Technicians
can be tested and certified by the ASE for various aspects of repair,
such as brakes, engine repairs, tuneups, steering and suspension, etc.
After passing tests in a minimum of eight types of repair, the
technician achieves Master Technician status. In order to keep his
status current, the technician is tested and re-certified every four
years. Most technicians who make the effort to become ASE-certified are
dedicated to their profession, and continue to seek out the training
needed to keep current with this rapidly changing technology.
ASC (AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE COUNCILS)
The
ASC is a statewide organization of independent repair facilities united
by the common goal of maintaining high standards of excellence in the
automotive industry. These repair facilities subscribe to a code of
ethics intended to promote good will between the motoring public and the
automotive industry. Look for the ASC sign at your repair facility.
AAA (AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA)
The
AAA has an Approved Auto Repair program in which repair shops may
participate, provided they meet the AAA's high quality standards. These
qualifications include: employing certified, experienced technicians;
having the proper equipment to adequately diagnose and repair your car;
and keeping a high customer satisfaction rate. These shops have also
agreed to undergo binding arbitration with AAA members in the event of
an unresolved dispute.
TRUST YOUR FEELINGS
Most
people have fairly good instincts. Within a few moments at a repair
facility, you will know whether you feel comfortable dealing with that
shop. Even if the shop can perform adequate repairs, you still need to
deal with your service advisor on a personal level, so you must be able
to trust him and the advice he gives you.
CREDENTIALS
Every
repair facility must be licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. No
test of competency or knowledge of the industry is required in order to
obtain the license and there are no minimum amounts of equipment
required. Technicians are not required to be educated or licensed
unless they perform smog tests or repair.
So
how do you know if your repair facility is adequately equipped and it's
technicians are educated well enough to handle your motoring needs? It
is up to each individual repair facility to seek out
and obtain the education, certifications, equipment and trained
employees needed to service your car. The following organizations help
shop owners to meet these critical objectives.
