ASE: Certifying the Automotive Professional

ASE: Certifying the Automotive Professional

ASE: Certifying the Automotive Professional

Finding a competent auto technician need not be a matter of chance. Much of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With nearly 400,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE program is national in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition. ASE-certified professionals can be found at every type of repair facility, from dealerships, service stations, and franchises to parts stores, independent garages, and even municipal fleets.

Certification Benefits Motorists

ASE certifies the technical competence of individual technicians, not repair facilities. Prior to taking ASE certification tests, many technicians attend training classes or study on their own in order to brush up on their knowledge. By passing difficult, national tests, ASE-certified technicians prove their technical competence to themselves, to their employers, and to their customers. Moreover, shop owners and managers who encourage their employees to become certified can be counted on to be concerned about the other aspects of their business.

How Certification Works

About 100,000 technicians sit for ASE tests each May and November at over 750 locations. Technicians who pass at least one exam and fulfill the two-year work experience requirement become ASE-certified. Those who pass a battery of exams (and fulfill the experience requirement) earn Master Technician status.

The tests, developed by industry experts with oversight from ASE's own in-house pros, are administered by ACT, the same group known for its college entrance exams.

There are specialty exams covering all major areas of repair. There are eight tests for auto technicians alone: Engine Repair, Engine Performance, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Brakes, Heating and Air Conditioning, Suspension and Steering, Manual Drive Train and Axles, and Automatic Transmissions. (There are also exams for collision repair technicians, engine machinists, parts specialists, and others.)

ASE requires technicians to re-test every five years to keep up with technology and to remain certified. All ASE credentials have expiration dates.

Finding ASE-Certified Technicians

Repair establishments with at least one ASE technician are permitted to display the ASE sign. Each ASE professional is issued personalized credentials listing his or her exact area(s) of certification and an appropriate shoulder insignia. Technicians are also issued certificates that employers often post in the customer-service area. Employers often display the blue and white ASE sign as well. Businesses with a high level of commitment to ASE (75 percent of service personnel certified) are entitled to a special "Blue Seal of Excellence" recognition from ASE.

Choosing the Right Technician

As with other professionals, automotive technicians often specialize. So it's wise to ask the shop owner or service manager for a technician who is certified in the appropriate area, say, brakes, engine repair, or air conditioning.

Choosing a Repair Shop Checklist

Here are some tips from the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) on finding a good repair establishment:

• Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
• Ask friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer organizations.
• Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.
• Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
• Look for a courteous staff, with a service writer willing to answer all of your questions.
• Look for policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
• Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work.
• Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards.
• Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE.
• Reward good service with repeat business and customer loyalty.

For ASE’s Glove Box Tips, click here.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

Stopping and Steering are Keys to Driving Safely

Stopping and Steering are Keys to Driving Safely

There are more vehicles on U.S. roads than ever before. With an estimated 240.5 million cars and light trucks crowding our roads as of 2011, your safety and that of others is at risk when your vehicle isn't stopping and steering at its best. Reducing your vehicle's stopping distance by just an inch or so could make the difference between a minor scare and a major fender bender.

Crowded roads aren't the only concern. The roads themselves are often in a sorry state of repair. Portions of our highway system (including many bridges) haven't seen much in the way of maintenance or repair since they were built.

In cold climates, the freeze/thaw cycle enlarges cracks and holes in the pavement. In sunnier spots, the heat, heavy cargo hauling and years of neglect take their own toll on roads. The result can be a moonscape of potholes that can affect the handling of your vehicle. Bad roads can cause suspension components, so vital to steering control and handling, to grow old before their time.

But you don't have to be an automotive expert to keep your vehicle's stopping and steering systems safe. An ASE-certified brake service technician is trained to diagnose problems and identify potential areas of concern, such as checking thickness of rotors and identifying worn brake lines and hoses.

Pay a little now, or a lot later

Putting off repairs for too long results in growing costs. For example, let’s look at a typical brake job. Not only will you have to buy new brake pads, but add in new brake rotors as well to replace the ones that were ruined by procrastination.

New rotors can range from $50 to $250 or more, depending upon the vehicle application — and that's foreach wheel. Even if normal wear dictates rotor replacement, the upside is that it could be the last time you'll ever replace them before you trade in the vehicle.

It's important to perform needed maintenance early. Allowing the situation to bloom into an expensive repair threatens the practicality of keeping your paid-for wheels on the road. If you made 36, 48 or even 60 monthly payments without flinching in order to buy the car, but don't like to pay for maintenance, try considering it as a short-term "car payment" that only has to be made occasionally.

Safety tips for brake service:

• Invest in a top-quality brake pads.
• If any rotors are marginal for continued service after refinishing (too thin or very close to the minimum thickness specification), have them replaced. An ASE-certified technician can compare the specification dimension and your rotors' actual thickness for you on request. If you own an older vehicle equipped with original equipment (OE) rotors, be prepared to replace them at this time.
• Have the brake calipers inspected to ensure that any moving parts, such as slides and bleeder screws, haven't corroded and frozen up.
• Don't always jump at the lowest quoted price for your brake job. A low price quote can mean that you're not getting the complete brake system serviced.

Remember, there are cheap jobs that use basic components. There are also more-expensive jobs that use premium components. When evaluating the cost of any vehicle repair or maintenance, consider the quality of work and the parts. What's the cost difference between the two? Which one would you trust most?

Beyond basic brake pads and rotor replacement or resurfacing, ask for quotations on the following expanded parts and services if you own an older vehicle:

• If your brake hydraulic system has never been flushed, consider having it serviced to remove moisture and impurities from the fluid reservoir, lines, calipers and/or wheel cylinders.
• Have rubber-type flex brake hoses replaced when they're hard, cracked or simply old.
• When rotors are being resurfaced for reuse, request inspection of the wheel bearings.
• On rear-wheel-drive cars or trucks, have the front wheel bearings inspected and repacked with new grease, along with replacing the seals. Don't take the chance of being stranded over an inexpensive bearing or seal.
• For drum brake applications, ask to have a new brake hardware kit installed when the brake shoes are replaced and the drums are refinished. The technician should ensure that each assembly's wheel cylinder pistons, starwheel adjuster and bleeder screw aren't sticking or seized.
• Have your emergency brake assembly tested periodically. Have it repaired or adjusted if necessary.

This approach to vehicle maintenance may cost a little more up front, but if you make the investment now, you can be sure that-old or new-your car or truck will stop in the shortest distance possible-and be able to steer around trouble.

If your vehicle is more than five years old and has only had brake pad and rotor servicing in the past, it's generally appropriate to have the items from our expanded list serviced or replaced.

To find a local ASE Blue Seal Shop that can help you keep your vehicle in top condition, visit our ASE Blue Seal Shop Locator page.

SIDEBAR:

An ‘Epidemic’ of Unperformed Maintenance
Consider these facts regarding vehicles and maintenance:

• In its Automotive Aftermarket Status Report 2012, analysts at the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) reported unperformed vehicle maintenance across the entire U.S. fleet had grown to $62 billion in 2010, compared to $54 billion a year earlier.
• According to a 2005 Car Care Council report, poorly maintained vehicles account for 5 percent of all accidents, causing more than $2 billion in property damage, lost wages and medical expenses.
• The average age of cars on today’s U.S. roads is more than 11 years, according to a 2011 study by Polk, a Southfield, Mich.-based research firm. Light-duty trucks average 10.4 years old, and the average age of the U.S. fleet is 10.8 years old.

Arbitrarily dividing the unperformed maintenance amount by an assumed (and generous) average repair cost of $300 per vehicle across the entire car and light truck fleet potentially indicates that 206.6 million vehicles need some type of maintenance and repair.

Amazingly, this suggests that more than 85 percent of the entire passenger car and light truck fleet suffers from some form of unperformed maintenance. If your vehicle is over five years old, the likelihood that it needs maintenance or service of any type climbs dramatically.

ASE: What's in It for Car Owners

ASE: What's in It for Car Owners

ASE Certification Program Helps Take the Guesswork Out of Finding a Good Technician

Finding a competent auto technician need not be a matter of chance. Much of the guesswork has been eliminated, thanks to the national program conducted by the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE tests and certifies automotive professionals in all major technical areas of repair and service. With more than 300,000 currently certified professionals, the ASE program is national in scope and has industry-wide acceptance and recognition. ASE-certified technicians and parts specialists can be found at every type of repair facility, from dealerships, service stations, and franchises to parts stores, independent garages, and even municipal fleets.

Certification Benefits Motorists
ASE certifies the technical competence of individual technicians, not repair facilities. Before taking ASE certification tests, many technicians attend training classes or study on their own in order to brush up on their knowledge. By passing difficult, national tests, ASE certified technicians prove their technical competence to themselves, to their employers, and to their customers. What's more, because the ASE program is primarily voluntary, ASE certification becomes a self-selecting credential that weeds out the incompetent. And while ASE does not certify repair shops or police individual business practices, it stands to reason that those shop owners and managers who support their service employees' efforts to become technically certified will be as concerned about the other aspects of their business as well.

How Certification Works
About 150,000 technicians take ASE tests each year at over 400 locations around the country. Technicians who pass at least one exam and fulfill the work experience requirement become ASE certified. Those who pass a battery of exams (and fulfill the experience requirement) earn Master Technician status. The tests, developed by industry experts with oversight from ASE's own in-house professional technicians, are administered by Prometric, one of the most well-known testing organizations in the world.

There are specialty exams covering all major areas of repair. There are eight tests for auto technicians alone: Engine Repair, Engine Performance, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Brakes, Heating and Air Conditioning, Suspension and Steering, Manual Drive Train and Axles, and Automatic Transmissions. (There are also exams for collision repair/paint technicians, damage estimators, parts specialists, and others.) ASE certification is not for life. ASE requires technicians to re-test every five years to keep up with technology and to remain certified. All ASE credentials have expiration dates.

Finding ASE-Certified Technicians
Repair establishments with at least one ASE technician are permitted to display the ASE sign. Each ASE professional is issued personalized credentials listing his or her exact area(s) of certification and an appropriate shoulder insignia. Technicians are also issued certificates that employers often post in the customer-service area. And employers often display the blue and white ASE sign as well.

Businesses with a high level of commitment to the ASE program (75 percent of service personnel certified) are entitled to a special "Blue Seal of Excellence" recognition from ASE. These elite facilities are among the best in the national. More than 1,500 businesses participate in this growing program.

Choosing the Right Technician
As with other professionals-physicians come to mind--automotive technicians often specialize. So it's wise to ask the shop owner or service manager for a technician who is certified in the appropriate area, say, brakes, engine repair, or air conditioning.

For ASE’s Glove Box Tips, click here.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

Tomorrow's Environmentally "Clean/Green" Vehicles Are Here Today

Tomorrow's Environmentally "Clean/Green" Vehicles Are Here Today

Tomorrow's Environmentally "Clean/Green" Vehicles Are Here Today

The future is closer than you think. Manufacturers are offering "clean and green" vehicles today. Motorists can now purchase a variety of "super low-emission vehicles," known as SULEVs - from dealers around the country. SULEV gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles from Toyota and Honda are selling briskly, and many more offerings are coming. Alternate-fueled vehicles - those that run on natural gas, propane, ethanol or methanol - are also considered clean vehicles and are commercially viable. These alternate fuel vehicles, or AFVs, may be more suitable for car, truck and bus fleets where centralized refueling is available, but they're definitely low on emissions and offer real maintenance and fuel savings.

Zero-Emission Vehicles

For purists, ZEVs, or zero-emission vehicles, are available on a limited basis (mainly in California or in the South). Typically they are battery-electric powered. Some individuals are using EVs as commuter cars or neighborhood vehicles, but most battery-electric vehicles are used for stop-and- go mail and courier delivery, meter enforcement, etc. They're also found in gated communities, on campuses, at zoos, parks, etc. These vehicles are typically charged overnight or recharged between trips; they offer considerable fuel and maintenance savings along with zero on-road emissions. But because of their limited range, EVs are admittedly considered "niche market" vehicles.

Hybrids Gaining in Popularity

EV technology has contributed to the success of today's more versatile hybrid-electric vehicles. Gasoline/electric hybrids are not range limited, can get exceptional mileage, and are rated as SULEVs. Hybrids generally work by using an engine and generator in harmony with one or more energy storage devices such as batteries. Managed by sophisticated computers, today's hybrids may use battery-only power at low speeds, or a combination of battery and engine power for accelerating and hill climbing - the batteries serving as an "electric supercharger." Under cruise conditions, the engine runs a generator as needed to re-charge the batteries and propel the vehicle. When going downhill, coasting or braking, otherwise-wasted vehicle inertia runs the generator for re-charging the batteries, and the engine shuts off, adding to miles-per-gallon.

For now, hybrid-electrics seem the most popular choice. Hybrids are achieving 70 mpg and more. Greater numbers of these gasoline/electric autos, vans, pickups and SUVs will be for sale in the next couple of years.

The Future

Longer-term projections indicate that hybrid-powered vehicles of all stripes will gain considerable market share over conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles in the next 10 to 20 years. Purchase prices will depend on economies of scale, and government and auto manufacturer subsidies. Widespread acceptance of hybrids would mean far less petroleum would be consumed, which translates to both lower overall grams-per-mile of emissions and a greater degree of energy independence.

Most industry experts predict that the gasoline or diesel powered hybrid is an interim step towards achieving near pollution-free transportation. The ultimate in zero-emission vehicles are hybrids that use the hydrogen fuel-cell engine. Hydrogen is reacted (not burned) in the fuel cell to generate electricity for the vehicle's traction motor(s) and for charging the batteries. When run on pure hydrogen, fuel-cell vehicles (FCVs) produce no harmful emission and are more fuel-efficient than the best vehicles with internal combustion engines.

According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, "Most major auto manufacturers have announced plans to commercialize [fuel cell powered] cars in 2003 or 2004." But improving the technology and lowering the cost of fuel cell production and materials is a key factor for market success. An American Methanol Institute report predicts that by 2020, seven to 20% of all new cars sold will be powered by fuel cells. Government subsidies and market demand for fuel cells and FCVs (fuel cell vehicles) has resulted in an increasing number of companies striking innovative deals to bring fuel cell technology to the marketplace. Numerous fuel cell powered cars, trucks, vans, and transit buses already exist.

Adding impetus to development of FCVs is President Bush's recent announcement of the Freedom CAR (Freedom Cooperative Automotive Research) program. This program will focus on the technologies needed to build affordable, clean, mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell vehicles along with those needed for a hydrogen-fueling infrastructure using domestic energy sources.

The future is coming, and sooner than most people realize. For those impatient with the pace of progress, consider how far we've already come: Today's conventional cars could actually run on the tailpipe emissions of cars produced in the 1960s, thanks in large part to on-board vehicle technology.

For ASE’s Glove Box Tips, click here.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

Springtime Auto Tips

Springtime Auto Tips

Spring is one of the prime times for auto maintenance. That first wash-n-wax on a warm Saturday afternoon is liberating. Winter's gloom (to say nothing of grit and road salt) is literally washed away. Take out the snow shovel, the gloves, and heavy boots and store them 'til next season. Surely summer can't be far away.

Some preparation now will help ensure that your summer driving plans go as smoothly as you envision then now. ASE offer the following tips on getting your vehicle ready for summer.

• Read the owner's manual and follow the recommended service schedules.
• Have hard starts, rough idling, stalling, etc. corrected before hot weather sets in.
• Flush and refill the cooling system (radiator) according to the service manual's recommendations. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically.
• If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, look for repair facilities that employ ASE-certified automotive technicians.
• The tightness and condition of belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a qualified auto technician.
• Have a marginally operating air conditioner system serviced by a qualified technician to reduce the likelihood of more costly repairs.
• Change the oil and oil filter as specified in owner's manual. (Properly dispose of used oil.)
• Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended.
• Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Always check tire pressure when the tires are cold.
• Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs.
• Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to combat summer's dust and insects.

For ASE’s Glove Box Tips, click here.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

End of Summer Marks Perfect Time for Car Care

End of Summer Marks Perfect Time for Car Care

Preventative maintenance now can help ensure worry-free driving this winter

The vacations are over, the kids are back in school and cooler evenings have begun. Take advantage of the lull to prepare your vehicle for the winter ahead, advise the pros and the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Breakdowns, never convenient, can be dangerous in cold weather period.

The following tips from ASE should give parent and student alike a road map to fall car care.

First things first

Read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. There are usually two schedules listed: normal and severe.

Engine Performance

Have engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather will make existing problems worse. Replace dirty filtersair, fuel, PCV, etc.

Fuel

Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too, that a gas tank that’s kept filled helps prevent moisture from forming in the first place.

Oil

Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.

Cooling System

The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) If you’re doing your own work, allow the radiator to cool down completely before removing the cap. (Newer vehicles have coolant reservoirs.) The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a certified auto technician.

Heater/Defroster

The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.

Windshield Wipers

Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent you’ll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.

Battery

The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. But do-it-yourselfers can do routine maintenance. Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.

A word of caution:

Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves. Note too that removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles so refer to your manual for instructions.

Lights

Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses with a moistened cloth or towel. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

Exhaust System

Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.

Tires

Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.

Emergencies

Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.

For ASE’ Glove Box Tips, click here.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

Ten Tips for SUV Owners

Ten Tips for SUV Owners

It's a rare motorist who doesn't have strong feelings about today's sport utility vehicles. Love 'em or hate 'em, one thing is certain-just like their automobile cousins, SUVs last longer, operate more efficiently, and command a higher resale value when they are properly maintained and serviced.

For those too busy or too overwhelmed by modern vehicles to perform their own maintenance, the pros at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offer some advice on choosing a repair establishment:

• Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
• Ask friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer organizations.
• Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.
• Look for a neat, well organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
• Look for a courteous staff, with a service writer willing to answer all of your questions.
• Look for posted policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
• Ask if the repair facility usually handles your type of repair work.
• Start off with a minor job and progress to more complex work if you are pleased with the establishment.
• Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards.
• Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification of the technicians by ASE.

For ASE’s Glove Box Tips, click here.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.