On reality shows like Monster Garage and Motor City Motors, we’ve seen a GMC Suburban turn into a pothole filler and a PT Cruiser transform into a wood chipper. And these just scratch the surface of the miracles that mechanics can perform.National Car Care Month, which started April 1, is designed to bring attention to the important tasks mechanics perform every day: from changing oil and air filters to reading diagnostic reports and repairing engine defects. Without their expertise, most of us wouldn’t be able to make it to work everyday. And with the current emphasis on hybrid technology, auto mechanics are going to checking our fluids and fixing our engines well into the future. If you love cars, love working with your hands, and hate the idea of being chained to a desk all day, an automotive career may be one to consider.Some mechanics get their start by taking automotive classes in high schools, while others attend two-year associate degree programs sponsored by car dealers and manufacturers. If you’re thinking about going back to school to become a mechanic, remember that the best programs are those recognized by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). (ASE also certifies mechanics after two years of experience in a given area, plus completing a test.) While you’re in school, you’ll learn basic automotive service, how the engine works, the different electrical systems, how to suspension and steering systems function, heating and air conditioning systems, and much more.Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll be ready to start popping hoods and changing brake pads. And best of all, you’ll have a range of careers to consider, including:Autobody and collision repair specialists take the dents, dings, and damage out of cars after collisions of all shapes and sizes.Audi mechanics are employed by Audi dealerships and work specifically on this line of cars.BMW mechanics stay up-to-date on the changing technology and processes that make BMWs run.Ford mechanics can find employment in a wide range of business, from government agencies to dealerships to private garages.Small engine mechanics work on boats, lawn tractors, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles.Nascar pit crew mechanics have reached the holy grail of car and racing enthusiasts. They prepare high-performance race cars for big races, and are responsible for changing out the engines, switching plugs and other parts as needed, checking and adjusting tire pressure, and making weight adjustments on race day.For more information on auto mechanic career paths, check out this auto mechanic career profile.
Category Archives: News
Tips on Finding Affordable Automotive Parts and Accessories
Whether you’ve just purchased a used car that you want to fix up, or you have a classic car that you need parts for, finding an affordable store for automotive parts and accessories is ideal. There are a number of online stores that will help you to find the parts you need, and you’ll pay affordable prices in order to make the costs of your total repairs much lower.Automotive parts and accessories can be found on the A1 Classic Car Parts Finder site. This is a great resource for finding the right parts for classic cars, so if you have cars and trucks that are 40 or 50 years old, the lights, engines, and alternators for these vehicles can be found at discount prices on the site. There are also a number of cars for sale on the site, so if you’ve always wanted a 1957 Chevy, or are looking for a Mustang from the 1960’s, the site will have just what you’re looking for. You can also pay for the parts and automobiles that you purchase on the site using PayPal; this way, you won’t have to submit your bank account or credit card information onto the site.You may also want to check out the the Best Performance Auto Parts website to find quality automotive parts and accessories. When you log onto the site using your email address, you’ll be able to sign up to have special internet deals sent to your inbox, and there are are also a number of tips that you’ll get about how technology may be changing concerning the parts you’ll need for your car. If you need auto body kits, brake replacement parts, or air intake systems for your car, this site will have the supplies you need for a number of car models. Even if you have a pickup truck or a vehicle that runs off of diesel fuel, you’ll still be able to find things like aftermarket truck accessories, inter coolers, throttle bodies, and computer chips for your vehicle. If you don’t find an item that you need from searching through the site inventory, you can send an email to the distributors and they will work to find the part for you.You can also search sites like Yahoo or MSN to get more information on automotive parts and accessories. When you use the shopping links provided on these homepages, you’ll be able to find discounted car parts that will work well with your vehicle model. Small items like lights for the inside and outside of your car, as well as large items like alternators are featured, and if the sites don’t have the automotive parts and accessories that you’re looking for, you’ll find the links to the right online auto accessory stores for you. Happy shopping!
The Human Edge in Automotive Marketing
At a time when people are trying to make ends meet because of recession, selling cars appears to be such a gargantuan task. And probably it is. Instead of spending their money on a new automobile, average income folks would rather save for their more immediate needs and avoid spending unnecessarily. Although cars are considered a commodity, most people who can afford them already have their own and would probably veer away from buying new ones during these economically trying times. This puts car dealers in a rather uncompromising situation. The business of car dealership isn’t as attractive as it used to be. Worse, car dealers could end up losing more if they closed shop than if they carried on and hoped for things to get better.This is, indeed, a problem unless dealers start reversing their views on the situation. There is always a time for every market to slow down but it is not a reason to call it quits. If anything, this should be a time to contemplate on the measures that may be taken in order to handle the crisis instead of wait for it to explode. It is important for people in the car business to remember than when all automotive marketing strategies fail, only human relationships hold up. Now, it is up to the automotive company, or any other business for that matter, to build on this human edge in order to survive. After all, the automotive industry has a market even in these times and that is a fact.But what is the human edge? The human edge is that miraculous touch that human relationships can give any business that seems headed for disaster. It isn’t magical. In fact, it can be very scientific depending on how you approach it. The human edge is that ingredient of all successful crisis marketing campaigns whose main requirement is for businessmen to grow a skill in building good rapport with potential customers without the latter even knowing. It is gaining more acquaintances and taking time out to build on possible friendships and allowing your network to grow and grow until everyone comes naturally to you. You may say this is basic for all salesmen working with any market there is. But while it is basic, it can be lifesaving to any type of enterprise that needs a salvaging.This is when you no longer need to approach people and tell them what you want them to do. If you perfect this skill of creating in them a need to buy that thing you’re selling, they’re going to buy it and they will buy it from you. Times are hard but some people are willing to stretch out their budgets for a little luxury as long as they find a person they’re comfortable with in considering such a possibility. Also remember that customers only need the right person to make them want to buy. Often, these successful salesmen are friends who just happened to be salesmen and not the other way around.