Students
For automotive students and apprentices
3D Mechanic covers topics in light vehicle courses such as the IMI and City & Guilds Level 2 and 3 diplomas and the ASE A1, A3, A4 and A5 tests. Use it to see the parts your course describes working, then test yourself.
3D Mechanic is not endorsed by IMI, City & Guilds, ASE or any awarding body, and it does not replace your course materials or practical training.
Where each system fits in your course
| System in the app | City & Guilds 7290 | IMI diplomas (topic) | ASE test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four-stroke engine | Unit 152 (Level 2); unit 157 (Level 3) | Engine mechanical, lubrication and cooling; engine fault diagnosis | A1 Engine Repair |
| Clutch | Unit 162 (Level 2) | Transmission and driveline units | A3 area A, Clutch |
| CV axle and differential | Unit 162 (Level 2); unit 163 (Level 3) | Transmission and driveline units; driveline fault diagnosis | A3 areas C, D and E |
| MacPherson strut and double wishbone | Unit 154 (Level 2) | Chassis units, steering and suspension | A4 area B, Suspension |
| Rack and pinion steering | Unit 154 (Level 2); unit 158 (Level 3) | Chassis units, steering and suspension; chassis fault diagnosis | A4 area A, Steering |
| Disc brakes and ABS | Unit 154 (Level 2); unit 158 (Level 3) | Chassis units, braking; chassis fault diagnosis | A5 areas C and D, disc brakes and ABS |
City & Guilds unit numbers are from the 7290 handbooks: the Level 2 Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles (7290-12) and the Level 3 Diploma (7290-13). IMI's Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles cover the same topics; check your centre's unit list. ASE areas are from the ASE Automobile Study Guide.
Apprentices
The apprenticeship standard ST0033, motor vehicle service and maintenance technician (light vehicle), asks for knowledge of the "construction and operation of vehicle components and systems" (K7) and of "steering and suspension geometries" (K6). Seeing each system move, and rebuilding it in order, supports both.
Students in the US
The app covers topics in the ASE Entry-Level tests taken at school, such as Engine Repair, Manual Drive Train and Axles, Suspension and Steering, and Brakes, and in the matching professional tests A1, A3, A4 and A5.
Four ways to revise with it
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Name it before you tap it
Explode a system and name each part out loud before you tap it to check. It is the fastest way to learn the vocabulary assessors expect.
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Rehearse the fitting order
Build mode makes you refit each assembly in the order a workshop would. Do it before a practical and the real job feels familiar.
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Connect the numbers
Run the live tests and link movement to numbers: the clutch bite point at 18% of pedal travel, or 15.3 kN of clamp force at 60 bar.
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Test yourself
Each system has two quizzes: find the part on the model, and put the assembly in fitting order. Your best scores are kept.
What it does not cover
Electrical and electronic systems, diagnostics with test equipment, electric and hybrid vehicles, automatic gearboxes, air conditioning, servicing schedules, MOT procedures and torque values. Your course materials, your tutor and the workshop teach those.
Questions students ask
Is 3D Mechanic approved by IMI, City & Guilds or ASE?
No. It covers topics in those courses, but it is not endorsed by any awarding body, and it does not replace your course materials or practical training.
Does it cover electrics, diagnostics or electric vehicles?
Not at the moment. It covers seven mechanical systems. For electrical systems, diagnostic equipment and EVs, use your course materials.
Does it give torque settings or repair procedures?
No. It explains how systems work. On a real car, always follow the vehicle maker's procedures and torque values and your centre's safe working practices.
See the seven systems in 3D
Then read the guides: how cars work, system by system. Teachers can read about classroom use.
