Although ASE-certified mechanics have the best reputations there are also some less honest mechanics. It's a smart idea to verify the mechanic has a license or certificate of instruction before you give your car away. These tips will help to choose a competent mechanic. It is important to have experience and be a specialist. For your vehicle repair needs, a mechanic who possesses all of these attributes is the best.
ASE certified mechanics
An ASE certified mechanic's education goes beyond the basics. Along with the professional benefits that a mechanic may receive, certification also protects consumers because it ensures that the mechanic is knowledgeable and well-trained. Certification increases the potential earning potential of a mechanic because it is more attractive to customers. Many ASE certified mechanics have applied their education credits toward degree programs, which can lead to higher salaries. These tests are so difficult that only two-thirds pass them the first time.
Certificates of training/licensure
Auto mechanics with ASE certification have extensive experience working on different types of vehicles. Additionally, they are familiar with the specific details of each maker. Because skilled mechanics can charge higher wages and higher service fees, dealership owners are more inclined to hire them. A wide variety of innovations can be accessed by them, which improves their credibility. Some states do not require certification for auto mechanics.
Experience
If you don't have any friends or family who own cars, asking them for recommendations can be helpful. Ask your neighbors or friends who are familiar with fixing cars. It's much more reliable than a review posted online. Word of mouth is the best way to get a recommendation. For those who don't have friends or family to recommend mechanics, Angie's List and Yelp offer a great way to check their reviews.
Specialization
If you're looking for a new mechanic there are certain things you should be looking out for. It's important to first determine your interests, then find the right specialization. Some of the most common specializations are diagnosticians, transmission specialists, and electrical and emissions specialists. If you are interested in a career as a technician, these are good specialties.
Yelp
Yelp makes it easy to search for mechanics in many ways. You can narrow your search by ZIP code, distance, or even the number of reviews and ratings. The balance between a high score and lots of reviews should be sought. Although some reviews are glowing, they may not be accurate representations of the customer experience. You should be skeptical of reviews from employees. Instead, you should look for reviews that both reflect quality and value.
Dealerships
Finding a good mechanic can be hard, regardless of whether your car is in need of repairs or maintenance. This article shares some useful tips to find a good mechanic. Ask around in your immediate network, including your neighbors, Facebook friends, and even your mailman. Trustworthy sources will give you more reliable recommendations than anonymous online critics. Now, you can review the recommendations you receive once you have narrowed your list.
CarTalk
An excellent way to find a mechanic, even if your knowledge is not extensive, is to search online. Among these are websites like Yelp and Angie's List. Online forums such as CarTalk's Mechanicfiles can be accessed. You can find recommended mechanics on these forums. If you have friends or family who have used this mechanic, they may be able to recommend them.
AAA Auto Repair Network
If you own a car, finding a good mechanic is an essential task. In today's world where there are many scams and fake mechanics, it can be difficult finding a mechanic who meets your needs. AAA Auto Repair Network is a great resource to help you find a qualified technician. The network is open to both members and nonmembers. Participating auto shops offer 12-month/12,000-mile warranties, use ASE-certified mechanics, pass an AAA inspection every year, and provide ASE-certified service.
FAQ
What qualifications is required to become an mechanic?
To become a technician, you will need to pass a series exams. These exams include:
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A general knowledge test
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A practical exam
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An apprenticeship test
These tests will ensure you are familiar with the fundamental concepts of mechanics and physics before starting to work as a mechanic.
You'll be eligible for work as a mechanic after you have passed the tests. But, you will still need an apprenticeship. This will involve trade training.
To fully understand the mechanics of vehicle repairs, you'll need workshops and classes. Additionally, you will need to work with experienced mechanics.
A mechanic must be highly focused and attentive to detail in order to succeed. Repairs to vehicles require you to pay attention to every detail.
To become a successful mechanic you'll need patience. This may not be the career path that you want if you aren't able to follow directions.
But if you love cars and enjoy fixing them, you could be very happy in this line of work.
What is the difference?
The two are similar but not identical. A mechanic repairs cars and an automotive technician performs maintenance.
A mechanic must be skilled in manual dexterity and able to complete simple tasks quickly. They should also be able correctly diagnose and repair any problems.
A technician in automotive is more technical than a mechanic. They must be capable of reading blueprints and using tools such as drills, wrenches, etc.
They should be able safely to perform complex procedures. They should also be familiarized with the different types of engines as well as electrical systems.
They must also be able comprehend how the various parts interrelate with one another.
A mechanic typically earns less than an automotive technician. There are many job opportunities in both.
Does it really matter what college I choose?
It's not true. There's no difference between colleges regarding getting into the automotive industry. Some schools have better programs than others, so you might want to look elsewhere if your goal is something more specialized.
Statistics
- According to the BLS, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (uti.edu)
- Apprentice mechanics earn significantly less hourly than mechanics who have completed training, with a median wage of approximately $14.50 an hour, according to PayScale. (jobhero.com)
- According to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $44,050 in May 2020. (uti.edu)
External Links
How To
How to become an automotive technician
A technician who works on vehicles is an automotive technician. He/she works in car dealerships as well as auto shops, garages, and service centers. He/she helps customers fix their cars, trucks, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, lawn mowers, snowmobiles, tractors, trailers, farm equipment, planes, helicopters, jet skis, watercraft, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, etc. A technician in automotive must be able diagnose and repair problems quickly, safely, accurately, efficiently, and effectively.
To become an automotive technician, a person must first earn an associate's degree from a vocational college. After completing this program the student must pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence exam (ASE). ASE stands for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. There are two sections to the ASE certification test. One section tests knowledge of mechanical components, while the other section tests skills in practical areas. You will need to attend an authorized testing site in order to pass the test. These locations are available online or through your local automotive dealer.
A candidate must pass the state exam after passing the test to become an automotive technician. It varies depending on the location of the applicant. For example, some states require candidates to attend a training course, while others allow them to study independently. Some states issue licenses to technicians as soon as they get their license. Others wait until they have worked at least six months as an automotive technician.
Apply to your local dealership to become an automotive technician. Most new employees begin as apprentices once they are hired. Apprenticeships typically last three years. A student will learn to repair basic things like changing oil, adjusting brakes or replacing tires. They also learn how spark plugs are cleaned and inspect engine compartments. Some students are taught how to repair engines and replace transmission fluids. Many schools offer classes during regular hours. Some schools also offer evening classes, if necessary.
After completing an apprenticeship, a student becomes a journeyman. Journeymen generally spend four- to five decades learning how to fix major systems like transmissions. You will also learn how to repair complicated electrical components, as well as how to remanufacture engines and rebuild transmissions. Many employers prefer hiring journeymen because they know the job well and understand what the customer expects.
If a candidate successfully passes the required exams and receives a license, he/she might want to consider starting his/her own shop. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost 1.7 million available jobs in the automotive mechanic field in 2010. This figure is expected to rise 18 percent between 2009-2020. A candidate who plans to open a shop should expect to spend many thousands of dollars on equipment and supplies.
Many factors affect the automotive technician's salary, including location, education, experience, and employer type. A jobless person could make an average of $20,000 annually. Someone with only a high school diploma could earn around $21,000 per year. A bachelor's degree is equivalent to approximately $24,000 annually. Technicians with a bachelor's degree earn about $27,000 per annum. Master's degree holders make around $32,000 annually. Salary increases can be common. A professional who earns less that $30,000 today could reasonably expect a $40,000 increase in the next few decades.