Categories
Oil Change

2 Reasons Cheap Oil Changes Aren’t Worth It – What to Know

Among the different tasks and routines that you need to deal with for your vehicle maintenance, oil changes can prove to be the most complicated and costly of the bunch.

No matter what kind of car you’re driving, how your driving style is like, or how often you drive, you’ll always need to change your oil sooner or later. Although it may seem like something that makes a menial difference at first, this is the same job that ensures your car runs properly without any stuttering or sloppy acceleration.

The biggest mistake with oil changes you need to worry about

As you go through your car maintenance checklist and tick off all the little tasks along the way, you’re bound to arrive at that point where you’ll need to get a change sooner or later. Like all other tasks, actually getting your fluids swapped out all boils down to choosing the right service provider based on various factors that will determine your experience.

Among all the different details that you’ll need to worry about, the cost is the primary force that will have the final say and the biggest impact on your experience. Although every driver needs to narrow down their options by going over the price tag of potential services, arriving at a final decision because it’s the cheapest one is the biggest mistake.

Why being cheap isn’t the best decision to make

Admittedly, it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option when you get an oil change because you’d expect that it doesn’t make a big difference. Here are two possible outcomes that can go wrong with going for a cheap change:

1. You will leave your car in the hands of someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing

The biggest problem that comes with getting a cheap oil change is that it almost always results in having someone inexperienced work on your pride and joy.

Although many may argue that the tasks and materials used in this routinary procedure are the same with any service being offered, being cheap also means skimping on the factors that matter. When you take the “economical” route, you end up missing out on the more valuable things like experience, care, and expertise—all of which will help you get the best driving experience possible!

2. Your car will become more prone to breakdowns

Speaking of inexperience, getting a cheap “bargain” oil change is something that you should avoid at all costs because it ends up causing your car to become more prone to breakdowns.

Often, cheap replacements end up subjecting a car to different fumbles that shave some shelf life off the oil itself or leave underlying problems along the way that explode after a short period. In fact, the lack of experience and expertise that comes at the expense of a few saved dollars will eventually result in thousands to tens of thousands in additional expenses and repairs!

Conclusion

As tantalizing as it seems to get the cheapest option for your car’s oil change, it’s worth noting that the measly amount that you save with a “bargain” pick isn’t worth the trouble you’ll be getting after. Instead of being a cheap car owner seeking to save as much money as possible, treating this procedure as more of an investment than an expense will immensely serve your car in the long run!

If you’re looking for a mobile oil change in the US who can take care of your periodic maintenance service for your car, look no further because we’ve got you covered.

Categories
Decal & Wrap

5 Reasons Why Vehicle Wrapping Is Better Than Painting

The process of placing vinyl stickers and wrapping your car in them has been around for longer than most people think. Vinyl wraps come in all shapes and sizes, and many people don’t recognize them when they see one. From advertisements on the side of buses to those phone numbers you see on cabs and pizza delivery scooters, all these are perfect examples of vinyl wrapping. However, vinyl wraps and stickers aren’t just good for advertising. You can also benefit a lot from wrapping your entire vehicle in vinyl wrapping. If you’re not sure why you should choose vinyl wrapping on your next car detailing session, here’s a simple guide that should convince you just how good it is for you and your vehicle.

Reason #1: Cost

This is perhaps the most apparent reason why wrapping is better than getting a new paint job for your car. A typical high-quality paint job can range from $3,000-$20,000, depending on the color, paint shop, and quality of paint used. You can buy a secondhand vehicle with that money! If you decide to go for a vinyl wrap, a professionally installed one will cost you around $3,500-$5,000, and that’s with a high-quality film already. You can have a brand-new-looking vehicle with just a fraction of the cost of getting a paint job.

Reason #2: Protection

Every inch of your vehicle that’s covered with a film is basically protected from natural hazards and weathering. Your paint job will be perfectly preserved and protected even from prolonged sun exposure. That’s how much protection vinyl wraps offer. A typical vehicle wrap is built to last, made from a durable material that’s about 3.5-4 mil thick. You don’t have to worry about stone chips, abrasion, and other natural hazards with this kind of protection.

Reason #3: Easy Maintenance

You know how tedious it is to constantly wax your vehicle on your own. If you’re not too fond of that process, then you might want to consider wrapping your vehicle in vinyl. Vehicle wraps are extremely easy to maintain and will look brand new once again from only handwashing with soap and water. There are even specialty quick detail sprays and ceramic coating packages available that you can use to keep the film looking even better and easier to maintain.

Reason #4: Countless Options

Of course, why would you put something on your vehicle if it doesn’t add any aesthetic value to it? Good thing film wraps come in a variety of colors, patterns, designs, and styles. If you bought a vehicle and always wanted a particular color for it, but it wasn’t available in that color, vinyl wraps are the answer to it. If you want to stand out more from other car owners, giving your vehicle a cool new color will definitely make heads turn. The best thing about wraps is if you want to change your vehicle’s color again, then it’s very much possible by just getting a new set of wraps with a different color.

Reason #5: Resale Value

Maintaining the manufacturer’s original paint is a great advantage if you plan to sell your vehicle in the future. Keeping the original paint will keep your car’s resale value intact from a devalued aftermarket paint job. If your preference is, for instance, a bright exotic color, it may not be your potential buyer’s favorite color. Having the option to keep your vehicle’s original factory color will allow you to keep your resale value intact.

Conclusion

Car wrapping has proven its value not only in advertising but also in customizing vehicles. With the advancements in both adhesive and material technology, vinyl wraps have become the premier choice for protecting your car and giving it a brand new look.

Categories
Tire Services

3 Important Considerations Before Changing Your Wheel Size

Are you thinking of changing your car’s wheel and tire size? If so, there are some things worth considering before you do so. Remember, if you change to new wheels, the car will feel different. Your vehicle is also designed to work with a specific set of wheels. Changing it without any plans can lead to various mechanical issues that can impact your driving experience.

There are many reasons to change the size of a car’s wheels. It could be that it is tough to find the right wheel size with your current wheels or that you just want to change your car’s appearance. Regardless, here are the considerations you must make before doing so:

1. The speedometer will be affected

The speedometer is designed to give you an idea of how fast the car is going, but it does not do so by looking at how fast you are relative to solid ground. Rather, it looks at the rotations of the wheel. The fewer the rotations, the slower you are going. Unfortunately, with bigger or smaller wheels, you may end up with inaccurate readings.

For example, with bigger wheels, the speedometer might be saying you are traveling 100 mph when, in reality, you are traveling 120mph. You may not realize that you are violating traffic rules, so you need to adapt your speedometer to the new set of wheels.

2. There may not be enough clearance

A large wheel without enough space may end up rubbing or scraping against your fender or suspension, and although it might look like they fit when putting the wheels on, the wheels might hurt the car once the jack comes off.

Large wheels will also add weight to the vehicle, affecting your mileage. Consider the clearance to ensure your wheels do not damage your vehicle and vice versa. Make sure not to forget about the mileage either.

3. The suspension and brake will wear faster

With larger wheels, brakes and suspension may experience more wearing and stress, wearing these components faster. In some cases, the transmission’s gear ratio may even be negatively affected. As for brakes, features like anti-lock brakes can also be hindered by larger wheels. Because of this, you will need to replace suspensions and breaks with ones that can work well with the wheels to ensure you do not run into issues when driving the car.

Conclusion

As you can see, changing your car’s tires is so much more than picking which one looks the best. Replacing the brakes and suspension and adapting the speedometer are just some of the things you have to do when changing to a new wheel size. Failing to do those will only have a detrimental effect on your driving experience and possibly increase your risk of accidents. Consider these factors seriously and work with a technician to make the necessary changes without a problem.

AutoProsFinder is a free online tool for people looking for professional auto mechanics. If you require a tire change service, you can find the perfect professional on our platform! Check out our website now.

Categories
Basic Upkeep Mobile Mechanic

4 Common Causes of Leaks Coming from Your Car – Our Guide

So, you’ve discovered a leak beneath your car and are now scrambling to try and figure out what it is and whether or not it’s a serious matter. What’s worrisome about this is that leaks can be negligible or serious enough to warrant a visit to the nearest mechanic shop. This all depends on where the leak is coming from.

To help you figure this out, we’ve compiled a list of the four common causes of leaks and how you can identify them:

Coolant Leak

Coolant leaks are by far one of the most common types of leaks. It’s also one of the most easily identifiable leaks, thanks to the coolant’s distinct color. Depending on what type you use, they can be green, pink, and even orange. If the color doesn’t give it away, the texture of the liquid is also rather unique.

Coolant is slimy and thick. The smell is also a dead giveaway, as coolant gives off a sickly sweet smell that can even smell like candy. Despite the odor, the coolant is extremely toxic and should be kept away from pets and small children. Coolant leaks don’t necessarily warrant immediate repairs, but you shouldn’t neglect them for too long as this type of leak makes it more likely for your car to overheat.

Fuel Leak

If you have the gas station smell following you around wherever you go, then it’s likely that your car has a fuel leak. This is confirmed if you ever spot a black or brownish puddle under your car. You should seek immediate professional help in case of a fuel leak. We recommend seeking a mobile car repair service as driving a car with a fuel leak can cause a fire in your car!

Oil Leak

Oil leaks are rather easy to spot due to their unique texture. If you find a slippery liquid under your car, then it’s most likely an oil leak. The color of the liquid will vastly differ depending on how well maintained your vehicle is. If you’ve just had the oil changed, the motor oil will be closer to an amber color. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken your car in for a change, then the oil will be darker in color. Motor oil is incredibly important when it comes to keeping your car in good condition. If you’ve spotted a leak, go straight to your trusted mechanic to have it repaired.

Transmission Fluid Leak

If you find a pink or red puddle under your car, then it’s most likely a transmission fluid leak. This fluid will be thick and oily, which is why you can easily mistake it for coolant. Unlike coolant, transmission fluid won’t smell sweet at all. It is what’s responsible for keeping your vehicle’s transmission lubricated to ensure that the gear shifts are smooth. A tell-tale sign of a transmission fluid leak is difficulties in shifting to higher gears while driving. You’ll want to get this repaired as soon as possible as failing to do so can potentially permanently damage your vehicle’s transmission!

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped shed some light on the reasons for car leaks. Spotting leaks early and determining where they’re coming from is the key to keeping your car in good condition. If you spot any complications, be sure to take your car to the nearest mechanic shop as soon as possible to remedy the issue!

If you’re looking for the best mobile car repair service in the US, AutoProsFinder is just what you need. Our free online tool lets car owners and mechanics post and quote on service requests, offering a convenient and accessible alternative to bringing your vehicle into the shop. Get your free quote from us today!

Categories
Mobile Mechanic

A Beginner’s Guide to Finding a Mobile Mechanic for Maintenance

As an American who most likely commutes miles upon miles each day, one of the most essential resources in your life is the car that you drive.

Among the different assets you have, your car is bound to prove itself the most essential and vital one because of how dependent you are on it every day. When your car runs great, your day is bound to be even greater because of how it guarantees that everything will go according to plan. Conversely, having your trusty ride suddenly break down or start giving you even more problems can lead to a terrible experience that will ruin your day long before you pull out of the driveway!

The importance of maintenance

Considering the importance of your car, you’re also most likely well-versed with the idea of regular maintenance and the difference it can make in your vehicle’s overall condition.

Whether you drive a minivan, SUV, sedan, sports car, or truck, your car undoubtedly relies on proper maintenance and constant TLC to run smoothly and remain dependable. However, the sad reality is that having a smooth-sailing experience and keeping up with the necessary processes is a task that’s easier said than done.

The difficulty of sticking to a commitment and a convenient solution

Although it can seem like an easy experience at first, keeping up with your vehicle’s maintenance-related needs can be a challenging effort because life always manages to get in the way.

Over time, you’ll learn that things don’t get easier when it comes to avoiding troubles with your maintenance-related matters because you might need to reschedule your appointment from time to time. However, there’s one way that you can stick to your maintenance schedule without experiencing any delays: Hiring a mobile mechanic.

Looking to hire a mobile mechanic sometime soon? Here’s what you should consider

When it comes to having a more convenient experience with handling auto-related matters, it’s easy to see why many Americans choose to work with mobile mechanics. Service providers—such as AutoProsFinder — are now responsible for helping hundreds of thousands of vehicles get out of sticky situations, receive the necessary emergency repairs, or simply keep up-to-date with proper maintenance.

Now, with a growing number of mechanics taking their talents to mobile operations each day, it can be easy to find the perfect professional for your needs. However, it’s also easy to end up with the wrong one!

If you want to ensure that your car receives the right mobile treatment but don’t know how to choose the best option, here are a few tips that can point you in the right direction:

● Look for any licenses or relevant certifications that will guarantee a provider’s quality or level of service
● Ask a mechanic about the types of tools that they use and what cars, makes, or models they usually service. Having a provider that specializes in your car, specifically, is a great bonus
● Inquire more about the types of parts that a mobile mechanic has in stock or can supply when they repair your car — the more genuine, the better!

Conclusion

Thanks to this current age, where technology is more prevalent than ever, and convenience can be found anywhere, maintaining your car and keeping it in perfect shape can be made much easier with a mobile mechanic. Through this guide’s help, you can easily understand why it pays to take the mobile route and what you should watch out for when hiring a professional!

If you’re looking for a mobile auto mechanic in the U.S. who can take care of your periodic maintenance service for your car, look no further because we’ve got you covered. Give us a call today, and we will dispatch a professional to your location immediately!

Categories
Locksmith

Our Guide to Replacing and Programming Your Car Remote

Automatic car remotes have become ubiquitous worldwide. These remotes function entirely differently from traditional car keys, and in many ways, they’re an excellent technological upgrade. However, many owners realize the biggest drawback of the car remote only when the worst occurs—when they are locked out of their car.

The automatic locking mechanism of nearly every modern vehicle cannot be fiddled with by anyone but a professional locksmith. So if you lose your car remote for any reason, what are your options? How do you replace a car remote and program it to work on your specific vehicle?

Replacing an Automatic Car Remote

Once upon a time, car owners could just walk into any key duplicating store and make as many copies of their car keys as they wanted. Those days are long over, and automatic car remotes have made life just a little bit more complicated for car owners, dealers, and repair shops alike.

If your car’s model is more than five years old, there’s a good chance you will be able to buy a generic remote in online stores. Once the remote fob is delivered to you, you can then take it to a local dealer or repair shop for programming. A locksmith or mechanic may offer you a much better price than a new car dealer.

If you need to replace a key, check your car’s warranty and insurance policy to see if replacement key fobs are covered. You may be able to get partial reimbursement.

Programming Car Remotes

When it comes to programming a new remote for your car, you have several options. It’s technically possible to do it yourself, and there are many comprehensive online resources you can use, especially if your vehicle is more than ten years old.

If you can’t find a specific programming guide for your vehicle, it’s time to turn to professionals for full-service replacement, reprogramming, and invalidating all existing remotes. Most programming services cover multiple remotes so you can make several copies for your vehicle.

Here are some car remote programming options to choose from:

1. Local Repair Shop

Auto parts stores likely have personnel with the necessary expertise to replace and reprogram remote fobs. You can order your parts through them or acquire them on your own, depending on their pricing model. These stores likely offer just about any reprogramming service you need, and you’ll have the option for return or replacement if the product doesn’t work.

2. Car Dealership

If your car was manufactured in the last three to five years, you might not have any other choice but to go to a local car dealership to replace a lost car remote. More and more modern vehicle parts are not available to third-party sellers, and owners are forced to go to their local dealership for everything they need. This is the most expensive option on this list, but you are assured of a programmable fully functioning remote within a few minutes.

3. Locksmith

Auto locksmiths have the training, experience, and equipment to unlock your vehicle and offer solutions to all your car remote problems. The best part is that they can come to your location and program your new remote on-site.

Conclusion

Modern car remotes are notoriously difficult to replace and reprogram if you ever lose them. Fortunately, there are several options available for most car owners, especially if your vehicle is a little bit older. If you’ve been locked out of your car, you can call your local locksmith for remote unlocking and reprogramming services.

AutoProsFinder can help you find all kinds of mobile vehicle services, including car wash and detailing, dent repair, oil change, and locksmith services. If you’re looking for a local, affordable locksmith for your lock emergencies, we can quickly connect you to a professional to solve all your problems. Contact us for a free quote today!

Categories
Basic Upkeep Mobile Mechanic

Should You Maintain a Car by Yourself or Hire a Mechanic

No matter how old or new your vehicle is, maintenance is a must to ensure it is performing at its best at all times. However, there is always this one question that must be asked when carrying out any maintenance activity: should I DIY it or hire a mechanic to do it for me? The answer to this isn’t as straightforward as you may realize, simply because it all depends on the nature of the maintenance job.

Essentially, some things you can do by yourself while other things are better left to a professional mechanic. In this article, we’re going to share with you a few common car maintenance activities and talk about whether you can do it by yourself or hire a mechanic for it:

1. Fixing the Brakes

When it comes to fixing the brakes, you are much better off letting a professional mechanic do the job. They may seem easy to install, but this simplicity can catch people off. Mistakes like putting the brakes on backward are issues that can lead to devastating results. As such, if you want to replace the brake pads on your vehicle, hire a professional mechanic to do it.

Also, don’t opt for cheap pads. They’ll deteriorate quicker and can damage your vehicle. Put the extra money into purchasing high-quality brake pads, and not only will you have to replace them far less frequently, but you can be confident that your car will brake as you expect it to!

2. Changing the Oil

One of the simplest maintenance activities you can do for your vehicle is to change its oil. The whole process is straightforward, and if you know what you are doing, you can get it done in no time at all. However, the problem doesn’t lie with knowing or not knowing how to change the oil. It comes in at the frequency of the oil change. Many people follow the “change the oil every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first” saying, but new oils today last a lot longer than that.

To know exactly when to replace the oil, have a mechanic change the oil for you. They will note down exactly when you need to change the oil, making your life a lot easier.

3. Rotating the Tires

Tires, even the high-quality ones, need to be rotated once every so often. This is because the wear and tear experienced by the wheels can differ, and as such, cause one wheel to wear faster than the other.

When carrying out tire rotations, it is essential to know which tires go where. Not only that, but you must also know when to rotate the tires. If these are two things you cannot bother tracking, have your car serviced by professionals. They will know exactly where the tires should go, and give you recommendations on when the tires should be rotated and even replaced.

Conclusion

In summary, there is only a handful of maintenance you can do by yourself easily. However, even those types of activities can be done far better by professional mechanics. Apart from simply carrying out these maintenance tasks, mechanics can also survey your car more to highlight any issues that need fixing. This, along with their quality service, will ensure your vehicle is in its best shape possible, giving you the best experience every time you decide to hit the road. As such, no matter the maintenance you want to carry out, hire a professional mechanic to do it for you!

AutoProsFinder.com is a free online tool to help those in need of car-related services place their needs online for professionals to find and submit their bids to offer assistance. If you are looking for auto tire services and more in the US brought right to you, post your needs on our site today!

Categories
Certifications for Pros Glass Repair

Mobile Auto Glass Service: What You Need to Know

Small things matter a lot in life. A crack in your car’s windshield, a chip on the rear glass, a niggle on the side window – these problems may seem small enough to ignore. But they may come back to haunt you later. Not fixing them on time and ignoring the problems for too long may result in a hefty repair bill. In fact, delaying the repair work increases the risks of the glass shattering. And not to mention, you will get a ticket if the police catch you with a cracked windshield.

But where do you go when you face such a problem? Your nearest car repair technician? Or maybe to the car’s dealer? Well, these may seem obvious options, but the person that you really need to go to is an auto glass technician. He is a specialist at repairing windshields and car glasses.

Auto glass technician certifications

An auto glass technician goes through years of education and training before he becomes a specialist. The combination of hands-on training and theoretical knowledge about fixing windshields and repairing window panes give enough experience to the technicians to start working as professionals once they complete their degree program. Here’s a breakdown of the auto glass repair accreditation course.

The technicians complete formal training in collision repair from a technical school or community college. Most of these institutions provide a 1-year certificate or a 2-year associate’s degree program. The programs strictly focus on various aspects of a car, such as repairing windshields and window panes, replacing them within a few hours, auto body structural repair, minor collision repair, and metal insert glass welding. This degree program develops the technician’s base to ensure that he can detect the problem just by looking at it.

Next, the technicians gain employment in a local auto repair shop to get hands-on training from the best in the business. The on-job training may last for six months or, sometimes, a year. It’s after a successful on-job-training program that the technicians receive their professional certificates. Spending almost 2 to 3 years in learning about the technicalities of auto glass and then getting hands-on training, provide adequate knowledge and experience to these technicians that enable them to work as an expert in an auto glass repair company.

Why should you hire an auto glass technician?

Safety first is the rule when you drive a car. And that applies to the windshield and side windows too. It’s risky to drive a car that has chipped windows and a cracked windshield. Of course, repairing the glasses and windshield is necessary, but why should you hire an auto glass technician? With the car’s dealer at your service, what makes an auto glass technician stand out? Here are some of the reasons that should convince you to hire a mobile auto glass service the next time you see a chip on your car’s windshield.

1. Saves time

Sure, going to the dealer can fix the issue with your cracked windshield or chipped window pane, but it may take days for the dealer to return your car. However, an auto glass technician can provide on-site service in case of emergencies. You should treat windshield cracks as emergencies because you never know when you come across a speed breaker, and the jerking breaks the glass completely.

Auto glass companies are quick to respond. First, they ask about your car’s make and model and the extent of the damage. You may also need to send them pictures of the damage so that they can arrange for a new one as soon as possible.

2. Saves money

Honestly, working with an auto glass technician is not just a time-saver; it also saves a lot of money. Your car dealer will provide the same service at a much higher price. And most importantly, it won’t provide same-day service as an auto glass company. These companies use the latest tools in the industry to ensure that your windshield is free from cracks and chips and the window panes don’t have dents anywhere.

3. Stress-free service

Not seeing your car for a few days may upset you. But there’s no other choice if you give the car to your dealer to fix the crack on the window pane. Instead, calling your nearest auto glass company can spare you the stress of not seeing your car. They send technicians who can repair or replace the window panes on the same day.

4. High-quality service

Reputation is everything in today’s world. Even the best brands may go down if their reputation drops. And auto glass companies work their socks off to maintain a good reputation. Therefore, you can expect high-quality services every time you hire one of the technicians.

These reasons are enough to give an auto glass technician a chance to repair your car’s windshield or window panes. They go through years of education, hands-on training and use the latest tools to provide top-notch services without charging a high amount as car dealers.

Categories
Cleaning Detailing

3 Tips to Help You Keep Your Car Looking Brand New

For most car lovers out there, the effort to keep the car looking spanking new at all times is a constant challenge. In fact, some even are reluctant to bring the car out for a drive for the simple fact that they want to keep their vehicle looking brand new at all times. Unfortunately, this is no way to treat the car. After all, a car is built to be driven and enjoyed, and it won’t do anything of that other than simply looking nice when idle.

With that being said, when the car does get dirty, what should be done? Should you wash the car, or is there something else you can do? In this article, we’ll give you the answers you need to keep your vehicle pristine:

1. Wash the Car

Yes, there is no way around this. Even if your vehicle sits in the cleanest of the garage, it will collect dust over time. As such, whether you leave it in the garage or take it out for a drive, washing the vehicle is a must.

That said, the big question is how often you should wash the vehicle. The answer to that will depend on what kind of dirt and grime your vehicle constantly faces. If your car is continuously bombarded with bird droppings, tree saps, mud, and stuff like that, you can consider washing it once a week. On the other hand, if the car is relatively clean, cleaning it once a month should suffice.

2. Get It Waxed

Just like how your car needs to be washed once in a while, your vehicle also needs to be waxed. However, it doesn’t need to be waxed as often as it needs washing. In most cases, if you run the bead test, which is throwing some water to the car to see if the water beads up, and see that the water beads up, then you don’t need wax. However, if you see them simply run off, you will need to get the car waxed.

On average, you can expect to wax the car once every three months or so but do run the bead test every time you wash to get a gist of how long your wax lasts.

3. Clay the Vehicle

The term “claying the car” may be new to you, and we do not blame you. It is a relatively new thing, and with it only recently being introduced to the public, not many car owners will know about it. Essentially, claying is the method of using clay bars to polish or buff the vehicle. In addition, the clay also latches onto any dirt particles stuck to the paint, cleaning it in the process.

As to how often you should clay the vehicle, doing it once or twice a year should be enough. Generally, if you feel like your car’s paint is “rough,” it needs some claying. Just don’t forget to wax the vehicle after!

Conclusion

There are plenty of other things you can do to keep your vehicle looking like it just came out of the factory. Things like conditioning your leather seats to cleaning the engine bay are just some of the many things you can do! That being said, if you really want the max TLC for your vehicle, we highly recommend reaching out to professional cleaners and more to restore your vehicle to its former glory. They’ll ensure your vehicle is cleaned and maintained in the best way possible, allowing you to once more drive in the car you have loved driving since day one.

AutoProsFinder.com is a free online tool to help you submit your vehicle-service needs for professionals to discover and offer their services to you. If you require car cleaning services in the US, share your needs on our platform and get the mobile car wash you need today!

Categories
Certifications for Pros Mobile Mechanic

Certified Mobile Mechanic: What Is An ASE Certified Mechanic And Why You Should Hire One

For the vast majority of automobile history, car owners have relied on repair shops to maintain their vehicles and repair any faults and damages. A chat with your grandfather or father about cars will reveal that they most likely had a preferred repair shop they would frequent to service their prized vehicles.

The proliferation of the internet aided by the mass availability of smartphones has changed the automobile repair and service industry. In the last decade, automobile mechanics have turned to the internet to aid their service delivery and meet the needs of their clients remotely. Initially, mechanics develop platforms and skills to help car owners diagnose faults and render some help remotely.

Over time, the capabilities of many vehicle repair companies evolved from rendering advice online to providing car owners with mobile repair services. It’s the norm to call a mobile mechanic to service your vehicle by the side of a road in an emergency or even at home. Customers have the flexibility of visiting a repair shop or calling a mechanic to their location.

That being said, the need for quality vehicle maintenance and repair service is still high. Whether you visit a repair shop or the mechanic brings the shop to you, every car owner wants the best mechanics working on their vehicle.

However, unlike yesteryears, where most people were loyal to one repair shop, calling a mobile mechanic means you entrust your car to a stranger. And for the most part, you will not have a clue about the mechanic’s history and quality of craftsmanship, leaving you vulnerable to hiring run-of-the-mill mechanics.

This is where ASE certification comes to your aid.

What Is ASE Certification?

Automotive Service Excellence, better known by the acronym ASE, is a national non-profit program designed to help vehicle owners find reliable and competent automotive mechanics. In the same light, the ASE certification allows the mechanics to stand out from the competition as it certifies their technical competence, skills, and experience in handling automotive repairs.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence created the program in 1972, and it tests individual mechanics and not repair shops or companies. To attain the ASE certification, an individual mechanic must display a thorough understanding and mastery of automotive repairs. On their part, the ASE program rigorously tests the mechanics to ensure they meet the minimum standards of excellence. The ASE certification process is so rigorous that only 2/3 of the mechanics who take the test are certified.

For car owners, however, ASE certification effectively eliminates the guesswork involved in finding reliable mechanics. As such, when you request a mobile ASE-certified mechanic, you can rest assured they are competent, professional, and, most importantly, experienced.

How ASE Works

In many regards, ASE can be considered as the highest professional credential for automotive mechanics. As such, the ASE certification does not come easy. For a mechanic to apply for the certification, they must meet stringent criteria, including:

#1. Have at least 2 years of professional experience in the automotive repair industry. Alternatively, individuals can hold a 2-year degree in automotive repair and then complete 1-year of professional training.

#2. Study for and pass specialized ASE examinations that test one’s knowledge of vehicle components and systems. ASE administers both hands-on and written tests.

Depending on the specialty a mechanic want to pursue, they can take an exam for
– Engine repairs and engine performance,
– Brakes, steering, and suspensions,
– Automatic transmissions,
– Manual drive trains and transaxles,
– Heating and air conditioning and/or electronics/electrical systems.

These examinations are offered only twice a year, and candidates must prepare well to pass. Importantly, certified mechanics must retest after 5 years to ensure they understand the latest technological advancements and changes in vehicle systems and processes.

As such, you can rest assured that a certified mobile mechanic is not only dedicated to their craft but they are tested and proven to have the necessary competencies to repair your vehicle.

Why You Should Ensure Your Mobile Mechanic Is ASE Certified

In the years past, car owners will look for repair shops with the blue ASE-certified seal. It should be no different when you search for a mobile mechanic. In fact, when dealing with a mobile mechanic, you make ASE certification a priority before requesting a mechanic.

Keep in mind that the circumstance where you might need a mobile mechanic might involve an emergency. As such, you want an experienced mechanic with a proven track record of competently repairing cars. The ASE certification is proof that the mechanic has at the very least two years of automotive repairs. A non-certified mobile mechanic cannot guarantee that they have the required experience.

It’s important to note that ASE certification has an element of periodic retesting. After fives years, an ASE-certified mechanic is mandated to retest to maintain their certification. ASE mechanics must stay abreast with the latest developments in the automotive industry in order to maintain their certification.

This is essential for an industry that is dynamic and technologically evolving, and advancing every year. For car owners, when you request an ASE-certified mechanic, you can rest assured they are skilled and knowledgeable enough to work on your car.

It’s also important to note that the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is more than a certification body for automotive mechanics. It’s a giant body of over 300,000 mechanics who share their extensive knowledge and experiences and continuously learn from each other. This has created a large body of knowledge that the mechanics share amongst themselves. As such, an ASE-certified mobile mechanic is knowledgeable in automotive repairs, which is vital for fast repairs when you have an emergency.

Finally, the ASE certification helps cultivate trust in your mobile mechanic. In any scenario where you need a mobile mechanic, you should trust your mechanic to fix any fault in your car. The last thing you want is to waste time with a mobile mechanic who cannot fix your car or does substandard work that the faults recur again.

Ultimately, for your peace of mind and the longevity of your vehicle, car owners are best served by ASE-certified mechanics. Should you need mobile automotive repair services, always ensure you request an ASE-certified mobile mechanic.