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Greenville
Auto Tech students display the difference in tire sizes at Kiwanis of
Greenville for their 2014
competition. Left to right: Joey Wappelhorst, Rachael Mann and Kelsey
McClure.
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GHS
Auto Tech shoots for Gold again
By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – Most people know what 4-wheel drive means, but do they
know what all-wheel drive means? They aren’t the same. While 4-wheel
drive is manually locked in and released, “all-wheel drive does the
thinking for you.” It will lock and release tire traction automatically
as conditions require it.
Using the complex system that is a vehicle’s power train, Greenville’s
award-winning Auto Tech program made its first presentation for 2014 at
Kiwanis of Greenville Feb. 12. The concentration was on the
differential and tire requirements for all-wheel drive SUV’s and pickup
trucks.
“Tires have to match,” said senior Joey Wappelhorst, senior Rachael
Mann and junior Kelsey McClure. If one tire gets damaged on an
all-wheel-drive, it’s necessary to replace it with a matching tire,
they said. Wear and tear is taken into account as well. “The maximum
difference allowable without damaging the differential is a tread depth
of a quarter of an inch.” Depending on circumstances an owner might
have to purchase four tires if only one has been damaged.
The students also pointed out the importance of tire pressure in the
life of the tires and handling of the vehicle.
Each year Greenville’s Automobile Technology team builds a display and
prepares its presentation around it. According to instructor Travis
Nicholas, this year’s “working” display cost the District $50. Several
community businesses and individuals started working on it last spring
and continued through the summer at no cost to Auto Tech. Jim Anderson
also teaches part time for the 27 students currently enrolled in the
program.
The Auto Tech program was won eight national gold awards, plus one
bronze award. In 2012 the team won at the state competition and
finished fourth at the national. In 2013 the team took second place at
state so no trip was made to national. This year they’ll be aiming for
the gold at Sinclair on April 8, and at state on April 15-16.
Published courtesy
of The Early Bird
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