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AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE • ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS • AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE EXCELLENCE
Topics To Discuss Before Hiring Your Next Mechanic
Few decisions weigh as heavily on automobile owners as
their choice of mechanic. A good mechanic goes a long way
toward ensuring drivers and their passengers stay safe on the
road and that those drivers’ vehicles perform at their peak
for years to come. That’s an important role to play, and it’s
why many drivers acknowledge that choosing a mechanic is
a decision that should not be taken lightly.
CERTIFICATION
Certification can go a long way toward helping drivers
find mechanics they can trust. The National Institute for Automotive
Service Excellence was founded in 1972 and continues
to work to improve the quality of automotive service
and repair by testing automotive technicians and certifying
those who live up to or exceed ASE standards. An ASEcertified
technician should have his or her credentials readily
available to prospective customers, and these credentials list
each professional’s area of certification. When shopping for
a new mechanic, make sure that he or she is ASE-certified.
In addition, discuss with the mechanic his or her work history,
including any additional areas of expertise.
PRICING POLICIES
Many mechanics offer free estimates, but that should not
be taken for granted. When bringing a car in for an estimate,
drivers should confirm with the mechanic who will conduct
the examination if the estimate is free or if they will be
charged an inspection fee.
In addition to any fees regarding estimates, drivers should
also inquire about labor costs and the payment policies at the
facility. Labor can be quite expensive, so it’s best that you
know these rates in advance of any repairs being conducted
on your vehicle. It’s also important to get a rundown of the
company payment policies, especially if your vehicle is in
need of potentially costly repairs. You don’t want the bill to
shock you once the work has been completed, so don’t hesitate
to be inquisitive before leaving a car at the garage.
PARTS
Replacing parts on a vehicle is a cause for concern for
many drivers, and rightfully so. Consumer advocacy groups
have exposed many mechanics who pass off used auto parts
Auto Craftsmen is proud to be an ASE Blue Seal Repair Center!
“Doctor Alex”
ASE Blue Seal of AAA Approved Auto
Excellence Since 2010 Repair since 2003
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as new parts, charging their customers new part prices along
the way. While there’s no way drivers can guarantee they
won’t fall victim to such criminal behavior, they can inquire
about company policies regarding vehicle parts. Does the
garage even install used parts If so, do they let drivers
choose either new or used parts before any work is done
If the garage only uses new parts, ask for parts with solid
warranties, so if the part must be replaced, you won’t have
to pay for it again.
DOCUMENTATION
The preowned vehicle market is thriving, and drivers who
take care of their vehicles have earned the right to reap their
rewards for being good owners when it comes time to sell
the car. When interviewing prospective mechanics, ask if
they are willing to provide detailed documentation of any
work they do on your vehicle. Such documentation can then
be shared with prospective buyers when you want to sell the
car, and it also serves as a way to keep the garage accountable
for all the work they have done on the car throughout
your relationship.
Is your Mechanic ASE Certified?
What it is and Why it matters
While many people have heard
the term “ASE Certified” before,
they may not know what it stands
for or how important it is. However,
when it comes to finding the right
care for your vehicle, the blue ASE
Certified sticker is something you
should always look for.
WHAT IS AN ASE
CERTIFICATION
ASE stands for “Automotive Service
Excellence.” The certification is
issued and regulated by the National Institute for Automotive
Service Excellence.
To complete their certification, mechanics must learn and
display a mastery of automotive repair. In order to do this,
they must follow a long and rigorous process.
First, automotive technicians must complete two years of
on-the-job training. Alternatively, they can finish a two-year
degree in automotive repair and complete one year of on-thejob
training.
After completing the work and education requirements,
applicants must pass a comprehensive exam. Only two thirds
of test takers pass the exam on their first attempt.
In order to maintain their certification, professionals must
re-test every five years. This ensures that they have kept their
skills and knowledge sharp, while also keeping up with new
car technology.
WHY ASE CERTIFICATION IS IMPORTANT
Have you ever gotten a recommendation for a car mechanic
(or really any service professional) that didn’t quite work
out In all likelihood, almost everyone has.
ASE Certifications take the guesswork out of finding a
“good” mechanic.
When you see the blue star logo, you can be sure that your
automotive specialist has demonstrated in-depth knowledge
of automotive repair. They are also guaranteed to have a great
deal of hands-on experience.
VERMONT’S TRUCKSTORE
Barre-Montpelier 802-223-6337 • 800-278-CODY
ASE CERTIFIED TECHS HAVE FUNDAMENTAL
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
In order to be accepted into the course, service professionals
must already have prior experience. This weeds out anyone
who has just a passing interest in automotive technology.
Once technicians are accepted into the program, they
will be tested on the fundamentals of automobile repair and
maintenance.
Among the specifics they are tested on are: automatic and
manual transmission systems, brakes, suspension, frontwheel
drive transaxles, engine repairs, electrical systems,
engine performance and heating and AC repair.
ALWAYS UP-TO-DATE
Anyone who has owned or driven a car for more than a few
years knows how quickly things change. Everything from
suspension systems to entertainment systems is becoming
more sophisticated.
Keeping up with these advancements is incredibly important
for technicians. For example, ten years ago you wouldn’t
have been able to find a mechanic to repair ferrofluid-based
suspensions. That’s because ten years ago they didn’t exist.
However, ASE technicians must re-certify every five years.
This ensures that they are not just up-to-date on all the latest
automobile technology, but experts on them.
A WEALTH OF SHARED KNOWLEDGE
While it is a certification at its core, ASE technicians are
also a community.
There are more than 300,000 ASE-Certified professionals
around the nited States. These professionals share a giant
body of knowledge. Together, they can mine this information
to work towards the goal of top-level automobile care and
service.
Left to Right: Caleb Holbrook (ASE Technician),
Terry Lackey (ASE Master Technician),
Josh Scribner (ASE Master & World Class Technician),
Fran Leonard (ASE Master Technician),
Neal Foster (ASE Master & World Class Technician)
page 30 The WORLD October 13, 2021
ASE MEANS TRUST
You ensure that all of our technicians are ASE Certified.
We do this because that little blue star signifies trust.
It means we can trust our employees to be knowledgeable
and professional. It makes it easy for us to offer a guarantee
on our service. We also have full confidence that we can
provide the pinnacle of service to our customers.
For our customers, it means they can trust us. There is no
need to worry whether we will properly diagnose a problem.
Once that problem is found, you can rest assured that it will
be fixed promptly and properly.