If you are interested in entering the field of automotive mechanic technology, you need to
make sure that you have the proper training and education. Science has introduced many
advances in all industries, and the automotive industry is no exception. Technology has far
advanced this field and has created a need for mechanics that are knowledgeable about the
changes. Growth in this field continues to grow as the need for more mechanics grows. Car
manufacturers are creating cars that are increasingly unfriendly to the do-it-yourselfer and
this trend will only create the need for even more mechanics in the future.
What Does ASE Mean?
ASE is an acronym that stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
It is a nonprofit organization that certifies mechanics with a series of tests so that the
consumer receives the best repair service. Even though it is not affiliated with the federal
government, it provides specific guidelines and training tracks that conform to the standard
that is set. Automotive shops that have ASE-certified mechanics will have the logo
displayed on the premises. Since a car has several systems, ASE provides several
certifications for each car system. If you need brake work done, you should look for a
mechanic who holds an ASE master certification in braking systems. It is possible to find
mechanics that can repair a car with the speed and accuracy to rival a master technician, but
certification will let you know that the work will be approached with professionalism and
proficiency.
Any Schooling Involved or Just Training?
Most jobs require at least a high school diploma, and the automotive industry is no
exception. If you do not have your diploma, you should pass the GED test before you enter
an ASE master certification program. There is no formal post-secondary education schedule,
but you would benefit greatly by taking a few basic courses in automotive technology at a
community college. You will be able to choose a specialization to focus your training on.
For instance, if you are interested in heating and cooling systems, you will be able to
become certified in the heating and cooling systems specialization modules of the training.
If you choose an area of specialization, you will need to be able to pass all of the tests that
accompany that area. It is important to note that you will be responsible for paying the
required fee associated with each test.
What about Certification?
To become an ASE master technician, you will need to be able to pass eight examinations.
Each exam covers a specific topic and you can take them in any order. The examinations
will cover engine repair, steering and suspension, brakes, manual transmissions, automatic
transmissions, electrical systems, heating and cooling systems, and engine performance. To
keep your certification, you will need to retake each exam every five years. It is important to
note that you will have to incur a fee for each test that you take for the initial certification
and your subsequent recertification tests. The recertification process is used to gauge your
learning process and to keep you abreast of current and emerging technology in the
automotive industry.
Most people do not think about their headlights until they notice that they are driving in the
dark without them or they notice that the beams of light are dim or distorted. Driving
without proper headlights can be very dangerous, especially when driving at night. Most law
enforcement officers will issue a citation if you are seen with inoperable headlamps. These
globes of light play a very important role in vehicle safety in general and in winter safety in
particular. Inspecting your headlights should be a part of your routine general car
maintenance. All of your hard work of faithfully doing fluid checks, winter safety
inspections, and tune-ups will be for naught if you are unable to drive because your lights
are dirty.
Cleanliness is Important
Headlights are covered by a thin plastic covering. Over time, that plastic can discolor and
turn milky and appear hazy. Road salt, blacktop, tar patches, and other chemicals in the
environment speeds up the discoloration. This discoloration and opaqueness of the film can
affect the quality of light. You will not have good visibility, as the light emanating from
behind milky plastic will appear distorted and dim. Not only does it affect your ability to see
others, it also affects your ability to be seen by others. The result could be a nasty accident.
The plastic is difficult to clean once it discolors, but you can purchase headlight-cleaning
kits that have special cleansers and polishers that will help to restore the brightness. You can
also hire a professional to clean them for you or have the entire headlight cover replaced.
Can Someone Else Do it For Me?
If you do not want to tackle this project, you can take your car to a professional. A
professional cleaning will give you the best possible result. You should look for an ASE
master technician who has certification in auto bodywork. They will have the knowledge
and experience needed and the appropriate equipment and materials they need. They will be
able to use stronger products on your headlights to renew the shine that you will not be able
to access. It is important to use a product that will remove the road salt and other chemicals
from the headlights as completely as possible. The salt will eat at the headlights and the
body of your car if you do not clean it off regularly.
What Else is there to Know?
Keeping your headlights clean will keep you safe on the road during the winter. You will
have greater visibility and your fellow road warriors will have better visibility of you,
especially in winter. The snow, ice, slush, and hail makes the roads slippery. The risk of
hydroplaning and reduced traction can spell disaster. Your clean headlights will produce
beams of light that will make it easier to see rough patches in the road, disabled cars in your
path, pedestrians, and other traveling hazards. They will also make you easier to be seen by
others so they can avoid a collision with you. If you are unable to get your headlights
cleaned, you may need to have a professional replace the headlight covers for you, which
could involve waiting on parts from the manufacturer and cost a lot of money.
