A recent special event tackled the topic, ‘How Does a Car Work?’

More than 60 women from across the automotive industry gathered at the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) headquarters in July for a sold-out event designed to demystify the workings of a car and build confidence across every corner of the aftermarket.
Hosted by AAAAWomen, the event ‘How Does a Car Work?’ combined relaxed networking with hands-on education, creating a warm, welcoming space where attendees could ask questions, get clarity, and learn the fundamentals of vehicle operation, with no prior knowledge required.
Guided by Auto Innovation Centre (AIC) Managing Director, Luke Truskinger, the interactive session walked through how vehicles turn fuel or electricity into forward motion.
“This wasn’t just a technical workshop – it was an empowering night,” AAAAWomen Steering Committee member and MC for the event, Ange Wall, said.
“So many women told us they’d been nodding through car talk for years.
“Now they feel more equipped to join the conversation – and that’s what this is all about.”
Luke used plain language, engaging visuals, and real-world examples to explain the basics of internal combustion and the role of key components.
“Being asked to present content that I love to an audience who was eager to learn was an absolute pleasure,” Luke said.
“As a certified car nerd, I love talking about the origins of the car and where the technology has come from and why they are the way they are now. A foundational understanding of this is essential to understand how a car works.”
“The best part of the night for me was just how engaged the participants were. They really brought along their inquisitive nature and plenty were armed with questions they had wanted to get answers to for some time,” added Ange.
“This was the first event of its kind and we were nervous about how it would go but as soon as it started I could tell it would be smooth sailing.”
The group did a theory session in the AAAA training room before going down to the workshop in groups to see a couple of brand new vehicles mid-teardown. Having vehicles and components to talk around complemented the theory and flushed out even more questions.
Attendees came from all parts of the aftermarket – parts interpreters, merchandisers, auto service advisors, marketers, product managers, and head office staff – all with a shared interest in understanding the technical side of the vehicles they support every day.

“This is about giving women across the aftermarket industry the language and confidence to be heard,” AAAAWomen Committee Member and AAAA Director of Government Relations, Lesley Yates, said.
“Whether you’re working front of house or in head office, understanding how the mechanical systems work – even just the basics – makes a real difference.
“It gives you the confidence to speak up, ask questions, be part of the conversation and be more effective in your role.”
Attendees learned how energy from fuel or electricity becomes momentum; the fundamentals of internal combustion and hybrid power; the role of components like pistons, camshafts, crankshafts, valves and more; common mechanical terms explained in plain English; and how to confidently talk about vehicle issues with colleagues, customers, or suppliers.
Held in AAAA’s dedicated training space, the AIC workshop was transformed into a learning lab, while the upstairs space buzzed with connection over drinks and snacks.
Photos from the evening captured the energy of the crowd, from note-taking and curious questions to moments of shared laughter.
“This was the first time I felt like I could ask the ‘dumb questions’ – and they weren’t dumb at all,” said one participant.
“I finally understand how all the moving parts work together! Now I don’t just sell the parts – I get why it matters.”

A growing movement
This event is part of a broader slate of AAAAWomen initiatives aimed at connecting, educating, and celebrating the women who power Australia’s $58B aftermarket industry.
With Connection Circles, national networking events, and potential future tailored sessions, AAAAWomen is creating a vibrant and visible community of support and shared growth.
Following the success of ‘How Does a Car Work?’, the team is already exploring follow-up sessions and new topics based on attendee feedback, including future events in Sydney and a repeat of this session in 2026.

For more from the AAAA, visit www.aaaa.com.au