Consumer reports frequently have the best car ratings. However, it is difficult to trust the ratings system as almost every car gets a four or five-star rating. This can lead to many unhappy car shoppers. These are some important car ratings that you should keep in mind. The safety factor is the first. The second one is about comfort. Ratings for cars are confusing because they use a different system to evaluate them than other reviews.
NHTSA
It is crucial to learn about the NHTSA ratings when looking at new cars. Based on how safe they are in an accident, the agency assigns vehicles stars. The ratings range from one star to five, with the majority receiving at least three stars. But a rating of 4 stars does not automatically mean that a car is safer. Not to mention, the rating scale is only for cars with similar weights. A full-size SUV will be safer than a vehicle with a 4-star rating.
NHTSA uses a crash test to simulate an actual collision between cars and other objects. This may seem like a great way to compare cars but it's not accurate. It is possible that a car with four stars for head safety and five stars overall safety will be safer than the other cars. NHTSA admits it's difficult to compare the safety of a sedan and that of an SUV or coupe.
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 launched in 1996. It first published its results in February 1997. Each vehicle's safety rating is based on its overall score, safety features and driver reaction time. Here are the top ten Euro NCAP-rated vehicles.
The Euro NCAP safety rating includes not only crash test results but also evaluations of driver assistance systems. The system must be able to provide assistance and safety backup. This is a measure of a safety tech’s ability to prevent an accident from happening and disengage from unsafe situations. Another important safety feature to consider is adaptive cruise controller. This feature adjusts the car’s speed 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, a third-party agency that gives safety ratings to cars, is responsible for issuing them. It awards the top safety picks for each model year and segment of the market. It doesn't test every model every day, however. In order to ensure that all vehicles receive a satisfactory safety rating, the institute collaborates with automakers through a process called verification. The new guidelines will account for the latest road dangers. These ratings are determined by a combination o test indicators.
The Institute created a moderate overlap test in January 1995. It differs from government's New Car Assessment Program. This test exposes 40% if a vehicle's front ends to a collision with another vehicle at 40 mph or 64 km/h. Additionally, the agency began to test other vehicles like minicars, small SUVs, large pickup trucks, and others. In 2017, the Institute introduced a small overlap on the passenger side.
FAQ
What length of an automotive course is it?
An automotive course is three years long.
The first year is spent learning about cars and theory. Practical training is the second year. You will learn to drive, fix engines and perform other tasks around the car. The final year is spent doing a placement at a local garage, which gives you experience in fixing real-world problems.
What kind of car mechanic jobs exists?
Car mechanics can find work in three areas:
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Automotive repair shops
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Dealerships
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Independent garages
Automotive repair shops
This is where most people first think of becoming a mechanic. In fact, it's probably the easiest way to get started. You can either work in a shop run by someone else, or start your 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.
After completing the training, you'll be ready to start work.
Register with the government if you want to open your garage. After registering, you'll be required to meet certain standards.
After you register, you will be granted a license for your garage to operate.
Your license will permit you to sell spares parts and perform minor repairs. It will not allow you to repair major engine problems.
As well as selling spare parts you will need to offer advice and direction to customers.
Dealership jobs
Most dealerships employ mechanics that specialize in one aspect of the vehicle. They may be trained to replace or repair tires, or they may specialize in brakes.
Some dealerships hire general mechanics to handle all aspects of car repair.
These positions often require applicants that they undergo special training before being allowed work. This means employers can choose which candidates are best suited for their role.
Some dealerships will even hire graduates right out of university. These graduates already have a basic understanding of mechanical engineering, so they are able to learn all about cars.
Independent garages
Independent garages don't belong to any particular dealership. They are more focused on providing top-quality service.
Independent garages can pay higher wages because they aren't associated with any company. Because these jobs don't have to be associated with any company, they can generally offer better wages than dealerships.
Independent garages don't necessarily make for better work environments. Many business owners prefer to manage their own businesses rather than delegating responsibility to others.
You may find yourself working for long hours and not having control over the day.
Expect to earn lower salaries than if you were working in a dealership.
It's possible to switch between jobs. To work at a dealership you will need to contact your employer to see if he is open to the idea of hiring you.
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.
It could be the type and cost of labor you use to repair your vehicle.
What is the difference?
They are both similar, but not identical. A mechanic repairs cars while an automotive technician does maintenance on them.
A mechanic must possess good manual dexterity, and be able perform simple tasks efficiently. A mechanic should also be able accurately diagnose and repair problems.
An automotive technician needs to be more technically skilled than a mechanic. They must be capable of reading blueprints and using tools such as drills, wrenches, etc.
They must also be able perform complex procedures safely. They must be familiar with all types of electrical and engine systems.
They must also be able to understand how various parts interact with each other.
A mechanic typically earns less than an automotive technician. However, both careers offer great opportunities.
How long does it take you to become a great mechanic?
Expert mechanics take years of practice and extensive experience. The best way to learn how to repair cars is by working under the supervision of a professional mechanic.
You will have to spend time in a garage learning about cars and mechanics. It is important to get familiar with the mechanics of cars and engineering.
You will also need to go to auto school.
It's crucial to start as soon as possible. Don't wait until you're older to begin studying automotive technology. You can get certified as a mechanic by getting started right away!
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanic?
To become a technician, you will need to pass a series exams. These include:
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A test of general knowledge
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A practical exam
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An apprenticeship test
These tests are intended to make sure you have a solid understanding of the basics of mechanics before you can start your career as a mechanic.
Once you've passed these tests, you'll be eligible to work as a mechanic. But, you will still need an apprenticeship. This will include training in the trade.
To be able to repair vehicles, you'll need classes or workshops. Additionally, you will need to work with experienced mechanics.
You'll need a high level of concentration and attention to detail if you want to succeed as a mechanic. You will need to pay careful attention to every aspect when repairing vehicles.
You'll need patience and persistence to become a successful mechanic. 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.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- There were 749,900 jobs available for automotive service technicians and mechanics in 2016, which is expected to grow by six percent through 2026. (jobhero.com)
External Links
How To
How to become an automotive technician
An automotive technician performs repairs and maintains vehicles. He/she works at car dealerships, auto shops, garages, service centers, etc. He/she assists customers in fixing their cars, trucks or motorcycles. An automotive technician must know how to diagnose problems and perform repairs efficiently, safely, accurately, quickly, and correctly.
To become an automotive technician, a person must first earn an associate's degree from a vocational college. After completing this program, he/she will need to pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence's (ASE) certification exam. ASE stands as American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The ASE certification test consists two sections. 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 locations can be found online, or by contacting your local car dealer.
After passing the test, a candidate must pass a state examination before becoming licensed as an automotive technician. The process will vary depending on where an applicant lives. Some states require that applicants attend a training class, while others allow them freedom to study at their own pace. Some states require technicians to be licensed immediately upon receiving their license. Other states wait until they have been employed as automotive technicians for at least six month.
To become an automotive technician, one must apply at a local dealership. New employees are usually apprentices when they first get hired. Apprenticeships typically last three years. The apprenticeship program teaches students how to change oil, adjust brakes, replace tires, clean spark plugs, inspect engine compartments, and perform routine maintenance. Some students will learn advanced repair techniques, such as changing shocks, installing air filters, and replacing engines. Most schools offer classes during regular business hours. Some schools also offer evening classes, if necessary.
When a student has completed his/her apprenticeship, they become a journeyman. Journeymen generally spend four- to five decades learning how to fix major systems like transmissions. 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.
After passing the exams, candidates may be eligible to open their own shop if they pass all requirements. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost 1.7 million available jobs in the automotive mechanic field 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.
Automotive technicians' salaries depend on many factors such as the employer, whereabouts, education level and experience. On average, an unemployed person could earn $20,000 annually. Someone with only a high school diploma could earn around $21,000 per year. Associate's degrees earn approximately $24,000 per annum. Technicians with bachelor's degrees earned about $27,000 per year. A master's degree earns around $32,000 per a year. 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.