subject: Look For Ase-certified Automotive Technicians For Car Maintenance And Repairs [print this page] When looking for a car mechanic, it can often be difficult to sort out the good from the bad. Most people determine a mechanic's competence and honesty based on a trial-and-error process. However, this isn't the only way to gauge their expertise. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to identifying and certifying the best automotive technicians across the United States. When choosing a technician, checking to see if their shop displays the ASE's seal of approval is a good way to verify some of their credentials.
ASE is run by the same group of experts that administers the ACT college admission test; accordingly, becoming an ASE-certified technician is an extensive process. To achieve that goal, a mechanic must have at least two years of real-world experience, and then must pass at least one test in a specific area of automotive knowledge. There are eight tests auto technicians can take in areas ranging from automatic transmissions to engines to brakes. The highest attainable level is Master Technician, which requires a passing grade on all eight tests. Becoming certified isn't a tenured position; mechanics must retake all the tests every five years to prove that they have kept up with the latest technology.
These qualifications are most beneficial to consumers, as it takes the guesswork out of the skill level of the mechanic. In addition, auto repair shops that put in the effort to become ASE-certified are often more likely to put the same amount of care into their customer's vehicles. However, there are a few important things to remember when choosing a technician. Even if a repair shop has just one certified technician working there, then they are permitted to display the "ASE Certified" sign. The customer should ask whether or not the work done on their vehicle will be performed or supervised by a certified technician.
Another thing to look for is the "Blue Seal of Excellence" sign from ASE. If this is hanging on a repair shop's wall, it means that at least 75 percent of the technicians there are certified by the organization.
Overall, the ASE certification benefits both repair shops and consumers. Auto repair shops that have certified mechanics will attract a larger clientele, while customers can feel confident that they will be receiving excellent car repair service. Furthermore, these shops are the ones that are more likely to care about the service your vehicle receives too.
