Consumer reports often give the best car ratings. Ratings systems are difficult to trust, as nearly all cars receive a four-star or five star rating. It is frustrating for many car shoppers as it leads to frustration and dissatisfaction. These are some important car ratings that you should keep in mind. Safety is the first. The second is based on comfort. Because they use a different rating system than other reviews, ratings for cars can be confusing.
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. A 4-star rating doesn't necessarily mean a safer car. Importantly, the rating scale does not compare cars of comparable weights. Therefore, a 4-star vehicle is not as safe as an SUV.
NHTSA uses a crash simulation that simulates a collision between car and object. Although this may sound like a way to compare car models, it's not. 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 this makes it hard to compare the safety rating of a sedan with that a coupe, SUV or crossover.
Euro NCAP
The Euro NCAP ratings of cars are the most well-recognized safety performance measures. They are carried out by a volunteer organization located in Leuven, Belgium. It was created in 1996, and its first results were published in February 1997. The safety tests that determine the vehicle's rating include safety features, overall score and driver's reaction speed. Below are the top ten Euro NCAP rated vehicles.
In addition to crash test results, the Euro NCAP safety rating also includes evaluation of the driver's assistance systems. Safety Backup and Assistance Competence are two of the areas that must be met by the system. The latter judged a safety tech's ability to avoid an accident and disengage in unsafe situations. Another important safety feature to consider is adaptive cruise controller. This feature adjusts the car’s speed to maintain a safe distance. Another test, steering support is used to determine if the car's steering assists in keeping it in the center of the lane.
IIHS
The IIHS is the third-party agency that issues safety ratings for cars. It determines the best safety ratings for each model year and market segment. However, not all models are tested by the institute every year. In order to ensure that all vehicles receive a satisfactory safety rating, the institute collaborates with automakers through a process called verification. These guidelines will reflect the current dangers that road users face. These ratings are based on a combination of test indicators.
The Institute established a moderate overlap program in January 1995 that differs from government's New Car Assessment Program. This test exposes 40% (or 64 km/h) of a vehicle's front end to collision at 40 mph. The agency also began testing other vehicles such as small SUVs and pickup trucks. In 2017, the Institute introduced a small overlap on the passenger side.
FAQ
Is being an auto mechanic a promising career choice?
The automotive industry is full of exciting opportunities for those who are dedicated to excellence. The best way to succeed in this field is by working hard and learning as much as possible from others.
Because you will be spending most of your time communicating with customers and employees, you will need excellent communication skills. It's important to be flexible and willing to travel. This will make commutes difficult.
Consider taking classes at local universities or community colleges if your goal is to pursue a career in the automotive industry. Many schools offer programs for students who are interested to learn about auto sales, customer service, or repair.
You should choose to study mechanical engineering if you want to get a degree. It's possible to get a bachelor's degree in just four years.
In addition, many companies will hire graduates straight out of school. It's a smart idea to begin looking for work while you have the opportunity to study part-time.
After you have completed your education, you will likely need some training to be able to work as an automotive technician.
This means that you will need to pass tests such as the Automotive Excellence (ASE) certification exam. This test covers engine maintenance and brakes as well as suspension.
After passing the ASE exam, you can apply for a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence license.
You can repair vehicles owned by private citizens with a license. You'll be paid based upon the number of services provided.
Not all states require licensing. If you intend to work in another state, however, you will need a license.
Some states won't issue licenses until you have completed a certain amount training. If this is you, you may need another option.
What jobs are available for car mechanics?
For car mechanics, there are three main areas for employment:
-
Automotive repair shops
-
Dealerships
-
Independent garages
Automotive repair shops
This is the place most people begin to consider becoming mechanics. 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.
If you decide to work at a shop, you'll need to apply to join a union. After you are accepted to the union, you will receive training from it.
You'll be ready for work once you have completed the training.
If you plan to open your own garage you will need to register with government. After you have registered, you will need to meet certain standards.
Once you register, you'll receive a license that allows you to operate your garage.
Your license will allow you to sell spare parts and do minor repairs. It will not allow you to repair major engine problems.
Customers will expect you to not only sell spare parts but also provide advice and guidance.
Dealership jobs
Most dealerships employ mechanics who specialize in one area of the car. For instance, they may only be qualified to fix brakes or change tires.
Some dealers also have general mechanics that can handle all aspects.
Some positions require that applicants complete training before they can be allowed to work. Employers can then choose the best candidates for their job.
Some dealerships will even hire graduates right out of university. These graduates are already familiar with basic mechanics and can therefore learn about cars.
Independent garages
Independent garages are not associated with any one dealership. They are more focused on providing top-quality service.
Independent garages don't have to be associated with any particular company. This allows them to offer higher wages. Because these jobs don't have to be associated with any company, they can generally offer better wages than dealerships.
But this doesn't mean that independent garages are necessarily better places to work. Many owners prefer to control their businesses themselves, rather than delegating it to employees.
You may find yourself working for long hours and not having control over the day.
Also, expect to make lower wages than if your job was at a dealership.
The good news? You can easily switch between different types of jobs. It is possible to switch between different types of jobs if your current employer would prefer you to work at a dealer.
Alternatively, if you'd like to work at an independent garage, then you could try applying directly to the owner of the garage.
Unfortunately, finding a new job can be difficult. Many other factors can also influence the amount you earn.
It could be the type and cost of labor you use to repair your vehicle.
What are the requirements for an automobile technician?
You need to have high school diploma or GED and good grades in English as well as maths. It is also necessary to be able both to read and to write. The written test will be passed and you will then have to take several practical exams before you can begin work.
Is it worth being a mechanic.
The answer to this question depends on what you want from life if you are looking for money, then yes, but if you're looking for meaning and purpose, then no.
If you don’t possess any mechanics skills, you won’t be able to do it. It won't make you wealthy. It will not make you famous. It is unlikely that you will be made famous.
This would require you to spend many years learning how to properly do everything. You would still need to hire someone to fix your car if it breaks down. It's the reason most people don't bother. They find something else to do.
To sum up, if you want to earn lots of money then go ahead. The mechanic's profession is not the right place for you if it means that you will live a fulfilled life.
What is the distinction between a mechanic or an automotive technician?
The two are similar but not identical. Both a mechanic and an automotive technician can repair cars.
A mechanic should be able to do simple tasks quickly and have good manual dexterity. A mechanic must be able diagnose and fix problems quickly and accurately.
An automotive technician must be more technically proficient than a mechanic. They must be able to read blueprints and use tools such as drills and wrenches.
They should be able safely to perform complex procedures. They must also be familiarized in different types and electrical systems.
They must also understand the interplay of different parts.
As a result, a mechanic usually earns less money than an automotive technician. Both careers have many options.
What qualifications is required to become an mechanic?
A series of exams is necessary to become a mechanic. These include:
-
A general knowledge test
-
A practical exam
-
An apprenticeship test
These tests are meant to help you grasp the fundamentals of mechanical engineering and physics, before you begin your journey as a mechanic.
Once you've passed these tests, you'll be eligible to work as a mechanic. You'll still need an apprenticeship. This will involve training in the trade.
You'll need to attend classes and workshops to learn everything you need to know about repairing vehicles. It will be necessary to work alongside 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.
To become a good mechanic, you need patience and persistence. If you don't like to follow instructions, then this may not be the right career path for you.
If you enjoy cars and fixing them, this job could be a good fit for you.
Statistics
- According to the BLS, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (uti.edu)
- 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)
- According to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $44,050 in May 2020. (uti.edu)
External Links
How To
How to Become an Auto Technician
An automotive technician performs repairs and maintains vehicles. He/she works at car dealerships, auto shops, garages, service centers, etc. He/she repairs cars, trucks, motorbikes and snowmobiles for customers. A technician in automotive must be able diagnose and repair problems quickly, safely, accurately, efficiently, and effectively.
To become an automotive technician, a person must first earn an associate's degree from a vocational college. After completing this program the student must pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence exam (ASE). ASE stands to American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The ASE certification test consists of two sections. The first section tests for mechanical knowledge, the second for practical skills. You must attend one of the authorized testing sites to take the test. You can find these locations online or through your local automobile dealer.
Before becoming an automotive technician, a candidate must pass the test. The process will vary depending on where an applicant lives. Some states require candidates to complete a training program, while others let them study on their own. Some states issue licenses to technicians as soon as they get their license. Others wait until they have worked at least six months as an automotive technician.
To get started as an automotive technician, a person should apply to a local automotive dealership. Most new employees begin as apprentices once they are hired. Apprenticeship programs usually last three years. During this time, a student learns how to perform basic repairs, such as changing oil, adjusting brakes, replacing tires, cleaning spark plugs, inspecting engine compartments, and performing routine maintenance. Some students learn how to do advanced repairs, such as installing air filters, replacing shocks, repairing engines, and replacing transmission fluids. Many schools offer classes during regular hours. Some schools also offer evening classes when needed.
After completing an apprenticeship, a student becomes a journeyman. Journeymen can spend up to five years learning how major systems work, including transmissions, differentials. They also learn how to adjust steering gear and suspensions. Journeymen also learn to fix complicated problems, such as rebuilding engines or troubleshooting electric components. Employers prefer to hire journeymen as they are familiar with the job and can anticipate customer needs.
After passing the exams, candidates may be eligible to open their own shop if they pass all requirements. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there were nearly 1.7 million jobs available for automotive mechanics in 2010. That number was expected to grow by 18 percent from 2009 to 2020. The candidate should expect to invest thousands of money in equipment and supplies if he/she decides to start his/her shop.
Many factors affect the automotive technician's salary, including location, education, experience, and employer type. A jobless person could make an average of $20,000 annually. A person with only a high-school diploma could make around $21,000 annually. Those with an associate's degree earned approximately $24,000 per year. Technicians with bachelor's degrees earn approximately $27,000 per year. Master's degree holders make around $32,000 annually. A common trend is for salary increases to occur so a professional making less than $30,000 can reasonably expect to be earning $40,000 or more within a few years.