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Promising Automotive Careers
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
Quote:automotive service excellence, collision repair specialists, national car careHow to Choose a Auto Body Shop When You Have Been Involved in an Accident
When you have had the unfortunate event of being in a automotive collision, the last thing you need is to have a bad experience with an auto body shop not doing their job. A good auto body shop will fix your car back to pre-loss condition, both in appearance and in structural and mechanical integrity. A great auto body shop will almost make you feel like the accident never happened. They should start with customer service better then you get at a good restaurant. They should ask if everyone was OK after the accident, generally, they should be more interested in your needs and concerns then their own profit margins. The sad thing is there are many body shops that are just in it for a quick buck and do not have the customer skills or even the repair skills to do the job you, or your insurance company, is paying for. So how do you weed those shops out
I have been in this industry for over 25 years in the same area, I have worked in high quality auto body shops large and small, and have owned my own collision and custom shop in Portland Oregon for the last 8 years. In my area there are hundreds of auto body repair shops in a very small area, yet I only know a few I would trust with my vehicles. So for the most part you have to be as informed as you can, and ask alot of questions.
I am going to give you some information about the industry that will hopefully help to make that informed decision a little easier. First, do not let your insurance company tell you where to have your vehicle repaired, in most cases they have contracts with the shop to save them money in exchange for sending them your vehicle. in this case the insurance company saves money, the shop gets the work but has to cut corners to keep the cost down for the insurance company. And you, the one that pays the insurance company all those inflated premiums, and pays the body shop your deductible gets a substandard repair. The insurance company may say if you don’t take the job to our repair shop we can’t guaranty the work, the fact is any and all good auto body shops guaranty their work for as long as you own your car, if they don’t, go somewhere else.
Quote:auto body shop, auto body shops, quality auto bodyFavorite Automotive Franchise Business Opportunities
One of the industries that everyone is cheering as a recession-resistant market these days is the auto repair industry, and in fact, they’re right. When recession hits, spending decreases; this, in the world of cars, means that fewer new cars are purchased. If people are buying fewer new autos, logic would demand that they’re keeping their old cars, which will constantly have to be repaired and maintained, which is very good news for businesspeople in the auto industry. If you’re not already a part of it, here are some franchises that are perfect business opportunities to get you in on this booming market.
1. Maaco
With a proven track record of recession-resistance over the last 36 years of operation, Maaco has proven itself to be a sturdy business opportunity for anyone with the ambition to operate a franchise. Currently there are over 500 locations in the United States and Canada, performing a wide range of cosmetic repairs on automobiles throughout the North America. No previous auto experience is needed, and with financing available, the $75,000 initial cost is not hard to afford.
Quote:auto repair industry, automotive pin striping, franchise business opportunities