Auto Service Goes High-Tech
Increasingly, automotive repair and service is becoming a high-tech
profession, note officials with the non-profit National Institute
for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Old images die hard, but
yesterday's mechanics have become today's technicians, complete
with hand-held computer diagnostic tools and a wall full of credentials
attesting to their abilities.
In a recent poll of ASE-certified automotive technicians, over
four-fifths said they used a computer on the job, more than two-thirds
said they owned a computer at home, and over half said they had
access to the Internet.
"The profession is being revolutionized," notes ASE President
Ronald Weiner. "Brute force has been supplanted by brain power.
If you don't think so, just look under the hood of one of today's
sport coupes or SUVs. This is rocket science-or very close to it.
Today's auto technicians need to be master diagnosticians, well
versed in electronics, and have smooth customer service skills."
Auto technicians face components and repairs virtually unheard of
a generation ago: on-board computers, electronic fuel injection,
and antilock brakes, to name but a few advances.
Fortunately, the requirements on motorists are much less. According
to ASE, a major component of satisfactory auto repair is good communication
between shop and customer.
ASE suggests that consumers read their owner's manual to become
familiar with the basic systems and the service intervals. Once
at the repair establishment, be prepared to describe the symptoms;
but do not suggest a specific course of repair. Do not be embarrassed
to ask questions or definitions of technical terms. Don't expect
an on-the-spot diagnosis, but ask to be apprised of the problem,
course of action, and costs before work begins. And, be sure you
understand policies regarding diagnostic fees, labor rates, return
of old parts, and guarantees, ASE advises.
For a free brochure with information about certified automotive
technicians, send a self-addressed, stamped business-sized envelope
to: ASE Consumer Brochure, Dept. NUW-201, 101 Blue Seal Dr., Suite
101, Leesburg, VA 20175.
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.
