Chapter 1-2 Automotive Test Review Flashcards
Automotive systems
-Automobiles are highly complex vehicles with multiple computer-controlled systems. A car today has
more computers in it than the first spaceship. A new car today may have as many as 15 computers
operating everything from the engine to the radio.
-Automotive vehicles are available in a wide variety of models, sizes, and body styles. Vehicles range from
compacts to full-size cars and from minivans to sport utility vehicles (SUV s). There are also sedans,
convertibles, hatchbacks, station wagons, and light-duty trucks. Luxury models are also available.
-Technology has improved automotive vehicles over the past century. Vehicles are designed according to
a variety of factors, including the number of engine cylinders, the type of drivetrain system, and vehicle
application.
-About 15,000 separate parts are assembled to make an automotive vehicle. These parts are grouped into
several systems, known as automotive vehicle systems. An automotive system is a system made up of
two or more parts that work together to perform a specific task. Fig. 1-3.
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification
-A technician can achieve ASE certification by doing the following two things. First, the technician must
pass at least one certification exam. Second, the technician must provide proof of two years of relevant
work experience. A technician who is cer�fied in all eight auto/light truck areas is a master technician.
These areas are:
* Engine Repair
* Automotive Transmission/Transaxle
* Manual Drive Train and Axles
* Suspension/Steering
* Brakes
* Electrical/Electronic Systems
* Heating and Air Conditioning
* Engine Performance
-Nearly 430,000 professional technicians have been certified under this voluntary certification program.
To reduce hiring risks, many employers now make ASE certification a condition for employment. Many
employers pay higher wages lo ASE-certified technicians than to non-certified technicians. Certification,
however, is not for life. To remain certified, a technician must pass a re certification test every five years.
Dealerships
-The dealership has a service department to handle the automotive service work. This is a properly
equipped shop staffed with trained technicians who do warranty work and work for which the customer
pays. Diagnostic equipment, special tools, and parts must be available. Some service departments are
small, employing only one to five technicians. Larger dealerships may employ 25 or more technicians.
-A manufacturer may recall a vehicle. This means the manufacturer asks the owner to return the vehicle
to the dealer for inspection and possible repair. The manufacturer pays for any required parts or service.
Recalls are frequently safety related. Technicians should never allow the vehicle owner to ignore a recall.
A Well-Paid Profession
-Today’s automotive technician is a respected, well-paid professional. The average annual wage for an
experienced technician ranges from $30,000 to $60,000. Most technicians work on what the industry
refers to as a flat rate. The industry has predetermined the amount of time it should take to perform a
specific service or repair job. If it takes the technician an hour to complete a job listed in the flat rate
manual as a two-hour job, he or she is paid for two hours of labor.
-Many experienced technicians employed by automotive dealers and independent repair shops receive a guaranteed annual salary plus a commission. This commission is a percentage of the labor costs charged to customers. Under this method, weekly earnings depend on the work completed by the technician. A master technician may earn from $70,000 to $100,000 a year. This salary range indicates the demand for experienced and certified automotive technicians.
Automotive
Automotive Career Opportunities
According to the Occupa�onal Outlook Handbook, 60,000 addi�onal automo�ve technicians will be
needed in the near future. Jobs will be plen�ful for those who finish training programs in high school,
voca�onal or technical school, or two- or four-year colleges. Most technicians who enter the field can
expect steady work. Changes in economic condi�ons have litle effect on the automo�ve service and
repair business.
