Auto Technician Certification A Boon to Motorists

Finding a competent auto technician should not be a matter of chance. A good deal of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to the efforts of the independent, nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With some 400,000 currently certified professionals, ASE's program is national in scope and has industrywide acceptance and recognition. ASE-certified technicians and parts specialists can be found at every type of repair facility - from dealerships, service stations and franchises to parts stores, independent garages and even municipal fleets.

Before taking ASE certification tests, many technicians attend training classes or study on their own in order to brush up on their knowledge. By passing difficult national tests, ASE-certified technicians prove their technical competence to themselves, to their employers and to their customers.

Certification is not for life; ASE requires its technicians to re-test every five years to keep up with technology and to remain certified. And while ASE does not certify repair shops, it stands to reason that those shop owners and managers who support their

service employees' efforts to become technically certified will be concerned about the other aspects of their business as well.

Repair establishments with at least one ASE technician are permitted to display the ASE sign. Each ASE professional is issued personalized credentials listing his or her exact area or areas of certification and an appropriate shoulder insignia. Technicians are also issued certificates that employers often post in the customer-service area, and employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

Businesses with a high level of commitment to the ASE program (75 percent of service personnel certified) are entitled to a special "Blue Seal of Excellence" recognition from ASE. These elite facilities are among the best in the nation. More than 1,700 businesses participate in this growing program.

As with other professionals, automotive technicians often specialize. It's wise to ask the shop owner or service manager for a technician who is certified in the appropriate area based on your needs. For instance, the technician could specialize in brakes, engine repair or air conditioning.

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Auto Service Contracts 101: The Need-To-Know Facts

Today, buying car is not just simply buying a car. This is because when a person wants to buy a car, there are many additional services that tag along. One great example of these so-called “extras” is the auto service contract.

These auto service contracts are not necessarily required by most car dealers. However, most car buyers are enticed to get one in order to protect themselves against unforeseen circumstances such as expensive car repairs.

Generally, auto service contracts are pledges made by the agency, usually the car dealer, responsible to provide the necessary services or repairs that the buyer or the contract holder is entitled for.

The problem with some people is that they categorize auto service contract as the same with extended car warranties. What they do not know is that car warranties are normally included in the price of the new car bought while auto service contracts can be obtained any time even if the person did not buy a new car. Moreover, auto service contracts are always an additional cost for the car buyer meaning he may or may not obtain an auto service contract.

However, just like the other financial decisions, careful deliberation is extremely important before making some final decisions. This is because not all auto service contracts are made equal.

Here is a list of the factors that need to be considered when getting an auto service contract:

1. Buyers should be aware of the terms and conditions stipulated in the auto service contract.

In every agency or company that provides auto service contracts, each has its own terms and conditions. Hence, it is important for every buyer to know first the terms as stipulated in the contract so as to know what kinds of details are included and what are those that are not included.

2. Buyers should know the specific entity who will perform the required services.

In this way, the buyer would know what goes on when a certain service is required. In this way, the contract holder would know where to ask for the repairs and to whom they should ask for the needed services.

3. Know the reputation of those who will provide auto service contracts.

It is extremely important to know how long the company or the dealer has been in the business. Along with it comes the reputation that has been built for so many years of reliable services and performances that the customers were able to testify.

The important thing here is that people should be aware of what they are paying for. After all, it’s their money that is at risk.

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Auto Seat Covers - Ultimate Protection

Funny as it may seem, the most neglected thing in a car are the seat covers. Most people are fascinated with what their cars look like but tend to neglect its interior facilities; much less its auto seat covers. Basically, auto seat covers were not invented without any purpose. Auto seat covers are just as important as any other part of your car. Do not wait until you car seats are already soiled from dirt and another harmful elements. Go get your car seats the best auto seat covers so as to keep them in top shape.

- Universal, Standard Covers

One of the fittings of the auto seat covers is the Universal fit. As its name implies, universal fit covers is ideal to almost all kinds of car seats, whether it be a low-back or a high-back bucket seat. Universal auto seat covers are very easy to set up and they are easy to remove as well. The only thing that needs to be considered is the fact that the universal seat covers are not suitable for car seats with side-impact airbags.

- Custom Covers

The next type of fitting auto seat covers is the custom auto seat covers. As it name implies, the custom fit auto seat covers is tailor-made for every specified and measured car seats. These custom fittings are precisely patterned according to the make-up and measurements of the car seats. Thus, every details of the car seats are considered and mulled over. Among the three fittings of auto seat covers, custom fittings are the perfect items that are specifically designed to make a properly covered car seats.

- Hybrid Semi-Customs

For those who cannot afford custom fittings of auto seat covers, there is one other type of fitting - the semi-custom fit. Semi-custom fit covers may not render the same features as that of custom fittings but, nevertheless, they are good enough to protect your car seats from harmful elements that may destroy the durability of your car seats.

1. The soft touch

The most common and widely-used auto seat covers are made of poly-cotton. This type of material offers a soft touch while at the same time rendering optimum shielding against harmful elements.

2. Sheepskin

The next material common to most auto seat covers is the sheepskin seat covers. Because of their capability to warm occupants in cold conditions and cool occupants in warm conditions, this type of material is often claimed to be the thermostat of nature.

3. UV protected sheets

The next best material to consider for your auto seat covers is the Velour seat covers. Like the Poly-cotton seat covers, the Velour seat covers also render soft velvety touch to its user. What makes it different from the others is that it is treated with an exceptional amount of ultraviolet coating. This, in turn, will protect your car seats from imminent color fading.

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Auto Safety 101

Following some expert tips and keeping a few tools on hand can help steer drivers toward safer rides. Here's some advice from the experts:

Avoid Breakdowns

Breaking down isn't just inconvenient and expensive-it can also put drivers in danger. If your car is having problems and you need to pull off the road, try to do so in a well-lit area and pull as far over on the shoulder as possible. Put emergency flares or reflectors on the road behind your car to help other drivers see you.

Of course, one of the best ways to avoid breaking down is to keep your vehicle well maintained. Check your car's oil, tires and belts regularly and bring it in for regular tune-ups.

Preventing Theft

A vehicle is stolen every 25 seconds in the U.S. To avoid falling victim to theft, always lock your vehicle, no matter where you are, and avoid parking in isolated areas where there are few passersby.

You may also want to consider anti-theft tools such as The Club Automotive Security Series. The line includes steering-wheel locks, cable and spare-tire locks, padlocks and specialty locks. The cable and spare-tire locks can be used to protect tires mounted on the back of trucks, luggage or other items. They run from four to six feet long. The Weatherproof Automotive Padlock can be used on gates, sheds and to secure garages, and the steering-wheel locks render vehicles unusable when attached.

Be Prepared

Plan out long trips ahead of time and always let someone know where you plan to travel and how long you expect the trip to take. Also, pack a survival kit in your car. It should include flares, jumper cables, a quart of oil, radiator fluid, a first-aid kit, bottled water, a blanket and a road atlas. It's smart to carry a cell phone on the road as well.

In addition, it's a good idea to check out your auto insurance policy. If it doesn't include roadside assistance, you may want to consider upgrading.

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Auto Repair Has Never Been More Important

Automotive service and repair has changed dramatically over a generation, according to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent group that tests and certifies the competence of auto technicians nationwide.

Today, high-tech systems that were unheard of 30 years ago - anti-lock brakes, electronic engine controls and computerized diagnostics - are commonplace. It doesn't appear that the swift pace of technological advancement will slow any time soon, either, with the advent of hybrid vehicles and such features on the horizon as interactive suspensions, constantly variable-speed transmissions and 42-volt batteries.

For automotive service professionals, this means continual training and coursework to keep up with the torrent of changes. Disparaged years ago as "grease monkeys," mechanics today have become automotive technicians, every bit as comfortable behind a computer screen and keyboard as under the hood with a wrench.

ASE is reminding motorists to follow the service schedules listed in their owners' manuals before making a long-distance drive. While few people would ignore an ominous service engine light, many do skip oil changes. Yet in survey after survey, ASE-certified master auto technicians say that the old-fashioned oil change is one of the most vital services for getting the most from your automotive investment.

ASE was founded in 1972 as a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. Its 400,000 certified technicians wear blue-and-white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the ASE sign.

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Auto Parts: How Do I Find The Rare Ones?

Classic cars and their auto parts are a tradition of this country. The USA is unique in its value of the personal rights of the individual citizen including the right to personal property. This means that there are a lot of collectors and just like anything else that people value cars break and need replacement parts.

Older cars are valued for their age and the history they signify. They also wear down over the years and require restoration. The problem is that there is a finite supply of these old auto parts as the models are no longer made. So there is a significant market for these parts. This is what I want to discuss in the next several paragraphs.

So auto parts are often sought to restore a car to its original working condition which is a state that is valued to relive important history. Therefore the demand is high which makes it easier to locate the auto parts because their sale can be a lucrative endeavor. So where do you find these parts and where do they come from?

Well anywhere you find antiques you can find these parts. Old estate auctions, flee markets, and antique malls. The problem is that these can be considerably time consuming and often not very productive. So before you go you should do your research. Body shops are good resources as they are constantly seeking auto parts, car collectors are another valuable source of information. Another great resource is the internet which brings together basically all people with a similar interest in the form of forums, or bulletin boards, or blogs. If there is a part you have the best chance of finding it on the internet.

Another great place to look for things like outdated auto parts is on the online auctions like ebay. If people seek it, that is if there is a market for it, than it is generally being sold on ebay. Often just like when you restore anything you may have to purchase more than just that one part (i.e. a whole car that is often in disrepair or inoperable) but that is what you deal with. The internet is also a great place to shop for parts for your new guns as well as there are liquidators and wholesalers for things like this on the web.

Hopefully this gives you a start as you seek to restore and/or repair that symbol of American freedom. Happing auto parts hunting!

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Auto Part Dealers Are Plentiful Both Locally And Online

If you are like me, you are actually very clueless about the auto parts in your car. When something breaks or needs replacing, you need help deciding what you need to buy in order to fix it. If you are lucky, you have someone you can ask for advice about the auto parts you need. However, if you don’t have someone like that, there are some steps you can take to make your auto parts purchases as painless as possible.

If you are planning to purchase any kind of auto parts for your vehicle, it is helpful to know a little bit about your auto parts dealer. There are several ways to ‘check out’ an auto parts retail store before you buy anything from them. Most local auto parts retailers you can check out yourself by visiting their store. Intuition is a great tool to use and you can normally tell if a business is legitimate. If you don’t trust yourself, take along a friend who is an auto enthusiast or works as a mechanic professionally, having a lot of experience with various types and brands of auto parts. They will have a better idea if the auto parts dealer is giving you a good product for a fair price.

It is a little more difficult to find out about the auto parts dealers that work exclusively over the internet. While most are legitimate, just like the local dealers, some can be scams trying to sell you inferior products that may not work. There are also some online store auto parts dealers who creatively enhance products with features they don’t have – meaning they lie! Most online stores have email or “ask a professional” services. Make sure to ask a lot of questions and get straight answers about any auto parts you plan to purchase online. If they vague with their answers or if they describe a product that seems too good to be true, they are not who you want to be buying from.

Respectable online auto parts dealers may be contacted via telephone and e-mail. Questions you have about the parts you plan to purchase can be asked prior to the purchase. Avoid the dealer if you receive an uncertain reply or if something is too good to be true.

One of the most tried and true ways of checking out any business, including auto parts dealers both local and online, is to check with the Better Business Bureau. To be safe, only buy from dealers who are registered with them and have a good overall rating. That way, if trouble arises, you can always file a complaint with an organization that can get you results and possibly your money back if you have a problem with your purchased auto parts.

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