Consumer reports are known for giving the highest car ratings. However, it is difficult to trust the ratings system as almost every car gets a four or five-star rating. It's frustrating because it leaves car shoppers dissatisfied and frustrated. These are some important car ratings that you should keep in mind. Safety is the first. The other one is based on comfort. It is also difficult to understand the ratings of cars, as they use a different system from other reviews.
NHTSA
It is essential to understand the NHTSA ratings of cars when researching new cars. It rates vehicles on the basis of how safe they are in a crash. The agency rates cars from one star up to five stars and most receive at least three stars. A car with a 4-star rating is not always safer. In addition, it is important to note that the rating scale only compares cars with similar weights, so a 4-star vehicle will not necessarily be as safe as a full-size SUV.
The NHTSA uses a crash test that simulates an actual collision between a car and another object. This may seem like a great way to compare cars but it's not accurate. If a car is rated with four stars for head protection, and five stars for overall safety, it's more likely it will be safer than others. The NHTSA admits that this makes it difficult to compare the safety of a sedan with that of a coupe or SUV.
Euro NCAP
The most recognized safety performance measures for cars are the Euro NCAP ratings. They are performed by a voluntary organisation based in Leuven (Belgium). The program was established in 1996 and the first results were released in February 1997. Each vehicle is given a rating based on safety testing. This includes the overall score, safety features and driver's reaction times. The top ten Euro NCAP vehicles are listed below.
In addition to crash test results, the Euro NCAP safety rating also includes evaluation of the driver's assistance systems. Safety Backup and Assistance Competence are two of the areas that must be met by the system. The latter judged a safety tech's ability to avoid an accident and disengage in unsafe situations. Another important safety feature is adaptive cruise control. This feature automatically adjusts the car's speed in order to maintain a safe distance. Another test, steering support, judges whether a car's steering helps keep it in the middle of the lane.
IIHS
The IIHS (the third-party agency issuing safety ratings for cars) is the agency. It gives the top safety picks to each model year and market segment. It doesn't test every model every day, however. The institute partners with automakers to verify that each vehicle has a valid safety rating. The new guidelines will account for the latest road dangers. These ratings are determined by a combination o test indicators.
In January 1995, the Institute introduced a moderate overlap test, which differs from the government's New Car Assessment Program. This test exposes 40% of the front end of a vehicle to a collision at a rate of 40 mph or 64 km/h. In addition, the agency has begun to test other vehicles, such as minicars, small SUVs, and large pickup trucks. In 2017, the Institute introduced a small overlap on the passenger side.
FAQ
Does it really matter what college I choose?
Not really. There's no difference between colleges regarding getting into the automotive industry. You will find that some schools offer better programs than others. If you are looking for something more specific, consider going to another school.
Is it possible to work as an automotive mechanic?
It can be done. Many garages have vacancies that are advertised online. Many people apply because they think it will be fun. Applying for several positions and seeing if they accept student applications is a good way to get your foot into the door. Another option is to ask family members and friends if anyone works in this industry. They might be willing to recommend someone.
How long does it take you to become a great mechanic?
It takes years of practice and experience to become an expert mechanic. You can learn the most effective way to fix cars by learning from a professional mechanic.
You will spend time in a workshop learning everything you can about cars. Mechanical engineering books will be required to learn about mechanics and design.
Auto school is also required.
The most important thing to do is start early. To learn about automotive technology, don't wait to be older. If you want to qualify as a mechanic, get started now!
What kind of car mechanic jobs exists?
There are three main areas of employment for car mechanics:
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Automotive repair shops
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Dealerships
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Independent garages
Automotive repair shops
This is the place most people begin to consider becoming mechanics. It's the easiest way for most people to get started. Either you can work in a shop that is owned by another person or start your own business.
You will need to join a union if you want to work in a shop. Once you have been accepted into the Union, you'll be given training by the union.
You'll be ready for work once you have completed the training.
If you plan to open your own garage you will need to register with government. You'll need to meet certain standards after you register.
You will receive a license to run your garage once you have registered.
Your license will permit you to sell spares parts and perform minor repairs. It will not permit you to fix major engine issues.
You will be expected to sell spare parts and also offer guidance and advice to customers.
Dealership jobs
Most dealerships employ mechanics who can specialize in a particular area of the car. They may be trained to replace or repair tires, or they may specialize in brakes.
Some dealerships have the option to hire general mechanics who can take care of all aspects.
Many of these positions require that applicants undergo training before they are allowed to work. This allows employers to pick the right candidates for their jobs.
Some dealerships recruit students right out of school. These graduates already know the basics of mechanical engineering and therefore have no problem learning about cars.
Independent garages
Independent garages are not associated with any one dealership. Instead, they tend to focus on providing high-quality service.
Because independent garages aren't affiliated with any company, they can afford to pay higher wages. As a result, these jobs are generally better paid than those at dealerships.
However, independent garages may not be better places to work. Many business owners prefer to manage their own businesses rather than delegating responsibility to others.
It is possible to work long hours, but not have any control over the day.
Expect to earn lower salaries than if you were working in a dealership.
The good news? You can easily switch between different types of jobs. You can switch jobs easily if you are interested in working at a dealership. Simply ask your employer if they would be open to hiring you as a mechanic.
Alternativly, you can apply directly to the garage owner if you are interested in working at an independent garage.
Finding a new job is not always easy. There are many other factors that can influence your earnings.
You might also consider the vehicle type you repair, and whether extra labor is charged.
What is the best way to learn about car mechanics
To work as an auto technician, you don’t need to know much about cars. You only need to know how to fix them. This is why most people get started with simple jobs such as changing brake pads or tires. Then they move on to more difficult repairs.
You will need to understand written instructions, read diagrams and follow the basic rules of good practices. You will also need to understand how parts should be replaced or repaired.
It is important that you have proper training and guidance before you attempt to repair vehicles. This is especially true if your job involves expensive parts like transmissions or engines.
Although you won't be required to know much about cars you should have a solid understanding of the fundamentals and principles of mechanical engineering. This is how you understand the mechanisms behind engines and brakes.
It is important to realize that you must be ready for all types of situations. You might be required to work on a vehicle that was involved in an accident. Experience with accidents and breakdowns is also a must.
Finally, you need to be willing and able to quickly learn new skills. Not only will you need to be capable of diagnosing problems, but you also need to be able perform simple maintenance tasks like tightening nuts.
How long does an automotive course take?
A course in automotive lasts three years.
The first year focuses on theory and learning about cars. The second year is dedicated to practical training, where you will learn how to fix cars, drive them, and do other jobs around the car. The final year is spent doing a placement at a local garage, which gives you experience in fixing real-world problems.
Statistics
- 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)
- 52% of Mechanics in the United States think their salaries are enough for the cost of living in their area. (indeed.com)
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to decline by 4% from 2019 to 2029. (indeed.com)
External Links
How To
How to be an Automotive Technician
An automotive technician performs repairs and maintains vehicles. He/she can be found at auto shops, garages and service centers. Customers can rely on him/her to fix their cars, trucks and motorcycles. An automotive technician must know how to diagnose problems and perform repairs efficiently, safely, accurately, quickly, and correctly.
An associate degree should be obtained from a vocational school if you wish to work as an auto technician. 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 parts to the ASE certification exam. One section tests knowledge of mechanical components, while the other section tests skills in practical areas. You must attend one of the authorized testing sites to take the test. These testing sites can be found online and through your local dealer.
After passing the exam, a candidate must take a state exam before being licensed as an automobile technician. This process can vary depending on where the applicant lives. Some states require applicants to take a training course while others allow them the freedom to study on their own. 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.
A person must apply to an auto dealership in order to get started as an automobile technician. New employees are usually apprentices when they first get hired. Apprenticeship programs typically last three to four years. During this time, a student learns how to perform basic repairs, such as changing oil, adjusting brakes, replacing tires, cleaning spark plugs, inspecting engine compartments, and performing routine maintenance. Advanced repairs can be done by some students, including replacing shocks, installing air filters and repairing engines. Most schools offer classes during regular business hours. However, some schools offer evening classes if needed.
Once a student is done with his/her apprenticeship he/she can become a master journeyman. Journeymen usually spend four to five year learning how to install major systems like transmissions, differentials steering gear, suspensions, drive shafts, and steering gear. Journeymen also learn to fix complicated problems, such as rebuilding engines or troubleshooting electric components. Many employers prefer to hire Journeymen because they understand the job well.
A candidate who passes all the necessary exams and gets a license might be interested in opening his/her own business. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were nearly 1.7 million jobs available for automotive mechanics in 2010. This number is expected to increase by 18% between 2009 and 2020. When a candidate plans to open his/her own shop he/she should be ready to invest thousands of dollars in equipment.
The salary for an automotive technician depends on several factors, including the type of employer, location, education level, and experience. A jobless person can expect to make $20,000 per year. Someone who has only a highschool diploma could earn around 21,000 dollars 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. And those with master's degrees made around $32,000 per year. Salaries are increasing so that a professional earning less than $30,000 could expect to make $40,000 in a few years.