Monthly Archives: November 2022

Why Trust Your Vehicle to a Certified Technician?

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We depend on our vehicles for much of our daily necessities, whether it’s getting to work, taking kids to school, grocery shopping, or going out to dinner. Since we rely so much on our transportation, it is really important that we trust the professionals who take care of our vehicles. You need to not only count on your vehicle’s performance, but also on its ability to keep you safe on the road. Because you need to have the utmost confidence in the experience, capability, and professionalism of your auto service provider, it is a good idea to always choose a certified technician to do your vehicle service and repair.

Trust Your Vehicle to a Certified Technician

Photo credit: Jimmy Nilsson Masth / Unsplash

How Does a Mechanic Become Certified Technician? 

An independent non-profit organization called the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), has established standards to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. In addition to passing an ASE Certification test, certified technicians must have completed two years of on the job training or one year of on the job training and a two-year degree in automotive repair to qualify for certification.

According to ASE.com the tests for certification are rigorous. Only two out of every three mechanics pass on their first attempt. To remain ASE certified, technicians must recertify every five years to keep up with advancing automotive technology. 

What Advantages are there to Choosing a Certified Technician?

This biggest advantage you gain with a certified technician is confidence in knowing that your service provider knows how to service or repair your specific vehicle make and model. ASE technicians receive comprehensive training on parts used in a diverse range of makes and models. Some technicians also earn original equipment manufacturer (OEM) certifications to perform repairs on globally recognized vehicle brands. These OEM certifications assure that a technician has not only been trained to repair specific makes and models, but they are also tested and evaluated.

In addition to up-to-date training, certified technicians understand and use the latest technologies when servicing your vehicle. Shops that use the most advanced technologies will complete your services and repairs with speed and precision.

Another advantage of using certified technicians is their commitment to best practices. Since certification standards must be met, certified auto body technicians develop and implement car repair best practices to keep their shops accountable. Your work will be done by a professional who cares about you and your vehicle. Technicians work hard to achieve and maintain their credentials, and they do so to provide you with confidence in their abilities and satisfaction with their work.

Don’t put off repair or essential service because you are not sure where to take your car. Choose an ASE Certified Technician with confidence.

Seven Ways to Prepare Your Vehicle For Winter

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November is here and winter is upon us. As you brace yourself for dropping temperatures and snow falls, don’t forget that your vehicle needs to be prepared for winter, too. Wondering how to prepare your vehicle for winter? Think about preventative maintenance and consider stowing items in your car so you’ll be prepared for emergencies.

Preparing your car for winter

Photo credit: Julian Faist / Unsplash

Here are seven important vehicle maintenance and winter preparation items you should take care of to be sure that your car is ready for the cold weather:

  1. Check your oil: If your car is due for an oil change, consider refilling it with a lower viscosity oil, which does a better job of handling extreme temperatures. The lower the viscosity, the thinner it is, and the more it will retain its fluidity in cold temperatures.
  2. Top off your antifreeze: When was the last time you checked or refilled your antifreeze? If it’s been a while, now is definitely the time to take care of it.
  3. Check your wiper fluid and condition of your wipers: Clear visibility is essential to your safety on the road. Ample wiper fluid and good wiper blades will help keep your windshield clear.
  4. Get a wash and wax: Your vehicle will be subjected to a lot of abuse from ice, snow, and salt. Head into the winter months with a little extra protection.
  5. Gather emergency items: Preparing your car for a winter season includes packing some emergency items in your trunk/back seat. Items include: an ice scraper, blanket, first-aid kit, extra clothes, flashlight, jumper cables, and anything else you think you might need in case of emergency. 
  6. Monitor tire pressure: Even the slightest temperature changes can impact tire pressure. Make sure to check the optimal tire pressure on the label of the driver’s side door frame or in your owner’s manual.
  7. Think about new tires: Especially in adverse conditions, car tires are one of the only things keeping you from a major spin out, collision, and other roadside disasters. Chances are if you’ve been thinking about getting new ones, you probably need them.

Before holiday season activities and obligations fill up your schedule, take care of these winter car care items. You will be prepared when the winter weather arrives in full force.