Tim Gilles is a respected authority in automotive technology, recognized for his extensive teaching career and influential textbooks. He served as a professor in the Automotive Technology Department at Santa Barbara City College for 38 years and holds the title of Professor Emeritus. Gilles has authored several widely used textbooks with Cengage Learning, including the comprehensive “Automotive Engines: Diagnosis, Repair, and Rebuilding,” which is valued for its technical accuracy and up-to-date industry insights.

With a Master’s Degree in Occupational Education, a Bachelor’s in Industrial Arts, and a Community College Life Teaching Credential, Gilles brings both academic rigor and hands-on expertise to his work. Before his teaching career, he gained four years of industry experience and achieved ASE Master Automotive Technician and ASE Master Engine Machinist certifications. Gilles’s dedication to advancing automotive education is further reflected in his leadership roles, including serving as past-president and long-time board member of the California Automotive Teachers Association and as a board member of the North American Council of Automotive Teachers.

Inspired by a passion for helping students and professionals master complex engine technologies, Gilles’s textbooks blend real-world case studies with clear, student-friendly explanations. He continues to support instructors with teaching aids and resources through his website. Tim Gilles resides in California, where he remains active in the automotive education community.