Auto Mechanic|Car Repair|Auto Body Shop|Auto Repair

One of the biggest expenses you may have is maintaining your car. Sometimes you feel that you spend more on your vehicle than you do on yourself. However, one way to really cut costs is to learn to do it yourself.

One of the hardest things to do when it comes to vehicles is to make a correct auto diagnostics as to what might be wrong. Because of this, vehicle owners do not always know which auto parts to get and this is what prevents many people from doing DIY or do it yourself repairs on their car. When you have to hire a professional you not only spend a lot of money but you are never 100% sure that the job will be done right.

There is a website, which offers a solution to the vehicle owner's problem. It is called AutoTap Express. This website offers state of the art software that will give a complete auto diagnostics of your vehicle. When you use this software, you will be able to correctly diagnose the problem your vehicle is experiencing and you will be able to do DIY repairs.

How does it work?
You load the software onto your computer and then you can link it up through the "OBDII (CAN) plug-in- port "which is located under your vehicle's dashboard. The wizard screen will translate the computer signals of your car into a comprehensive diagnosis. Based on these auto diagnostics of your vehicle, you will know what exactly is wrong with your vehicle.

Advantages of using this software
It saves money, because you do not have to go to a professional mechanic or dealer to repair your vehicle. You can analyze the problem with the help of the software and can often get parts at a cheaper price than the dealer or professional mechanic. You will also not have to pay their expensive fees.

Accurate diagnosis is ensured as there is no doubt about what is wrong. The software will show you exactly what the correct auto diagnostics are. There will be no mistakes and you will be able to do the job yourself. Mistakes in the diagnosis can cost you a lot and can even do further damage to your car.

You know the job is being done right because you will be doing it yourself. DIY is always better than letter someone else tamper with your car. Once you know, what has to be done, you will be able to get the right auto parts and do the jobs right yourself.

You can use this great auto diagnostics tool for your personal use or evenfor your own auto mechanic business. It will help you to get customer's jobs done right, by providing accurate diagnosis. You will be able to work at a quicker pace and get more customers work done. The result will be satisfied customers and more work and profits for you.

The job is completed quicker when you do it yourself. You will not have to wait for the mechanic to finish other customers before they get to your vehicle. When you do it yourself you will be able to do the job in a shorter time as the software will tell you exactly what is wrong and you can get the right auto parts.

How is it that in many consumers' minds, the most performed and most important service on your vehicle became "just an oil change"? Whether you have this performed at the intervals the old quickie lube shops made up of 3,000 miles, or most manufacturers recommended 7,500 miles, it is still completed more often than any other service on your vehicle. This is your vehicles routine check-up and should be of higher importance.

A long lasting engine has proper lubrication. This means not only replacing the engine oil on time, but making sure the oil level is always where it needs to be, and the oil is the right type for your application. As you drive further and further, your engine oil breaks down. This destroys the lubricating abilities of the oil. Engines that don't have proper lubrication work harder, get hotter, and wear faster. Last time I checked, your motor was the most important part of your vehicle.

In addition to being concerned with your engine, the oil change is the time to verify the rest of the vehicle is in good shape. Here are some routine services and checks that you need to make sure your mechanic is doing, every time your car is in for service.

Tire Maintenance - A tire rotation and air pressure check should be performed every oil change. It is also recommended to have your tire balance and wheel alignment checked at the very least. All shops will check your air pressure for free and in California it is required by law. Most automotive shops offer a free tire rotation and free balance and alignment checks with their oil change service. This is a good way to extend the life of your tires and ensure your vehicles safety.

Brakes - Verify that the mechanic or auto technician checked your brakes during your oil change. The wheels will come off during the tire rotation so it's only a matter of them observing the brakes condition. Once again, most shops perform this as a free service to you while having your oil changed. Checking the brakes is necessary in determining how safe your vehicle is.

Fluids - As the oil is essential to the engines performance, so are the other fluids under the hood. All shops should verify the fluid levels and any irregularities with them. Most shops will even offer free fluid top-off. It's always good to double-check with the mechanic that this service was performed.

General Inspection - Give your auto service technician a chance to fully inspect your vehicle for any potential concerns. A lot of auto repair shops will do a multi-point inspection just as a doctor does on you at your check-ups. Generally this is also a free service offered by the auto repair center upon request. The mechanics should be looking for leaking, cracked, worn, torn or broken parts during this written inspection.

So rather than bringing your car in for "just an oil change", have it thoroughly inspected and maintained. It will take longer than a 10 minute oil change, but your safety and your vehicles overall well-being relies on it. Most shops will even perform theses much needed services and checks for free. Your most important service is the key to your car's long life.

Purchasing a car is one of the largest investments (next to purchasing a house) someone makes. It is their responsibility to seek auto repair whenever it is necessary to make sure their car remains in optimal condition and is able to perform all the tasks necessary to get them through the day. The transmission is responsible for many of the functions a car performs, from switching gears to knowing how fast the car needs to go. Problems with the transmission of a car can be detrimental to it and make the car owner want to run and hide from the problem. However, if something is suspected to be wrong with a car's transmission, they should seek immediate care with an auto mechanic. There are several ways to tell if a transmission needs the help of auto repair.

Noises that are out of the ordinary coming from underneath a car's hood are never a good sign. If something is wrong with the transmission of an automatic car someone can usually hear a grinding or whining noise. This grinding noise occurs a lot of the time whenever switching from one gear to another. Alternatively, in a manual transmission, small "bumping" noises in neutral mean that something is wrong. This can be a signal of needing to change the transmission fluid. However, hearing a lot of noise in neutral means that something more drastic needs to take place and possible transmission repair or replacement needs to occur.

Many people notice water coming off of the bottom of their car. This is not a bad thing, as it's usually just condensation. Noticing a pool of sticky, red, sweet-smelling fluid (as nice as that sounds) is definitely a problem. This means that there is a leak in the transmission and transmission fluid leaking out. When this occurs, someone is in need of an auto mechanic quickly, as the fluid is vital to being able to shift the car.
The one sign that many people overlook is their check engine light. Everyone has freaked out about their check engine light coming on, rushed to the repair shop or a local auto parts store that has the capabilities to diagnose it, and left feeling ridiculous because nothing was wrong with it. Many people ignore when their light comes on for this very reason. Yet, this is usually the first warning sign that something is wrong with a transmission. Whenever a check engine light comes on, it is always important to seek auto repair. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Cars help people in most aspects of their lives. They are responsible for getting their children to school, getting people to work on time, and aid in running errands. Auto repair is essential to any car owner and knowing when to seek it can mean the difference between a small problem and a large one.

The transmission is one of the most important components of your car mechanics. Without the transmission you couldn't move faster than 20 miles per hour, bringing us back to cart and horse days. The transmission regulates the tire speed with the engine speed and sends power from the engine to the wheels.

You may think the engine is the most complicated component in car mechanics but actually it is the transmission, making it important to understand what the transmission does and how it does what it does. This article will cover the aforementioned topics and also covers signs of trouble with transmissions and when to get the transmission repair.

The transmission does a lot more than transfer power. It is the component at the back of the engine that connects the engine to the wheels. Its job is to keep the engine speed at a certain number of RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) because the engine works best when running at speeds that are not too fast and not too slow.

When your car is moving slowly the engine is moving much faster than the wheels. But at faster speeds the engine does not have to work as hard relative to the wheel speed. It is the transmission that makes this possible. There are a number of other gear gear positions in a typical transmission. These include "reverse," which sends the wheels turning backwards, "neutral," which disengages the engine from the car's wheels, and "park" which locks the wheels so the vehicle will not move.

There are many different components to the transmission. Planetary gear sets, hydraulic system, clutches and bands, seals and gaskets, and a torque converter are all components put together to deliver power to your car. Planetary gear sets adjust for different speeds and reverse. The hydraulic system sends oil to the gear system through the clutches and bands. Seals and gaskets are there to keep oil where it's supposed to be, covering the planetary gear sets, so everything runs smoothly. The torque converter is a clutch mechanism, allowing the gears to change without stopping.

There are many ways to tell if your transmission is working smoothly or giving you trouble. For example, failure to shift, or delays in shifting are a strong indication that your gear sets or torque converter is having problems.

Listen closely for odd noises. Thumping, grinding, banging, whining noises and lag in shifting can be a sign of problems. If the engine speeds up when you press the gas, but the car doesn't speed up accordingly, that tells you that your transmission isn't functioning right. Check your fluids. Red, pink or brown fluid under the car or having to continually fill the transmission with fluid are signs that you need to bring your transmission into the shop.

Preventative maintenance means thinking ahead and checking your car against all these problems, before they start. Change the transmission fluid every 25,000 miles, as a rule of thumb. This is done by taking your car or truck to a professional, because removing the transmission fluid pan is complicated and messy. Also it is best to let your mechanic take the pan out because they can check the fluid for metal shavings and other indications of problems.

So keep your transmission up to date by regular visits to your mechanic and watch (and listen) for signs that it is starting to have problems. If you follow these two guidelines, you shouldn't have extreme problems with your transmission.

Knowing how your transmission works can help when you are talking to your mechanic about the maintenance of your vehicle. If you ask him or her what's going on with your engine they will be glad to help you. Understanding a bit about your transmission will help you watch for problems and have them looked after before they develop into larger issues.

There are many things to consider whenever choosing an auto mechanic, and unfortunately, you do not normally consider them until you are in dire need of a repair shop. It is always best to have time on your side when choosing services, though it is not always possible. Here are a few tips for finding a decent auto mechanic who is honest, reliable, and affordable, with quality service.

Referrals: Ask friends, family and coworkers where they go when they have car trouble. Referrals hold a lot of weight across the board, and if there was something wrong with the service, you are sure to hear about it from a friend or family member. Take their advice, but do so with a grain of salt, some people are difficult or extremely easy to please. Their referrals can pose as a jump off point for your search.

Dealerships: Many people are tempted to head right to the dealership's auto body shop, but that is generally the least affordable option. While these shops have mechanics trained in your specific type of car, the materials they use are more expensive, and they generally charge more for labor per hour.

Chains: The good thing about chains is that you will generally get a guarantee for your services. If they mess anything up, or fail to fix something properly, there is a chain of command to follow to ensure that you get compensated.

Independently Owned Shops: While it is harder to be certain that you will receive quality service from a smaller mechanic, they are generally much, much more affordable than your other options. This is where referrals truly come into play. If you get a referral to a small, independent auto shop, you are likely to get quality service at an affordable price.

There are a few other things to pay attention to when considering mechanics. You want someone that speaks to you in layman's terms, not someone who condescendingly throws jargon out to confuse you. A trustworthy mechanic wants you to understand what he or she will be doing to your car, rather than pulling the wool over your eyes to charge you extra.

The sickening crunch and out of control motion of two cars meeting the wrong way can be very scary. But after the accident is finished, you're actually just starting a long process of accident assessment and potentially repairs. However as you start the journey from roadside shock to the hands of someone with auto technician training, certain steps can make the process more smoothly.

On site:

The first thing to look for is your safety. It's okay to move your vehicle over to the shoulder or out of harm's way, as long as you don't leave the scene. A first priority is dealing with any injuries or danger. If it was an accident of any magnitude and if anyone was hurt, even minimally, call emergency services, either 911 or the local police telephone line. Your local jurisdiction will also determine the extent of the damages necessary to notify the police.

At this point you need to exchange information with the driver of the other car. It can be very stressful, especially since both of you may be worried that your insurance rates will increase, that you need to prove fault and that the other person will be angry. Leave who is at fault to the police and the insurance companies, after things have been looked over in a detailed assessment by qualified technicians and an auto body estimator.

Make sure you get the make and model of the other car, and if you have a camera, thankfully found on most mobile phones, take pictures. Consult with the police as necessary, and send your car off to the garage. You may need to call a tow truck. One other productive thing you can do is make a sketch of the accident scene while your memory is fresh. If you have to give testimony in court, confidence in your memories will work to your advantage though.

At the Garage:

Generally though, once your vehicles are in the hands of the mechanic it's a matter for the insurance companies to negotiate with each other. Your car will need to be assessed, both to get an accurate picture of the sort of damage that occurred and if your car is road worthy or repairable. Auto mechanic programs teach their graduates just these sorts of skills, which can provide forensic testimony if the other party in the accident disputes your claim, for example if you claim to have been in a particular location in an intersection and the other party claims that you weren't, the impacts on both cars will show both the point of contact and how fast you were going. The mechanic will also help your insurance company decide if you get a cash payout and can go car shopping if your car is totalled, or how you will rebuild and get back on the road.

Mechanic training is expanding to include information on the maintenance and production of electric vehicles. Here is a quick look at some of the concepts that students entering mechanic schools today may eventually have to master.

Types of electric vehicles

Students at mechanic colleges will have to learn about the different types of electric vehicles:

• hybrid electric automobiles, which combine an electric motor with a conventional internal combustion engine


• battery electric automobiles, which rely solely on an electric motor - no conventional internal combustion engines


• plug-in hybrid electric automobiles, which combine an electric motor with a conventional internal combustion engine, but that can only run on electric power for short stints


• neighbourhood electric automobiles, which are battery powered vehicles that can only be used for lower speed limits, i.e., city driving, no highways. (As most students enrolled in mechanic training programs will already be aware, electric automotbiles are, in general, slower to accelerate than their conventionally-powered counterparts.)

Parts of electric vehicles

Students at mechanic colleges will also have to familiarize themselves with electric systems. Mechanic training will include an explanation of the different parts that make up an electric car, including:

• battery


• fuse


• manual power switch - enables graduates of mechanic training to turn off the power in order to carry out repair work


• shunt - enables graduates of mechanic colleges to measure how much energy is being channeled through the system


• motor controller - determines how much of the car's energy should be applied to the motor


• throttle


• key - just as in a conventional car, ignites the system

Particularities of electric vehicles

Even students of mechanic colleges who have no intention of specializing in electric automobile production or repair will have to pick up some basic information on electric cars.

What kind of information might students in mechanic training have to learn?

• that parts for electric cars can be more expensive than for conventional cars


• electric cars have quieter engines than conventional cars


• a car battery can usually be charged over night


• some provinces, states and municipalities feature charging stations in commercial parking lots


• electric cars have lower top speeds than their conventional counterparts


• electric cars emit less CO2 than their conventional counterparts (even when adjusted for different sources of electricity)


• electric cars require less frequent maintenance than their conventional counterparts (as students in mechanic training learn, they don't require oil changes, but it is still necessary to rotates the tires, maintain the air conditioning, repair the brakes, etc.)

These are just some of the new concepts related to electric cars that mechanic schools can expect to be adding to their curriculums in the years to come.

Reader Question" I have a question, can I change my brake fluid myself, and
if so how?

Thank you so much,

Tammy,

Tammy,

Thanks for your email. You CAN change the brake fluid yourself. The easiest and safest way to do it is to open the "brake bleeder screws" found behind each wheel (if in doubt ask your mechanic to point these out to you), or loosen the brake line behind each wheel which will allow the fluid to drip out slowly just with the power of gravity.

This might take an hour or two, so be patient. You need to remove the brake fluid reservoir cover on the brake master cylinder and DO NOT let the fluid level to so low that air will get in the lines!!!! Always keep the brake fluid reservoir cover off and filled with clean fluid until all the dirty fluid has drained out.

Once the old fluid has drained, re-tighten all the bleeder screws or brake lines that you loosened!!!

The other way to do this is to wait until your vehicle needs a brake job and have your mechanic do it while he is replacing the brake pads. There will be an additional charge, but it should not be very much as brake fluid "bleeding" is sometimes necessary during a routine brake job.

When looking for a career it is very important to know what these jobs consist of before taking the plunge into a dark abyss. This article is designed to help you know and learn about what auto mechanics actually do and what is required of them.

All of us have taken our car into a repair shop, lets face it, every car you have ever owned has had at least one problem that a service shop has had to help you with. Mechanics are required to talk to customers and try and pinpoint the problem. A lot of times the mechanic will actually drive the car to find out what is wrong with it. Once the problem is determined it is up to the auto worker to talk to the customer about what is wrong. If the customer agrees and wants the problem fixed, it is up to the auto mechanic to quote a price to the customer for the part and labor of replacing it. If a part is not in stock it is also their responsibility to order the parts and notify the customer of when the part will be in.

Mechanics are really customer service people instead of just grease monkeys. Of course having knowledge of the car is an absolute must, but having knowledge of how to work with people is where repair shops will succeed. Repeat business will keep an auto mechanic busy for years to come and little will have to be spent on advertising to bring in business.

Let's face it, there are a lot of things that can wrong with your vehicle and often the first tell tale signs of trouble are overlooked. One sign you should be paying attention to however if you want to avoid a costly car repair bill down the road is what is leaking from under your vehicle.

Car leaks can be subtle and unless you park in the same spot consistently, the subtle leak may go undetected by you. Or you simply hope or presume that any leak is okay and if your vehicle is still running, you simply don't worry a whole lot about it. However a leak is your car's way of telling you something is wrong and the sooner you address what is wrong, the better your car repair prospects will be.

There are a few basic fluids that go into every vehicle to make it run smoothly and these fluids ideally should not leak out. Oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and radiant coolant are some of these fluids. You can generally tell what is leaking by the color of the fluid and where it is leaking from if you can determine a location.

If the fluid is a bright green it is likely radiant coolant. If you don't change your radiant coolant every 3,500 miles however the fluid can be a light or medium brown color which can be a little harder to identify.

Windshield wiper fluid can be just about any color from green, pink, yellow or orange and finding this leaking is usually just a result of over filling the holding tank too much.

Red fluid is usually power steering fluid which will affect your ability to handle the steering in your automobile, or it can be transmission fluid. Either way, if your automobile is leaking red, you need to have a mechanic look at it and diagnose what is leaking and why before your automobile becomes non-operable.

Brake oil can be a clear oily substance or it can be yellow or brown, depending on how old it is. You will usually find this by the wheels of your automobile if it is brake oil. If your brake oil is leaking, it is probably a problem with your master cylinder and your brakes may have trouble working properly if you continue to drive.

Amber colored liquid can be fresh oil, while a brown or black liquid can be used oil. An oil leak is usually the most common fluid leak and can be the result of a wide variety of car repair issues.

The long and the short of it is, unless you know the leak is simply windshield wiper fluid, which is the only leak you can really ignore, the rule of thumb is to have a mechanic diagnose your leak and make sure it's not an indicator of a bigger problem down the road.

The automotive repair industry has made many strides since the days of the the Ford T model. Over the years there many tools that have been developed to assist automotive repair technicians in assessing problems. With the high demand on tire changing and tire repair, a good wheel balancer has been a staple and necessity in any decent auto repair shop.

Even the most novice of drivers understands that it's important to maintain their tires. Good balance means stability while on the drive, thus leading to safety. That's where the wheel balancer comes in handy.

Any balancer allows an automotive repair technician to make sure all the wheels on a vehicle are balanced correctly. There are liabilities that auto shops have to deal with when repairing a customer's car. That's why a tool such as the wheel balancer that is extremely accurate comes as a huge help.

When deciding to buy a wheel balancer, it's best to get one that's computerized. With a computerized one, you can have more than one person work on a wheel at a time. This allows an auto shop to be more efficient while maintaining the same level of accuracy.

Some wheel balancers allow for two dimensional semi-automatic parameter entry. In plain English this just means that two out of every three parameters are already entered automatically, thus making work for you the automotive technician easier.

Another interesting feature the have is when they have hidden spoke program. This type of program can project different weight calculations, taking into account any additional weight the vehicle may encounter. This foresight ensures a smoother ride.

The right balancer will also work with tires form small trucks and light sports utility vehicles, as well as cars. This gives you as a mechanic, the ability to take on different types of customers with the same piece of equipment.

I can write ad nausea the reasons you not only need a wheel balancer, but need to pick the right one. It's obvious that it's a must in any automotive repair shop. The key is to find the right one that will make your job go smoothly. That's the whole point of having such a fine tool.

It is easy to forget about handling a car's brake repair. The maintenance appointments, like oil changes, happen frequently enough and you may have a reminder sticker on your windshield so that you don't go over. However the braking system is a little different. While the manufacturer can suggest part replacements at different intervals, driving style varies from person to person so there are no concrete numbers to depend on. Instead, look for signs that it is time you made an appointment to have your braking system looked at.

Grinding or Screeching Noise

If you don't notice the grinding or screeching noise that occurs when you come to a stop, there is a good chance that those around you are picking up on it. This is one of the most obvious signs that you may need brake repair. There are times when certain pads will cause more noise so it is not a guarantee that your vehicle needs service. However when it comes to the safety of you and your family, it make sense to go through with an inspection just to be sure.

Pulling to One Side or Pedal Pulsates

When you attempt to come to a stop, have you noticed that your car tends to pull to one side or the other? If so, it could mean that something is wrong. Most of the time, it means that one of the pads is wearing down more excessively than some of the others. This is never good and means that you are looking at some part replacements. Brake repair is not the only possible solution. Your vehicle may also be out of alignment or your tires could be wearing unevenly. When you put your foot down to get your vehicle to stop, if you notice that the pedal pulsates there is a good chance that you have a problem.

Takes Too Long to Stop

One of the scariest signs that you need brake repair is having your vehicle take a long time to come to a stop. If you notice that you need to press down on the pedal harder than normal or you notice that the car's response time is unacceptable, call and request and inspection of the braking system. Most service shops will be able to take a look and let you know right away what is wrong. In fact, many offer free inspections so you are not out any money, but you can still learn if there is a problem.

Warning Light

Some vehicles make it easy for drivers to realize there is a problem. If a warning light comes on that involves your braking system, you instantly know that there is an issue that needs to be addressed by a certified technician. Take it in for brake repair right away.

The days of the garage mechanic are numbered except when working on older cars designed before engine diagnostic computerisation was available. All you have to do is look under the hood and realise many things have changed over the years. You can't even see many of the engine components anymore, because they are hidden inside enclosed units. Accessing the components requires specialised tools and training.

What has truly caused the major changes in car repairs is the use of electronics and computers. Everything from components to circuit boards to computerised diagnostic equipment is now used meaning the simple wrench and screwdriver is going the way of the dinosaurs. Yes...hand tools are used but they are specially designed to fit into odd angled components and many now provide digital readouts.

Listening to Your Car

But of all the radical changes in car repair services is the use of mobile diagnostic equipment like that found on the Mobile Car Care vans. What was once only possible in a repair workshop using large bulky machinery can now be done by plugging mobile computerised diagnostic equipment into the car in order to get a readout of the problem.

There is a variety of diagnostic equipment used in roadside or on-the-spot testing including mechanical, electrical, component, transmission and air conditioning equipment which test for malfunctions. The equipment produces fault codes which are the equivalent of your car "talking" to the mechanic.

Of course, getting codes and knowing what to do with those codes are two very different things. The codes are simply clues to the problems and must be matched to the comprehensive set of code descriptions available in software programs. The Mobile Car Care mechanic is a fully qualified and highly trained service technician who spends many hours learning how to successfully operate the diagnostic equipment and interpret the results.

The Auto Detective

Auto mechanics are like detectives looking for the culprit wreaking havoc in the car. Tracking the problem means first testing the components and systems and then isolating the specific problem. Testing includes using both hand-held and mobile van installed diagnostic computers.

Fault codes indicate something is not operating within manufacturer benchmarked standards. The technician gets the code readouts and then uses an online computer to look up the description of the problems which the fault codes documents. The goal is to repair the auto in a way that components once again operate within established standards.

Training to Be the Best

The Mobile Car Care mechanics must be able to handle the sophisticated diagnostic equipment on their mobile repair vans. The mechanics attend state certified apprenticeship training programs and spend many additional hours in training workshops in order to stay current with technological advances. As a member of VACC, Mobile Car Care has access to the most current technical auto repair information available in the industry.

Mobile Car Care mechanics are really technicians in every sense of the word. After many hours of training, they are fully qualified to use the computer diagnostic equipment which includes that needed to evaluate braking systems, transmissions, air conditioning units, electronic components, electrical systems, onboard upgrades such as global positioning systems, ignition systems, fuel injection systems, and emission control systems.

Computers are so integrated into the auto manufacturing and repair industry, that diagnostic equipment is now designed to fit on the mobile vans or in handheld tools. This means the mobile mechanic who shows up to repair your vehicle is bringing the equivalent of a large service workshop right to your car. But even more importantly is that your mechanic is a highly competent VACC member and can quickly and accurately diagnose the problem with your car or van.

As gas prices continue to rise, the auto industry is out in full force touting the benefits of car maintenance. Many repair shops even have custom "fuel saver" services. While maintaining one's car is indeed important, does it really save gas? Before we answer this, let's step back and look at auto maintenance for today's cars.

The first question we need to ask is - what does my car need (according to the manufacturer) for it to be considered "maintained." Today's cars no longer have distributor caps, rotors, points, and a variety of other ignition components - so these don't need maintenance. Many vehicles now come with extended service parts such as 100,000-mile platinum spark plugs and life-time fuel filters. Oil change intervals have been extended to 5,000 miles or more. The 3,000-mile oil change is ancient history. Coolant flushes and transmission services aren't needed until 100,000 miles if at all. Yet, even if we performed all the above services, will they increase fuel efficiency? Probably not. Unless your vehicle is misfiring (i.e., not running on all cylinders), you're gas mileage is likely fine.

So what part of car maintenance adversely effects gas mileage for the average driver of a late model vehicle? Three things: tire pressure, air filters, and excess carbon.

Tire Pressure: Setting your tire pressure is free, and is the best maintenance service you can perform to maintain maximum fuel efficiency. It's that simple.

Air Filters: Air filters can indeed get plugged after a considerable amount of driving and can then restrict air flow, which will not allow your fuel to burn efficiently. This can also cause excess carbon build-up, which can reduce miles per gallon. The good news: air filters are cheap ($15 to $30), are easy to install, and usually only need replacement every 30,000 miles.

Excess Carbon: There is another auto maintenance service that "can" help gas mileage. It's called a fuel system cleaning service. Some repair centers call it fuel injector auto maintenance, or a fuel injection service. Simply, chemicals are added to your fuel system through a variety of orifices to clean out excess carbon deposits on your valves, pistons and intake manifold. This naturally forming carbon (in excess) is not good for gas mileage. Excess carbon absorbs gasoline, which would otherwise be used to power your vehicle. However, before you run out and spend the $150 + to have this service performed, there is one important consideration - the service will only work for vehicles that need it. In other words, yes the stuff works, but you're vehicle may not have any excess carbon build-up. You wouldn't wash clean clothes - right?

When you see those "fuel saver" services for $100 to $300, they'll likely include an air filter, tire pressure check, and a fuel system cleaning service. If you're wondering whether or not your vehicle needs it, ask yourself the following:

1) Do I use quality gasoline consistently? 2) Have I replaced my air filter at least every 30,000 miles? 3) Have I checked my tire pressure recently?

If you can answer these questions affirmatively, you're probably ok. Buying cheap, no-name gas once-in-awhile is ok. Replacing the air filter and setting your tire pressure is common sense. Also, if you drive like grandma, get out on the highway and press the vertical pedal at your right foot "all the way to the floor" until your vehicle accelerates to speeds at which you're not all too entirely comfortable. Then repeat a few more times. This will help clean out excess carbon - FREE - less the cost of fuel. Be careful. Watch out for cops.

In summary, follow your manufacturer guidelines for your car's maintenance - not ones designed by those who stand to benefit most. Use name-brand fuel, set your tire pressure now and again, pop in an air filter, according to your car's recommended interval, and don't be afraid to drop the hammer now and again.

For those who have just completed high school and seek a career in the automotive field, a trade school is the next best option. Gone are the times when anybody without having training in repairing an automobile might enter the job field. Nowadays, these "shade tree mechanics" have no room in the automotive sector mainly because of the integrated electrical systems, intricate computer systems, hi-tech features like global positioning systems that run vehicles. Hence, an auto mechanic needs to be a very competent professional who has been subject to mechanical technician education in the distinctive complex systems that make the modern vehicles these days.

Prerequisites

Upon completion of your high school, apply for any vocational programs in electrical trades and auto repair. You will be at a bonus if you have class-room education and learning in physical science, math, metal works, mechanical drawing, computer skills, or automobile courses.

You may choose to specialize in collision restoration, diagnostic testing, transmission overhaul and rebuild, automotive air-conditioning, or any other major auto repair. At present technological progress in the field of automotive repair means more complicated systems for technicians to restore, thus specialization in the field surely pays off!

Training, Education and Qualifications

A good number of training authorities highly recommend a formal training program for individuals in search of automotive mechanic jobs in high school or post-secondary vocational school or an accredited trade school. Extensively investigating each trade school and knowing the requirements in your state before applying can help you find a respected auto mechanic program, targeted toward making you an expert in the field. You will learn about new skills and keep up-to-date with the latest technological developments in the automotive field and get an associate degree or certificate on finalization of the trade school program, which will add value to your job application and help you get hold of an entry-level job.

Vocational School vs. Community College

Post-secondary automotive mechanic programs supply you with extensive career preparation by offering both classroom training and hands-on practical experience. Depending on the number of hours you attend your trade school program, the training will range from six months to a year. On the contrary, community college curriculum's award a certificate after a 2-year mechanical training, besides offering schooling in a range of subject areas, including basic arithmetic, English, computer systems, and other such lessons.

Companies often expect their prospective employees to have solid analytical and communication skills, which makes it convenient for them to understand technical manuals and keep abreast of the technological developments in the field of automotive repair and service. A vocational program, on the other hand, offers you to master job-specific skills, which makes you a perfectionist in the chosen field. Community colleges, besides offering you associate degrees and certificates, sometimes offer vocational classes.

Finding Employment

You can start your automotive career as trainee technician or lubrication worker. You might also favor to work as an a seasoned, a professional mechanic's assistant so that you progressively learn and apply the necessary skills. You can begin to practice easy assignments such as oil change, simple repair work, and routine service task and then gradually shift to significant repair works after a few months' experience.

After spending two years working as an apprentice at a major repair shop, you are qualified to take the ASC test for certification. Your mechanic certification will assure that you are a specialist in the field and thus help you earn promotion to the journey level merely a few months on the job. The more time you devote in an accredited trade school, the more in need you will become in the automotive jobs sector.

There are some automobile manufacturers and dealers that sponsor 2-year associate degree programs for post-secondary courses. In such courses, you are required to attend alternate periods in classes, in addition to working full-time as a mechanic apprentice under sponsoring dealers to get practical experience and important time-saving tips from a skilled technician in the service departments. To most employers, successful completion of a vocational mechanical technical training program is the very best preparation for an entry-level job.

Getting your car repaired stinks. It can be a frustrating ordeal before; during and especially after you've finished paying the difference for the repairs. A common mistake that a lot of people make is automatically assuming that by taking their vehicle to an authorized dealership that sells vehicles, they will be getting better quality service over an independent mechanic who doesn't have all of the fancy bells and whistles. Have you ever heard that saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover"? Well, it's true. An independent mechanic can do just as good as a job, if not better, than a big dealership. So, the next time you have an auto problem, don't just jump up right away and head straight to that dealership.

The first thing any responsible car owner is going to do when forced to take their vehicle to a repair shop is begin getting quotes from local auto repair shops. This is done to avoid being surprised, or out right shocked, by repair costs while physically in the auto repair shop or being put in a situation where the price of repair is more than you can afford. Getting a quote before taking a car to be repaired will avoid uncomfortable or embarrassing situations, and it will also keep car owners from paying more than necessary for repairs.

There are usually three different types of quotes that auto mechanics working at repair shops will give someone calling to inquire. There are some shops that will absolutely refuse to give quotes over the phone usually giving the caller several confusing and contradicting reasons for why they can not give quotes over the phone. Other auto repair shops will give an extremely low price that is, in some cases, unrealistic, in hopes of getting you into their location so that they can attempt to over charge you for additional parts or labor. Sometimes shops providing inexpensive quotes will actually live up to their claims but will cut many corners are use inferior parts that will cost you more money over time since you will have to return to the shop at later dates to have the initial problem looked at again. Lastly, there are auto mechanics that will give extremely detailed, often expensive, quotes over the phone that cover ever situation and scenario that are usually extremely confusing and hard to follow.

In the end it is up to the consumer to make their choice based on their own experiences and situation. However, it is often in a car owner's best interest to visit the auto mechanic that has given the highest and most detailed quote. This usually means that the auto repair shop is interested in educating customers by providing them with information that they would not have thought to inquire about and not attempting to hide and possible costs. Also, these shops have not attempted to lure in new customers by advertising a low price, they have chosen to risk losing a potential customer by stating a price that they often know is higher than that of their competitors.

There is a dark cloud that seems to hang over the automotive repair industry. It is unfortunate that there is still a large part of the general public that thinks every repair shop is out to get them and that their expertise is over rated. Even in the industry itself, the stigma is played upon. Competitors accuse others of wrong doing to make themselves look good, and in the end are simply hurting themselves. There are automotive self help web sites that bash the professional technician.

Let's spread a little subjective light on the subject. Run a search on the internet though any search engine for home dental work. It is not very likely the results you yield will give you step by step instructions for filling a cavity or performing a root canal in your kitchen. You will not find dental tools at the local "Dental Zone". These things don't exist because you would only have a trained professional work on your teeth. The tools available to them are not for general public use. The same is true for automotive repair, but the general public seems to think otherwise.

Professional automotive technicians spend a lot of money on tools that are not found at the local auto store. A tech may spend $2500 every year in tools for his or her entire career. That is a personal expense so that they can perform repairs effectively and efficiently. They make that investment out of pocket so that they can be the best at what they do. The tools that they use to repair vehicles is constantly being updated and adapted to the technology that goes into vehicles. These technicians spend their money on tools to fix cars, and the companies that employ them spend money to train them on the new technologies. I am pretty sure that dentists are spending a good amount of money on new equipment and have seminars to stay current on advances in dentistry. And this is not the only similarity.

The work that your technician does also has some pretty serious impact. Just as a dentist that does a procedure incorrectly and causes injury, a technician not performing his repairs correctly can cause injury. It is important for both of these professionals to know what they are doing. If they do not, people get hurt, or on a lesser note, miss work, lose money, and are overall inconvenienced. There are many similarities to the importance, training, and equipment that go into these two professions, but what about the differences?

There are many differences. Let's start out with the fact that the technician has to work in environments that are hot, cold, dirty, and sometimes pretty close to unbearable. I ask how many of us would like to stand under a vehicle with a hot engine, arms straight up in the air for 30 minutes at a time in a shop that's 90 degrees? Or how would you like to go and repair an ignition problem when its 10 degrees, and have to do it outside because the vehicle cannot be towed in to the shop? The rest of the day you can spend bent over burning and cutting your hands while you use that new $300 tool you paid for.

When you go to the dentist for a routine check up, you don't argue after being checked that "he just looked at my teeth" and since he didn't do anything you should not pay. But everyday in automotive repair shops, customers argue that exact point. The dentist charges for his time as a professional. He charges for the chair you sat in and the tools he used to look at your teeth. He charges for the schooling and experience that make him qualified in his profession. The automotive repair shop does the same, only customers feel that they can argue the point.

It seems that there a are a whole lot of people who know everything there is to know about car repair and the business. Yet with all of their automotive knowledge, they choose a different profession. Maybe it's the long hours, the hard working conditions, the constant learning, or serious personal investment that it take to be an professional automotive technician, but I think it might also be that they don't know what they're talking about.

There are many repairs that the mechanically inclined "back yard mechanic" can perform. The simple repairs are fine to do yourself with the right reference material and general tools. When it comes to diagnosing vehicles with problems and repairing complicated systems that require special tools, the money you pay for that repair is justified, well justified. So give your technicians the respect that they deserve for performing a professional service that most of the public is not even capable of doing, even if they invest $10,000 in tools to get the job done.

Auto emissions can be harmful to our health and the environment, but we have many systems in place to check and regulate these emissions. This article discusses the importance of apprenticeship programs that train specialists in emission controls.

Owning and operating a car comes with great responsibility. The convenience they afford us regarding commuting, transportation, and even recreation must always be taken with a strong consideration for safety and responsibility. But automotive safety goes well beyond the road. Proper maintenance of your car goes a long way to protecting the physical safety of your passengers and other commuters, with unexpected breakdowns causing many accidents. But just as important is the regular testing and controlling of your car's emissions, for this can not only affect one's physical health, but the environment as well.

Emissions are the fumes that are expelled from a car as it burns gasoline and other fuels. These by-products are necessary for the car to operate, just as it is necessary for the car to expel them from the exhaust system. Most range from mild pollutants to noxious fumes and are a major cause of urban air pollution.

Some of the main automobile emissions are:

繚 Hydrocarbons
繚 Carbon Monoxide
繚 Nitrogen Oxides
繚 Sulfur
繚 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
繚 Formaldehyde
繚 And various soot or particle smoke

When combined, some of the adverse effects of these emissions on the environment range from acid rain to the rise of greenhouse gases and smog. The deleterious effects on personal health range from asthma to other respiratory diseases, lung disease, cancer, and poisoning.

This is not to say that cars are completely harmful, but they do require us to regularly maintain and check the amounts of emissions we create both as a society, as well as individually with our own cars. This is especially true when the emission regulating system of an automobile is malfunctioning. For this, we have trained specialists who perform regular emission testing. This position makes up an important part of auto mechanic apprenticeship training.

Three major systems to control emissions that one learns are air injection, exhaust gas circulation, and catalytic converters.

Air Injection

This system utilizes fresh air along with exhaust gases. It is pumped into the exhaust system after being filtered. When it mixes with the exhaust stream, the engine uses a higher percentage of its gases and thus emits less by-product.

Exhaust Gas Circulation

This is a system whereby exhaust fumes are diluted. This is done by recycling some of the exhaust gases right back into the system instead of emitting them outright. It also has the effect of lowering the peak temperatures of combustion, which result in lower levels of nitrogen oxides.

Catalytic Converters

The catalytic converter is a type of conversion instrument made of solid, primordial transition metals and installed in the exhaust pipe. This device converts many of the noxious emissions into less harmful ones by oxidizing them, for example, converting carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide.

The more students entering general mechanic apprenticeships, the more we can rest assured that problems regarding auto emissions won't get out of control. But while we can rely on specialists to maintain our emission systems, we should not neglect that we have the first responsibility to bring our cars to them for regular checkups.

It is hard to imagine a more unnerving experience than to hear your car making an unusual noise. A high-pitched squeal or a grinding grumble can easily cause your heart to skip a beat. Having a regular service by a motor mechanic is one thing you can do to prevent problems but sometimes issues arise that can create instant worry.

It seems that any noise is always amplified when you are sitting in the driver's seat. You may have had the experience of being involved in a motor vehicle accident where even a minor brush with another vehicle can cause a noise well out of proportion to the incident itself. It's the same when you hear something else coming out from under your bonnet or the rear of your vehicle, it is unnerving and worrying.

Drivers with a lot of experience can often diagnose the issue immediately but for those of us who are either less experienced or less mechanically aware, it's great to have a checklist you can use to allay your fears or alert you to the need for more urgent action.

With this in mind, let's take a look at some of the more unusual noises you may experience and what you can do about it.

• A squealing noise when you use the brakes could be nothing more than dirt on the rotors or pads. This could mean that the pads are worn or that the brake calipers have been mounted incorrectly or have come loose. In any case this will necessitate a visit to a mechanic so that the problem can be fixed or the brakes replaced if necessary.


• If you hear a clunking noise when applying the brakes it could mean that the hardware has been damaged and your brakes need to be attended to urgently. Alternatively some components of your steering system could also be worn and you will need to attend to this urgently.
  


• If the transmission emits a grinding noise when shifting gears, it is possible that your clutch needs to be adjusted or that you have some internal damage to the transmission. This will require urgent attention and you should phone an auto mechanic as soon as possible.


• If you notice a clicking noise when your engine is idling you may need to have your valves adjusted or you could be low on oil. Either way you will need to make an urgent appointment with your auto mechanic to have this situation remedied as soon as possible.


• A popping noise from the exhaust means that the fuel injectors could be leaking or there could be a hole in your exhaust.


• If you hear a whirring noise coming from your engine that gets louder as you go faster you could be low on power steering fluid all the alternator bearings could be bad. Don't drive any further, call your auto mechanic and arrange for repairs to be effected as soon as possible.

This is not an exhaustive list by any means but will give you an idea of the different sounds you may hear and what you can do about it. As is always the case, a auto mechanic is the best person to consult.

Cars are complicated machines, and we rarely think of all the smooth-running technology required to drive our cars safely and comfortably. They are powerful machines synthesizing mechanics, electronics, combustion systems, and more.

The reason we feel secure in our cars is because we know that the people who work on servicing and repairing our cars are all highly-trained and certified to do the best job possible.

In Canada, many provinces have required certification programs for auto mechanics that ensure these specialists are held to the highest standard.

In Ontario and Quebec, for example, the certification programs are based on a three-level system. These systems total 6000 hours of training, with 2000 of these hours dedicated to actual work experience. Alongside the theoretical and practical training, one must also pass a written exam.

After successful completion of such a program, one is certified in that province.

To gain a Red Seal Certification, which certifies one to work as a mechanic anywhere in the country, one needs to show proof of having accumulated 9,720 documented hours of work experience.

This process of getting certified first at the provincial, then at the federal level, guarantees that our nation's mechanics have the dedication towards their profession and have the experience to work anywhere and in any specialized task. Auto certification therefore benefits not only mechanics, but everyone who shares our roads.

Training in such a field is never one hundred per cent complete, because one can always learn to specialize in new areas. There are some positions that a newly-certified mechanic can begin immediately. Here are a few examples:

Maintenance Technician

In automotive careers, this is the basic mechanic who performs regular checkups and repairs of everyday car problems. They can work in gas stations, garages, or dealerships. The following positions are technicians with more specialized roles.

Lube Specialist

This position checks and evaluates the various lubricants in an engine, determines what needs to be changed, and performs the lubrication. They check the oil waste collection systems. They also must be aware of lubricant products and handle purchasing and inventory.

Brake and Alignment Specialist

This person checks and repairs the braking systems for proper functioning of the hydraulics, the leverage, and the use of friction. It checks the braking fluid and the wear-and-tear of the brake pads. The alignment relates to the orientation of the wheels. Over time the direction of the wheels can be set at an angle, and thus needs re-aligning.

Mobile Electronics and Audio/Video Installation Specialist

This specialist focuses on the sales, installation and repairs of electronic devices such as GPS systems, radar detectors, rear-car video cameras, wireless mobile phone adapters, and event data recorders (black box). They also handle the car's sound system.

There are plenty of other positions that you can attain with further training. Once you get your initial certification, then you can count on a career, and we can count on you to feel secure on the road.