops, making it useful for anyone who needs to learn the fundamentals of these subjects. 

Getting the highest possible score on the ASVAB test, including the ASVAB auto and shop information subtest, begins with having the right tools for the job. To help you improve your score, we highly recommend the following study guides.

In addition to this comprehensive study guide, we have offered thousands of ASVAB practice test questions to help all of you get 100% ready for your coming exam! Look it up right now!

ASVAB Auto and Shop Information Test   

The CAT-ASVAB test consists of two distinct parts. The first automotive material part has 11 questions and you have 7 minutes to answer.  The shop information asks 11 questions and is allotted 6 minutes. On this website, we offer you an ASVAB Auto and Shop Information Practice Test that mimics the real test so you can get familiar with the test format. Take it now!

In the paper-and-pencil version, you are given 11 minutes to finish 25 questions. The questions are about automobile systems and functions/malfunctions and questions about common shop tools and fasteners and their uses.

The questions on the Auto and Shop Information subtest are to test your knowledge of among other things a functioning vehicle and the common practices and equipment used in automotive shops. 
Many candidates do not study extensively for the automotive and shop information test because they have prior experience with engines and DIY tools, often because of an innate interest.

You will need to know, among other things:

• Basic engine components and functions
• Different engine types and sizes
• How different car parts interact with each other and with the engine
• How fuel enters the engine
• How a car’s electrical system functions
• How to recognize and fix malfunctions in a car
• Various vehicle operating systems, including the transmission, electrical, brakes, steering, and ignition
• How computers are used in vehicles today
• Auto shop procedures
• Auto shop tools and their functions
• And much more

A big part of this is understanding how engines work – from small engines to car engines and above. For example, you will need to know how a typical engine functions from the fuel mixture it burns to how the fuel enters the engine to how the engine utilizes that fuel to produce motion and more.

• You need to know the four strokes that make up the engine cycle, what the carburetor does, what the throttle does, and much more.
• You will also need to know about other important vehicle systems such as the brake system, the cooling system, the electrical system, the emissions control system, and more.
• Computers also play an important role in most vehicles these days so you will need to have an understanding of how computers are utilized in various car systems.
• You also need know-how tools, such as a sliding caliper, butt chisel, auger bit, box-end wrench, vise grip pliers, and adjustable pipe wrench are used.
• And that’s not all, you also need to be familiar with striking tools, fastening tools, cutting tools, drilling, punching and gouging tools, and much more.

Below are some sample questions of Auto and shop information ASVAB that could be on the test:

• A hammer with a regular striking face and, on the opposite face, a rounded end is called?
•  What type of bolt has a square section that grips into the part being fixed (typically wood) to prevent the bolt from turning when the nut is tightened?
• What automotive system uses universal joints, a drive shaft, and a clutch?
• An internal combustion engine where the cylinders are aligned in two banks, which are at an angle to each other, is known as a?
• What’s a carburetor’s primary function?
• What does the alternator do?
• What is another name for a pipe wrench?

Read more >> Assembling Objects ASVAB study guide

ASVAB Auto and Shop Test-Taking Tips

Like some of the more specific sections of the ASVAB test, when it comes to the Auto and Shop Information section chances are you are either going to have a lot of knowledge and experience in this area already or you just do not like the subjects that much.
If you do want to do well on this subtest but don’t have that much knowledge or experience, we’ll share some things you can do with you later in this study guide.

As follows for tips for answering the questions on this subtest:

1. If you don’t have the applicable experience and knowledge, your optimal choice may be to try and use common sense. This may help you to eliminate some of the possible answers right off the bat. Then with the left answers, you should make your best guess. Keep in mind, that guessing does not hurt you on the Auto and Shop Information subtest, so you are better off completing an answer than leaving it blank.
2. Whether you know much about Auto and Shop or know very little, keep in mind this is a time-limited test and that spending too much time on any one question can negatively impact your performance.
3. If you run into a difficult question it is a smart step to skip that question and then return to it later if you have time. Also, don’t let any question throw you off track and interfere with your ability to answer other questions.
4. Keep in mind that you can always come back to the question at the end of the test and give it more thought. Most candidates can complete this section without being rushed so that means you may have additional time in the end to review your answers, specifically those answers you are not sure about.
5. Also don’t forget, if Auto and Shop Information is not required to qualify for the job you want, you may be better off spending your time studying other areas of the ASVAB.

Preparing for the ASVAB Auto and Shop Information Subtest

If you lack knowledge and experience in auto and shop, there are a few things you should do:

• You can enroll in a course at your local community college
• You can learn from someone who has auto and shop experience
• You can read books and do research on the Internet
• You can read your car’s automobile manual

Furthermore, our experts have created a series of questions that cover areas commonly tested on the real ASVAB test to give you an idea of what to expect. Our ASVAB practice test will also better prepare you for the experience of taking the ASVAB, allowing you to feel more relaxed and confident when the time comes.

All of the questions are based on previous ASVAB tests and are intended to be as accurate as possible. You can improve your understanding and knowledge of this topic by taking our ASVAB Auto and Shop practice test.

You may take our ASVAB practice test as many times as you like to improve your knowledge and confidence. It’s important to remember that if you want to join the military and work in an auto or shop, you’ll need to do well on this subtest.

Take a look at our free ASVAB practice test 2024 and our ASVAB Study Guide for all 9 topics to learn all you need to know about the ASVAB!