5 Signs You're Overpaying for Car Services

5 Signs You're Overpaying for Car Services

Recognizing the Various Types of Car Services for Electric Autos


Choosing the best car service for an electrical automobile (EV) is a necessary facet of keeping the cars health and efficiency. How to Choose the Right Car Service in the Era of Electric Vehicles . As the auto industry shifts in the direction of electrification, car owners must comprehend the various kinds of car services that are one-of-a-kind to EVs. Unlike typical internal burning engine (ICE) automobiles, electrical automobiles have different upkeep requirements and solution needs.


To start with, electric automobiles have fewer relocating parts than their ICE equivalents, which implies the routine upkeep for points like oil adjustments, spark plug replacements, and exhaust system repair services are no more relevant. Nonetheless, this does not indicate EVs are maintenance-free. They call for customized like guarantee their complex electric systems and battery packs are functioning correctly.


One of the key services for an EV is battery assessment and maintenance. The battery is the heart of an electrical car, keeping the electrical energy called for to power the motor. With time, batteries can break down and their capability can reduce. Normal check-ups can keep track of the wellness of the battery, searching for signs of wear and making sure the cooling systems that keep the battery at an optimum temperature level are functioning properly. Some service providers also use battery conditioning services to assist make best use of the battery life.


One more important service is the electric system exam. This consists of the motor, the inverter, the onboard charger, and various other high-voltage components. Service technicians make use of specialized analysis tools to ensure these components are running successfully. Any issues with the electrical system can bring about reduced performance or potential safety threats.


Brake service is also various for EVs. Lots of electrical vehicles use regenerative braking systems that aid reenergize the battery while slowing down. Although this decreases the wear on the physical brake components, it is still critical to have the brakes inspected consistently for indications of wear and to ensure the regenerative stopping system is operating correctly.


Tire maintenance is one more location that remains important for EVs. Because of the instantaneous torque supplied by electric motors, EVs can trigger extra rapid tire wear. Routine turning, balancing, and placement services assist expand the life of the tires and preserve the vehicles performance.


Furthermore, software program updates are an unique element of electrical vehicle maintenance. Manufacturers regularly release updates that can enhance lorry performance, variety, and also add brand-new functions. These updates can commonly be finished from another location or may call for a solution facility visit.


When picking a car provider for an electrical automobile, its vital to choose a center that has accredited service technicians trained to deal with EVs. They must have the proper devices and analysis devices to solution high-voltage

Reviewing Technician Knowledge and Qualification in EV Maintenance


In the quickly developing automotive landscape, the shift from standard internal combustion engines to electrical cars (EVs) is becoming extra famous, requiring a brand-new approach to car solution and maintenance. With this technical change, it is important for car proprietors to recognize the significance of evaluating specialist knowledge and qualification in EV maintenance to ensure their cars obtain the very best feasible treatment. This essay looks into the elements to take into consideration when selecting the right car service for electrical automobiles.


To start with, the nature of EVs is fundamentally various from that of traditional vehicles. Electric vehicles rely upon high voltage battery systems, electrical motors, and advanced electronic control units, all of which call for specialized understanding and tools to solution and fixing. It is important to choose service facilities that have service technicians with particular training in electrical automobile technology. These specialists are more likely to be accustomed to the latest EV designs, their unique elements, and the security treatments called for to deal with them.


Certification plays a key function in confirming a specialists proficiency. Organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Solution Quality (ASE) offer qualifications for service technicians that have demonstrated proficiency in electrical lorry upkeep. When a technician is ASE-certified, it implies they have passed extensive testing and have a degree of experience that meets industry criteria. Accreditations can frequently be specialized even more to cover locations such as battery systems, electric motor upkeep, and digital control diagnostics.


An additional aspect to take into consideration is the solution focuses tools and analysis tools. EVs need certain equipment for jobs such as battery administration, software application updates, and system diagnostics. A service facility that invests in the most up to date modern technology is likely to give a greater criterion of service for electrical lorry owners. It additionally suggests that the solution facility is committed to staying abreast of improvements in EV innovation.


Furthermore, it is essential to examine the solution focuses experience with your particular make and design of EV. Some facilities might concentrate on certain brand names or have straight assistance from EV manufacturers. Such associations can ensure that professionals get ongoing training and have accessibility to exclusive analysis devices and replacement components specific to your automobile.


In the age of electrical cars, transparency and customer care likewise play a substantial function in choosing the ideal car solution. Specialist service facilities need to be clear regarding their service technicians credentials, the range of services provided, and the pricing for maintenance and repairs. They should want to address any type of concerns concerning the care of your EV and provide suggestions on exactly how to keep it in between solution brows through.


Finally, electrical vehicles represent a new chapter in automobile technology, demanding

Considering Schedule of Specialized Tools and Tools for EVs


Selecting the Right Car Solution in the Era of Electric Automobiles: Taking Into Consideration Availability of Specialized Tools and Equipment for EVs


The development of the auto market toward electrical lorries (EVs) has actually introduced a brand-new set of factors to consider for car proprietors when choosing the ideal company. Unlike their interior combustion engine counterparts, EVs possess special attributes and components that require specialized devices and devices for repair and maintenance. As a car owner in the period of electric lorries, comprehending the relevance of these specialized sources is critical in guaranteeing your EV receives the best care possible.


Electric cars are furnished with high-voltage battery systems, electric motors, and complex electronic control devices-- every one of which need a various strategy contrasted to standard lorries. To effectively service an EV, a workshop should invest in the latest technological tools and diagnostic devices that are developed especially for electrical car systems. This includes high-voltage handwear covers, shielded tools, progressed battery servicing units, electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), and software application for identifying and updating automobile firmware.


When picking a car company, its vital to determine whether they have the required equipment to securely and successfully solution your EV. A clear sign of a certified service provider is their commitment to recurring training and qualification of their technicians. Professionals knowledgeable in EV modern technology will recognize with the ins and outs of electrical powertrains and battery management systems, therefore making certain that your lorry is in qualified hands.


Additionally, the accessibility of specialized devices and devices not just makes certain the security of the service specialists yet also shields the honesty of your automobile. Inappropriate handling of EV elements can bring about harm, reduced effectiveness, or perhaps position safety and security risks. For example, the high-voltage battery needs precise handling and customized devices to keep its optimum performance and life-span. As a result, choosing a company with the right devices is not nearly the top quality of service, however likewise about the longevity and safety of your lorry.


One more facet to think about is the schedule of genuine or OEM (Original Devices Supplier) parts. EV-specific elements, such as regenerative braking systems and electrical motor parts, might not be readily available in all service facilities. Ensuring that the company uses high-quality, compatible components for repair services or replacements is paramount to maintaining the efficiency and service warranty of your electric automobile.


To conclude, the rise of electric cars requires a change in how car owners pick their provider. It is vital to select a car service that is not only knowledgeable about EV technology yet is also furnished with the specialized tools and devices essential for the complex jobs

Examining Guarantee and Insurance Plan for Electric Lorry Maintenance


Analyzing Guarantee and Insurance Coverage for Electric Car Servicing


The dawn of the electric car (EV) age has brought with it a paradigm change not just in just how we drive, but also in how we keep and service our lorries. The elaborate dance of pistons and spark plugs has given way to the silent hum of electrical motors and the labyrinthine intricacy of battery administration systems. This change necessitates a new strategy to picking the appropriate car service, specifically in reviewing warranty and insurance plan for EV servicing.


Warranties for electrical automobiles are markedly various from those of standard combustion engine vehicles. The battery pack, the heart of an EV, typically includes its very own guarantee, separate from the remainder of the vehicle. This is since the battery is both one of the most costly element and the one with a limited life span. When assessing an EVs warranty, it is crucial to comprehend the conditions that apply especially to the battery - its capacity retention guarantees, the duration of coverage, and what actions might void the guarantee.


Beyond the battery, electric cars featured their unique collection of elements such as electrical motor(s), onboard charger, and power electronics, which all drop under the vehicles guarantee. Nonetheless, the damage of these parts differ considerably from those of inner burning engine lorries. As an example, EVs have fewer moving components but might have extra complicated electronic devices, which can be pricey to repair or replace if not under guarantee.


Insurance coverage for electric lorries likewise feature their very own collection of factors to consider. While EVs may be much less susceptible to particular sorts of mechanical failures, they can be extra costly to fix after an accident due to the price of their components, particularly the battery. In addition, the danger of battery damage can extend beyond collisions to consist of elements such as thermal events and even direct exposure to submersion in water. It is important to make sure that your insurance plan covers these one-of-a-kind risks which the coverage restrictions are adequate to make up the potentially greater costs of repair work or replacement.


Additionally, when choosing a car service for an electric car, it is essential to search for solution facilities that concentrate on EVs or are certified by the producer. The specialized expertise and equipment required to detect and service an EV are substantially different from those required for conventional cars, and utilizing a service center that lacks this proficiency can lead to improper servicing, which might void warranties or insurance policy claims.


In conclusion, selecting the ideal car solution in the age of electric cars needs a much more nuanced method to warranties and insurance coverage

 

Clayton
MelbourneVictoria
Clayton Road Shopping Precinct
Clayton is located in Melbourne
Clayton
Clayton
Location in metropolitan Melbourne
Map
Coordinates 37°54′54″S 145°07′48″E / 37.915°S 145.130°E / -37.915; 145.130
Population 18,988 (2021 census)[1]
 • Density 2,466/km2 (6,390/sq mi)
Postcode(s) 3168[2]
Area 7.7 km2 (3.0 sq mi)
Location 19 km (12 mi) from Melbourne
LGA(s) City of Monash
State electorate(s)
Federal division(s) Hotham
Suburbs around Clayton:
Oakleigh East Mount Waverley Notting Hill
Oakleigh South Clayton Mulgrave
Clarinda Clayton South Springvale
 

Clayton is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 19 km south-east of Melbourne's Central Business District,[2] located within the City of Monash local government area. Clayton recorded a population of 18,988 at the 2021 census.[1]

Overview

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The main focus for the suburb of Clayton is the shopping strip that runs along Clayton Road. The local railway station, situated at the northern end of the shopping strip bears the name Clayton railway station.

Demographics

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In the 2021 census, there were 18,988 people in Clayton,[1] down from 19,358 in 2016.[3] The population is younger and more male-skewed than the average for the state; the median age is 28 compared to 38 for Victoria, while men and women make up 53.7% and 46.3% of the population respectively, compared to 49.2% and 50.8% for Victoria. The age curve is skewed, with 20-24 year olds and 25-29 year olds each making up approximately one-fifth of the population; for the state as a whole, 6.3% and 7.3% of the population are aged 20-24 and 25-29 respectively.[1]

At the time the census was taken, 27.2% of the population reported being born in Australia, compared to 65% of the Victorian population and 66.9% of the Australian population. 16.4% reported their country of birth as India, while 14.7% reported it as mainland China.[1] In the 2016 census, 24.7% of Clayton reported being born in Australia, while 27.4% reported being born in China and 10% in India.[3] Clayton was at the time one of only two areas in Greater Melbourne where Australia was not the most common place of birth, with the Melbourne central business district being the other.[4] 32.2% of the population in the 2021 census reported their ethnicity as Chinese, while 9.3% reported it as Indian, 8.6% as English, 7% as Australian, and 4.5% as Greek. Clayton's Chinese, Indian, and Greek populations are higher than the Victorian and Australian average (4.7%, 2.7%, 2.2% for Victoria; 3.9%, 2%, 1.3% for Australia), while its Anglo-Celtic Australian population is lower.[1] A larger share of the population of Clayton than of the state or country report speaking a non-English language at home. 25.2% in 2016 and 28.3% in 2021 reported English as the only language they spoke at home. In both years, the main non-English language spoken was Mandarin; other prominent languages in 2021 were Greek, Hindi, Gujarati, and Cantonese.[1][3]

Large shares of the Clayton population report being higher education students: 71.7% in 2016 and 54.4% in 2021. Amongst the suburb's population as a whole, 34% in 2016 and 42.3% in 2021 reported having a bachelor's degree or higher. The proportion holding such a degree for Victoria as a whole in those years was 24.3% and 29.2% respectively.[1][3] A larger share of Clayton residents reported being employed as "professionals" than the general Australian population (28.3% vs 24%), but fewer reported being "managers" (6.4% vs 13.7%). The median weekly incomes for individuals and households were AU$594 and AU$1,494 respectively, compared to AU$803 and AU$1,759 for Victoria.[1]

39.4% of Clayton residents in 2021 reported having no religious affiliation, and another 8.9% did not answer the question. Hinduism and Buddhism were more common compared to the general population; 7.3% and 6.7% of Clayton residents reported being Hindu or Buddhist respectively, compared to 2.3% and 3.1% of Victorians, and 1.9% and 2.4% of Australians. 13.9% reported being Catholic, compared to 23.2% of Victorians.[1]

History

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The area was first occupied for farming in the 1850s and was originally named after a property, "Clayton Vale", owned by lawyer John Hughes Clayton in the 1860s. A township was originally gazetted on Dandenong Road and in 1862 a primary school was opened at the corner of Dandenong Road and Clayton Road, to serve the whole of the Clayton district. This school changed its name to Clayton North Primary School in 1954.

The construction of the railway to Dandenong and Gippsland about 1 km south of Dandenong Road in 1878 prompted the start of a second township where the line crossed Clayton Road.

The Post Office opened on 18 November 1887 as Clayton's Road Railway Station and was renamed Clayton in 1891.[5]

Clayton's rural lands and relative proximity to Melbourne attracted two institutions at the turn of the century: the Talbot Colony for Epileptics on land later occupied by Monash University, and a Women's Convalescent Home. Apart from that, in 1900 the community consisted of farms, three hotels, two churches, a tennis court and a few shops. Market gardens, fruit growing and a municipal abattoir were the leading industries.

The 1960s saw the rapid disappearance of market gardens as urbanisation and industry advanced. At the western edge of Clayton the Oakleigh High School had been opened in 1955 and a second primary school was opened next year at Clayton South. Clayton East Post Office opened in 1958 (and closed 1979).[5]

Melbourne's second metropolitan university, Monash, was opened at Clayton in 1961. Monash is now Australia's largest university. Primary schools at Westall and Clayton West opened in 1961 and 1962, and high schools at Westall and Monash (Clayton North) in 1963 and 1965. In the early sixties Clayton Technical School was opened (Mr Warby inaugural Principal) at the northern end of Browns Rd Clayton, and had pupils attend from wide and far. It had a Science wing and Woodwork and Metalwork workshops, as well as providing studies of the main matric curriculum, however, it was only up to 5th form (year 11). To complete Matric students mainly transferred to the Oakleigh High School for the last year of studies. At its peak attendance would have been over 1000 male pupils. It was closed sometime in the 1980s. The only piece of land left from where the school once stood, is now titled Fregon reserve. In 1971 the Catholic bishops of Victoria and Tasmania purchased land adjacent to Monash University to house their seminary, Corpus Christi College. The seminary was moved to Carlton in 1999, and the site now serves as a conference centre.

Numerous factories, including Volkswagen (later became the Datsun/Nissan plant), Wilke Printing, Robert Bosch GmbH and Repco were opened after the Second World War. Clayton South and Westall are closer to the sandbelt areas, with the Spring Valley Golf Club, The Grange Reserve and Heatherton Park. Sanitary landfill sites occupy former sand quarries.

While the local community was formerly a part of the now defunct City of Oakleigh local council, in 1995 the municipality became the south-western corner for the City of Monash.

Public Library and Clayton Community Centre

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A large new building at the corner of Cooke Street and Centre Road was opened in April 2008. It houses the Clayton branch of the [1] Monash Public Library Service, a swimming pool, gym, counselling services, health and child care services, theatre and meeting rooms.

Science, technology and research

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Clayton is one of the largest centres of science, technology and research in Australia. It is located in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs, which contains the highest density of high technology industries in Victoria.

Some of the science and technology institutions located in Clayton include:

Business

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Clayton is also a hub for both local and international businesses, with a long history of local manufacturing.

Some of the current and former manufacturers located in Clayton include:

Schools

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Sport

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The suburb is home to Clayton Football Club, currently competing in the Southern Football League and located at Meade Reserve, Haughton Rd, Clayton. The club was formed in 1908 and after commencing at a ground on the corner of Crawford Rd & Centre Rd, Clarinda, moved to its current ground in 1919.[8] Clayton District Cricket Club also plays at Meade Reserve, Haughton Rd, Clayton. The club was founded as 'Clayton Vale Cricket Club' in 1924 with its original ground in Wordsworth Ave, Westall. The Club moved to Namatjira Park, Springs Rd, Clayton South in 1953 before settling at Meade Reserve in 1977.

The suburb is home to Waverley Wanderers Soccer Club of Football Federation Victoria and also Waverley Oakleigh Panthers of Victoria Rugby League.

The suburb is home to Clayton Bowls Club, located in Springs Rd, Clayton South.

Places of worship

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  • Regeneration Church Monash[9]
  • St. Andrews Presbyterian Church[10]
  • Clayton Church of Christ[11]
  • All Saints Anglican Church[12]
  • St. Peters Catholic Church[13]
  • Clayton Christadelphians[14]
  • Monash Mosque[15]

See also

[edit]
[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Clayton (Suburbs and Localities)". 2021 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 14 July 2022. Edit this at Wikidata
  2. ^ a b Clayton Postcode Australia Post
  3. ^ a b c d Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Clayton (State Suburb)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 1 December 2017. Edit this at Wikidata
  4. ^ Butt, Craig; Boronovskis, Jack (24 August 2017). "This map shows where migrants from around the world have settled in Melbourne". The Age. Retrieved 16 September 2023.
  5. ^ a b Phoenix Auctions History, Post Office List, retrieved 1 April 2021
  6. ^ Nano centre to create innovation hub at Clayton- (Monash Memo, 16 April 2008) Archived 26 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ "Home". jmss.vic.edu.au.
  8. ^ Full Point Footy, Clayton, archived from the original on 12 June 2010, retrieved 21 October 2008
  9. ^ "Regeneration Church Monash". regeneration.org.au.
  10. ^ "St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Clayton". standrewsclayton.org.au.
  11. ^ "Home". claytonchurch.org.au.
  12. ^ "All Saints Clayton". All Saints Clayton.
  13. ^ "Clayton Parish Mass Times :: St Peter's , Mannix College - Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne (Australia) - Infobyte Software Solutions". cam.org.au.
  14. ^ "Clayton Christadelphians". Clayton Christadelphians.
  15. ^ "Islamic Association of Monash Mosque Inc. - Home". monashmosque.org.au.
[edit]

 

A motor vehicle service or tune-up is a series of maintenance procedures carried out at a set time interval or after the vehicle has traveled a certain distance. The service intervals are specified by the vehicle manufacturer in a service schedule and some modern cars display the due date for the next service electronically on the instrument panel. A tune-up should not be confused with engine tuning, which is the modifying of an engine to perform better than the original specification, rather than using maintenance to keep the engine running as it should.

Common tasks involved in maintaining a vehicle

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  • Inspection - vehicle components are visually inspected for wear or any leaks. A diagnostic is performed to identify any electrical components reporting a failure or a part operating outside of normal conditions.
  • Replacement - Given certain lubricants break down over time due to heat and wear, manufacturers recommend replacement. Any parts that are close to their expected failure are replaced too to avoid a failure while operating the vehicle.
  • Adjustments - as vehicle components wear, they may need adjustment over time. Example: parking brake cable.

The completed services are usually recorded in a service book or digital service record upon completion of each service. A digital service record is an online record of a vehicle's maintenance history.[1] A complete service history usually adds to the resale value of a vehicle.

Difference between major and full service: a major service is more comprehensive than a full service; although it covers all the same checks that a full service does, a major service will be more detailed and will include more replacements of wearable parts, such as pollen filters, and changing brake fluid if required.

As a guideline, minor car services are carried out every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres (6,200 to 9,300 miles), and major car services every 30,000 to 45,000 kilometres (19,000 to 28,000 miles) – or every twelve months, whichever comes first.

Mechanic and customer

Scheduling

[edit]

The actual schedule of car maintenance varies depending on the year, make, and model of a car, its driving conditions, and driver behavior. Carmakers recommend the so-called extreme or the ideal service schedule based on impact parameters such as

  • the number of trips and distance traveled per trip per day
  • extreme hot or cold climate conditions
  • mountainous, dusty, or DE-iced roads
  • heavy stop-and-go vs. long-distance cruising
  • towing a trailer or other heavy load

Service advisers in dealerships and independent shops recommend schedule intervals, which are often in between the ideal or extreme service schedule.

In addition, drivers may be penalized for not regularly servicing their cars. For example, in many states in the U.S., a car has to pass a safety inspection test every year or two years to remain legal, and can incur fines for continuing to drive cars that have failed.[2]

Common maintenance

[edit]

Maintenance tasks commonly carried out during a motor vehicle service include:

  • Change the engine oil[3]
  • Replace the oil filter
  • Replace the air filter
  • Replace the fuel filter
  • Replace the cabin or a/c filter
  • Replace the spark plugs
  • Check level and refill brake fluid/clutch fluid
  • Check Brake pads/Liners, Brake discs/Drums, and replace if worn out
  • Check level and refill windshield washer fluid
  • Check Coolant Hoses
  • Check the charging systems
  • Check the battery
  • Check level and refill power steering fluid
  • Check level and refill Automatic/Manual Transmission Fluid
  • Check suspension components shocks/struts etc.
  • Check steering components inner/outer tie rods
  • Grease and lubricate components
  • Inspect and replace the timing belt or timing chain if needed
  • Check condition of the tires
  • Rotate Tires
  • Check for proper operation of all lights, wipers, etc.
  • Check for any error codes in the ECU and take corrective action.
  • Use a scan tool to read trouble code.

Mechanical parts that may cause the car to cease transmission or prove unsafe for the road are also noted and advised upon.

In the United Kingdom, few parts that are not inspected on the MOT test are inspected and advised upon a Service Inspection, including clutch, gearbox, car battery, and engine components (further inspections than MOT).

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Motorpoint Ltd., What Is A Car’s Digital Service Record?, accessed 10 April 2024
  2. ^ Potoski, Luke (2013-11-22). "About New York State Inspections". New York DMV. Retrieved 2023-04-13.
  3. ^ Hillier & Coombes 2004, p. 234.

Sources

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[edit]

 

Auto mechanic
An auto mechanic working on a rally car.
Occupation
Names Auto mechanic
Occupation type
Skilled trades
Activity sectors
Automobile
Description
Education required
Apprenticeship, in addition to training once hired; some mechanics may take vocational or community college courses in certain areas such as heating and air conditioning, engine and transmission maintenance, and collision repair; further education and training could lead to becoming a supervisor or manager, or with a baccalaureate or graduate degree, an automotive engineer or design specialist.
Related jobs
Motorcycle mechanic, Diesel mechanic
A mobile auto mechanic in Iran
An auto mechanic at a garage in Kenya.

An auto mechanic[1] is a mechanic who services and repairs automobiles, sometimes specializing in one or more automobile brands or sometimes working with any brand. In fixing cars, their main role is to diagnose and repair the problem accurately.[1] Seasoned auto repair shops start with a (Digital) Inspection to determine the vehicle conditions, independent of the customers concern. Based on the concern, the inspection results and preventative maintenance needs, the mechanic/technician returns the findings to the service advisor who then gets approval for any or all of the proposed work. The approved work will be assigned to the mechanic on a work order. Their work may involve the repair of a specific part or the replacement of one or more parts as assemblies. Basic vehicle maintenance is a fundamental part of a mechanic's work in modern industrialized countries, while in others they are only consulted when a vehicle is already showing signs of malfunction.

Education

[edit]

Automotive repair knowledge can be derived from on-the-job training, an apprenticeship program, vocational school or college.

Apprenticeship

[edit]

Apprentice mechanics work under master mechanics for a specified number of years before they work on their own. Some areas have formal apprenticeship programs, however many automotive repair shops utilize an informal apprenticeship system within their facilities. A master mechanic is often encouraged to train an apprentice by earning additional wages from the work produced by the apprentice.[2]

Secondary education

[edit]

In the United States, many programs and schools offer training for those interested in pursuing competencies as automotive mechanics or technicians. Areas of training include automobile repair and maintenance, collision repair, painting and restoring, electronics, air-conditioning and heating systems, and truck and diesel mechanics. The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) is responsible for evaluating training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry. NATEF accredits programs in four different categories: automotive, collision, trucks (diesel technology) and alternative fuels. Diesel mechanics have developed into a trade somewhat distinctive from gasoline-engine mechanics. NATEF lists secondary and post secondary schools with accredited programs on their website.

Skill level and certifications

[edit]

It is common for automotive repair companies to assign skill levels to their employed professionals so that each repair can be appropriately matched to a qualified professional. Some use an alphabetical ranking system whereby an upper-level is referred to as an "A tech" and a lower-level as a "C tech." Diagnosis and drivability concerns tend to be upper-level jobs while maintenance and component replacement are lower-level jobs. A professional's skill level is usually determined by years of experience and certifications:

OEM

[edit]

A vehicle's Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) often provides and requires additional training as part of the dealership franchise agreement. In doing so, professionals become specialized and certified for that particular vehicle make.[2] Some vocational schools or colleges offer manufacturer training programs with certain vehicle brands including BMW, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Mopar, Porsche, Toyota and Volvo which can provide a professional with OEM training before entering the dealership environment. These types of programs may be paid for by a student with no obligation, or by the manufacturer with a contract that requires a professional to work for the OEM for a designated amount of time upon graduating.[3] An OEM usually has multiple professional skill levels that can be achieved, but the Master status is typically one of them.

EPA

[edit]

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires any person who repairs or services a motor vehicle air conditioning system for payment or bartering to be properly trained and certified under section 609 of the Clear Air Act. To be certified, professionals must be trained by an EPA-approved program and pass a test demonstrating their knowledge in these areas. This certification does not expire.[4]

Types and specialties

[edit]

Auto body

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An auto body technician repairs the exterior of a vehicle, primarily bodywork and paintwork. This includes repairing minor damages such as scratches, scuffs and dents, as well as major damage caused by vehicle collisions.[2] Some specialized auto body technicians may also offer paintless dent repair, glass replacement and chassis straightening.

Auto glass

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An auto glass repairs chips, cracks and shattered glass in windshields, quarter glass, side windows and rear glass. Glass damage is often caused by hail, stones, wild animals, fallen trees, automobile theft and vandalism. Depending on the type and severity of the damage, an auto glass may either repair or replace the affected glass.

Diesel

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A diesel mechanic repairs diesel engines, often found in trucks and heavy equipment.[5]

Exhaust specialist

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An exhaust system specialist performs repairs to the engine exhaust system. These mechanics utilize large tubing benders and welders to fabricate a new exhaust system out of otherwise straight lengths of pipe.[2]

Fleet

[edit]

A fleet mechanic maintains a particular group of vehicles called a fleet. Common examples of a fleet include taxi cabs, police cars, mail trucks and rental vehicles. Similar to a lubrication professional, a fleet mechanic focuses primarily on preventative maintenance and safety inspections, and will often outsource larger or more complex repairs to another repair facility.[2]

General repair

[edit]

A general repair professional diagnoses and repairs electrical and mechanical vehicle systems including (but not limited to) brakes, driveline, starting, charging, lighting, engine, HVAC, supplemental restraints, suspension and transmission systems. Some general repair professionals are only capable or certified for select systems, while master professionals (generally speaking) are capable or certified across all vehicle systems.

Heavy line

[edit]

A heavy line mechanic performs major mechanical repairs such as engine or transmission replacement. Some heavy line mechanics also perform overhaul procedures for these components.

Lubrication

[edit]

A lubrication professional, often shortened to lube tech, is an entry-level position that focuses on basic preventive maintenance services rather than repairs. The tasks that can be performed are typically limited to automotive fluid, filter, belt, hose replacement and often times tire maintenance.[2] Lube techs are employed by nearly every type of automotive repair shop, however, they are most prevalent in quick lube or express service shops because they lower business overhead resulting in a less expensive service as compared to traditional automotive workshops.[6]

Mobile

[edit]

A mobile professional performs most of the same repairs as a general repair professional, except does so at the customer's location rather than inside a brick and mortar facility.[citation needed]

Pit crew

[edit]

A pit crew mechanic performs an assigned maintenance or repair task to a racecar during a pit stop along a racetrack. Pit crew jobs include raising and lowering the vehicle with a jack, filling the car with gasoline, changing the tires, and cleaning the windshield.[7] Although these are basic tasks, they must be performed in an extremely quick and accurate fashion.

Challenges

[edit]

Physical

[edit]

The auto mechanic has a physically demanding job, often exposed to loud noises,[8] equipment, slippery surfaces, vehicle parts, tools, falling objects, fires, explosions, and more.[9] Musculoskeletal disorders are common for mechanics[10] because of the manual handling[11] and awkward positions required for the occupation. Cuts and piercings are the most frequent injury types and the upper body and hand are the most common body regions for discomfort.[12] Government organizations have developed industry standards to reduce mechanics’ risk of physical hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's general standards address the physical hazards that may appear in workplace settings and how to avoid them properly.[13] The United Kingdom’s Health and Safety Executive has also published a detailed book for health and safety in motor vehicle repair.[14] These resources emphasize the importance of PPE (personal protective equipment), manual handling devices, and a clean workplace for reducing the risk of physical harm.

Chemical

[edit]

Auto mechanics may also deal with exposure to toxic chemicals and materials. Common chemical and material exposures for auto mechanics can include engine exhaust, solvents, dust as a result of sanding or abrasive blasting, spray from paints, cleaning products, and asbestos from brake and clutch repair.[15] As a result of these exposures, auto mechanics can face increased risks for developing mesothelioma, bladder, digestive, lung, and pancreatic cancers, as well as heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders.[16] There are a number of methods for reducing the exposure of auto mechanics to these harmful chemicals and materials. Proper knowledge and use of PPE can reduce exposure, and it is critical that auto mechanics receive workplace training that emphasizes the importance of PPE.[17] Workplaces with auto mechanics should also create a hazard communication program in order to protect their employees from chemical exposures. Additionally, auto mechanic workplaces should have regular testing done in order to ensure that there is both proper ventilation and that air contaminant levels are safe and conducive to reducing overall worker exposure.[18] Respirators can be utilized to reduce exposure from paint spray, and high volume low pressure paint guns should be used in conjunction with downdraft ventilation. This is critical, as paint exposure can lead to nervous disorders, skin and eye irritation, asthma, and a reduction in lung function.[19] Similarly, exposure to dust from sanding can be effectively reduced by the use of ventilated sanders, which reduce the concentration of dust produced from sanding.[20]

Technological

[edit]

With the rapid advancement in technology, the mechanic's job has evolved from purely mechanical, to include electronic technology. Because vehicles today possess complex computer and electronic systems, mechanics need to have a broader base of knowledge than in the past and must be prepared to learn these new technologies and systems.

Financial

[edit]

Automotive professionals utilize many tools, equipment and reference material to perform their duties. While equipment and reference materials are typically provided by the employer, all other tools are purchased, owned, and provided by the professional.

Resources

[edit]

Scan tool

[edit]

Due to the increasingly labyrinthine nature of the technology that is now incorporated into automobiles, most automobile dealerships and independent workshops now provide sophisticated diagnostic computers to each professional, without which they would be unable to diagnose or repair a vehicle.

Reference material

[edit]

The internet is being applied to the field increasingly often, with mechanics providing advice on-line. Mechanics themselves now regularly use the internet for information to help them in diagnosing and/or repairing vehicles. Paper based service manuals for vehicles have become significantly less prevalent with computers that are connected to the Internet taking their position, giving quick access to a plethora of technical manuals and information.

Online scheduling

[edit]

Online appointment platforms have surged allowing customers to schedule vehicle repairs by making appointments. A newer method of mobile mechanic services has emerged where the online appointment made by a person seeking repairs turns into a dispatch call and the mechanics travel to the customers location to perform the services.[21]

[edit]

A mechanic usually works from the workshop in which the (well equipped) mechanic has access to a vehicle lift to access areas that are difficult to reach when the car is on the ground. Beside the workshop bound mechanic, there are mobile mechanics like those of the UK Automobile Association (the AA) which allow the car owner to receive assistance without the car necessarily having to be brought to a garage.[22]

A mechanic may opt to engage in other careers related to his or her field. Teaching of automotive trade courses, for example, is almost entirely carried out by qualified mechanics in many countries.

There are several other trade qualifications for working on motor vehicles, including panel beater, spray painter, body builder and motorcycle mechanic. In most developed countries, these are separate trade courses, but a qualified tradesperson from one sphere can change to working as another. This usually requires that they work under another tradesperson in much the same way as an apprentice.

Auto body repair involves less work with oily and greasy parts of vehicles, but involves exposure to particulate dust from sanding bodywork and potentially toxic chemical fumes from paint and related products. Salespeople and dealers often also need to acquire an in-depth knowledge of cars, and some mechanics are successful in these roles because of their knowledge. Auto mechanics also need to stay updated with all the leading car companies as well as newly launched cars. Mechanics have to study continuously on new technology engines and their work systems.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Conner, Michael; Thoman, LeRoy (1975). An analysis of the auto mechanic occupation (PDF) (Report). Ohio State University / Ohio State Department of Education. ERIC ED107949.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Gilles, Tim (2004). Automotive Service: Inspection, Maintenance, Repair (Custom ed.). United States of America: Delmar Learning. pp. 16–23. ISBN 1-40181-234-1.
  3. ^ "A Complete Guide to UTI's MSAT Programs". www.uti.edu. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  4. ^ US EPA, OAR (2015-08-08). "Section 609 Technician Training and Certification Programs". www.epa.gov. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  5. ^ "Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics". bls.gov. United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
  6. ^ Witt, Pharaba. "Cheapest Places to Get Oil Changes". It Still Runs.
  7. ^ "NASCAR Pit Crew Person Salary and Career Advice". Chegg Careermatch. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  8. ^ Bejan, Anca; Brosseau, Lisa M.; Parker, David L. (2011). "Exposure assessment in auto collision repair shops". Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. 8 (7): 401–408. doi:10.1080/15459624.2011.585117. ISSN 1545-9632. PMID 21660833.
  9. ^ "Automotive repair and maintenance Services – advancing priorities through research and partnerships" (PDF). CDC. June 6, 2014. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  10. ^ Tamene, Aiggan; Mulugeta, Hailemichael; Ashenafi, Tesfaye; Thygerson, Steven M. (2020-05-07). "Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors among Vehicle Repair Workers in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia". Journal of Environmental and Public Health. 2020: 1–11. doi:10.1155/2020/9472357. ISSN 1687-9805. PMC 7229541. PMID 32454844.
  11. ^ "Manual handling". www.hse.gov.uk. Retrieved 2024-11-17.
  12. ^ Smith, Sean (May 23, 2007). "Occupational Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities to Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, 2003 to 2005" (PDF). BLS. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  13. ^ "Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR)". OSHA. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  14. ^ Health and safety in motor vehicle repair and associated industries (1st ed.). HSE Books. December 1, 2009. ISBN 978-0717663088.
  15. ^ Industries, Washington State Department of Labor &. "Automotive Maintenance & Repair". Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
  16. ^ Hansen, Eva S. (1989). "Mortality of auto mechanics. A ten-year follow-up". Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health. 15 (1): 43–46. doi:10.5271/sjweh.1883. ISSN 0355-3140.
  17. ^ Khadka, Rabina; Pandey, Indira; Gautam, Laxmi (2021-04-03). "Occupational health hazards and use of personal protective equipment among auto mechanics in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Nepal". International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health. 11 (1): 16–24. doi:10.3126/ijosh.v11i1.33495. ISSN 2091-0878.
  18. ^ Industries, Washington State Department of Labor &. "Chemical Safety Basics". Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Retrieved 2024-11-23.
  19. ^ "NIOSH hazard controls HC2 - control of paint overspray in autobody repair shops". 2020-10-08. doi:10.26616/NIOSHPUB96106. cite journal: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  20. ^ "NIOSH hazard controls HC1 - Control of dusts from sanding in autobody repair shops". 2020-10-08. doi:10.26616/NIOSHPUB96105. cite journal: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  21. ^ Gallagher, Billy (2012-09-11). "YourMechanic, The "Uber Of Car Maintenance"". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  22. ^ www.theaa.com/about The AA. Retrieved 21 September 2015.

 

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