Preparing for ASE tests
Since I have dedicated several posts to taking the ASE tests and shared the results with you, I thought that I would include a post that discusses some of my preparation tactics.
It is very important for me to pass these tests on the first attempt. It does not always turn out the way I want but I do give it my best shot.
The inconvenience of re-certifying every five years coupled with the financial expenses motivates me to make sure I am properly prepared for each test.
I do believe in purchasing ASE study guides along with other supporting information for each topic. I will even read through the service manuals provided by vehicle manufacturers for vehicle specific information.
Preparing for ASE tests
There are some excellent tips included in the ASE study guide that cover not only the amount and type of questions you’ll be asked but also best practices for being ready, both physically and emotionally for taking these difficult exams.
Here is one mistake that I made that will never happen to me again I forgot to bring my admission ticket to the test center.
Guess what, they will not let you take the test without the admission ticket.
Since I was 45 minutes away from the test center I had to apply for a refund and missed out on that testing session.
Not only do you need to bring your admission ticket and drivers license but I recommend you bring a couple of number two pencils because they may not be supplied at the test center. Read more
Need for Good Mechanics
Today’s automobiles will continue towards the unstoppable trend of becoming more complex. This will only increase the need for good mechanics.
This coupled with the reluctance of today’s generation to strap themselves with a dirty job that requires massive amounts of hard work and education will continue to shrink the availability of people to repair cars.
The good news for those that are willing to accept the challenge is that they should have their pick of jobs almost anywhere in the country. This will also add a level of flexibility if relocation is required or desired.
A good example is I find myself in the state of Florida turning wrenches for local government. After spending most of my automotive career working in the state of New Jersey I never saw me moving to Florida.
I found the Florida job opening in a local New Jersey newspaper. The ad stated come to the sunny state of Florida and live, play, and work on the Gulf Coast. Relocation assistance is available for good mechanics.
I answered the ad and submitted my application. The local county paid for me to fly down for an interview and a drug test.
I went back to New Jersey and didn’t hear from them for three months. When they finally contacted me they stated that the job was mine if I wanted it. They would also pay to have my automotive tools shipped and assist with relocation expenses.
In my 25 year automotive career this was the single most important decision that I have ever made. I have absolutely no regrets about leaving my friends and family behind for this new position. Read more
ASE Test Results
ASE test results
Today I received my ASE test results. In a previous post I talked about taking ASE tests and we had a good discussion about the topic.
I thought that it would only be fair if I provided an update on how the actual tests turned out. I took a total of four recertification exams. I did pass all four that I took.
For me this means 4 down and 12 to go. As mentioned in the previous post my problem is not with ASE or taking the tests. My problem is the required recertification every five years.
This puts me firmly on a rotation that seems to never end. Some good comments were left on the taking ASE tests post.
Some of the more interesting ones pointed out that it is almost unheard of to have to recertify in any field every five years. In fact some medical certifications never require taking additional tests. Also noted are some technical certifications that require certification but on a seven or even 10 year requirement. So to me five years does seem excessive. The costs for the exams use to be reimbursed by my employer with a passing grade.
This is no longer the case. So now the frequency of the recertifications has become an issue to my wallet. This coupled with the recent reduction in pay can make it financially difficult to be a professional auto mechanic. And if you noticed I did not even mention the $40,000 I spent on tools over the last 25 years. Read more
Modern Automotive Electronics
Fuel Injectors
As automotive electronics continue to advance the car becomes increasingly complicated. As new technologies are uploaded they are unfortunately tested on the automotive consumer.
Problems with the systems are noted and upgraded on future models.
This is why a basic understanding of what types of electronic systems are installed on your vehicle is valuable knowledge.
An example of this situation would be when fuel injection hit the mainstream in the early 1980s.
Rough running engines and drivability concerns were often turned into small profit centers known as fuel injection cleaning services.
Later these early fuel injectors were often replaced and updated by more efficient units. This is why an understanding of electronics is a must for all automotive mechanics but is also helpful for automotive consumers.
Types of automotive electronics
Engine control module
Computers and electronic devices are used to control the engine and its support systems. Because of these controls today’s automobiles use less fuel and have higher performance.
These electronically controlled engines also have lower tailpipe emissions and are better for the environment then cars of the past.
Automotive electronics are also used in modern transmissions to activate shifting to again provide the right amount of power coupled with the maximum amount of fuel economy.
A little known fact is that about 75% of all function on modern-day vehicles is controlled by electronics. An example would be antilock braking systems.
These were once optional on vehicles of the early 90s. But now have become standard equipment. They have branched this system out to also control active suspension systems as well as traction control systems.
Some very cool technology is not very far down the road. Read more
Engine Runs Rough
Rough Running Engine
Let us not forget that the engine runs rough condition can be caused by basic car problems. Many times professional and do it yourself auto mechanics start searching for answers in the vehicles high tech areas.
In many cases, the car problem is located in the most basic principles of engine operation.
Not all engine performance problems are directly related to on-board computers, throttle position sensors, fuel injectors or other fancy electronic systems.
This is the reason that all types of mechanics will still need to understand basic engine operation, as well as time tested engine testing procedures.
These basic tests are an important part of modern day engine troubleshooting and this will not change for some time. Well at least not until the electric vehicle is the only car on the roadways. Read more
Automotive Front-end Alignments
Wheel Alignment Rack
This page is about front-end alignments and why it is so hard to get a good one. Even though this is not a do it yourself auto repair, it’s good to know what you’re up against to actually receive a quality wheel alignment.
Many DIY car mechanics (myself included) will replace the front-end parts that are required, and then take the vehicle in for the alignment.
This is a good plan, but you want to make sure the auto repair shop follows through by setting all adjustable angles.
On my short list of things to ask for when you pay for a wheel alignment is to get before and after printouts. All modern day alignment racks have vehicle specifications and printers built into the equipment.
The print out will have the specifications or the factory wheel alignment settings that the vehicle should have. Also on the print out will be the before readings for Castor, camber, and toe in settings. And last but not least, the final readings after all the adjustments are done and locked.
Even if you do not have experience with alignment settings, you should still ask for these before and after prints. When you begin to study the final settings you can compare them to the factory specifications to be assured they are within tolerances.
More often than not, when this request is made, you will find that the technician will go the extra mile to make sure his educated customer is satisfied with the alignment.
Read more
Taking ASE Tests
My ASE patches
Car mechanics need your opinion. I finished another round of taking ASE tests. I am currently certified in a grand total of 14 different areas.
I also have 2 more that I let lapse (collision repair and compressed natural gas) because every five years, I have to recertify in each individual area.
It has become a seemingly never-ending circle of recertification and test taking. And this time around, I may not renew all 14. First of all taking the tests costs money.
This last round, taking 4 tests cost me over $100. Recently like many my pay was reduced in order to save jobs. I’m back to making what I did in
Replacing Spark Plugs
Denso Spark Plugs
Replacing spark plugs has always been a favorite task of do-it-yourself auto mechanics. The interesting thing about this maintenance operation is that on some vehicles it is fun and easy.
On other automobiles the task is extremely difficult and sometimes the path of success is plagued with extreme problems that could lead to pulling the cylinder head.
Sometimes when spark plugs are removed from a cylinder head the threads will have traces of metal on them.
Each spark plug removed should be numbered with the cylinder it was removed from and inspected thoroughly for this type of thread damage. This type of car problem happens more often on engines that use aluminum cylinder heads.
If you run into this problem when performing your own sparkplug maintenance it is highly recommended to correct the condition before reinstalling the plugs. Patience and care at this point can save you from major auto repairs down the road. Read more
New Automotive Engines
3.8 L automotive engine
The new automotive engines on the market today have gone through a lot of changes compared to engines installed just a decade ago.
This new wave of engines is designed to meet the performance and fuel efficiency that the public demands.
It is clear if the automotive manufacturer does not come up with a strong power train that impresses all who drives it their sales will begin to sag and possibly never recover.
This is mostly due to the word-of-mouth from disappointed drivers. The power of this viral negativity is truly amazing.
Example: My father had a bad experience with a Ford Pinto. He told everybody that would listen about all the troubles he ever had with this car.
Right off the showroom floor this car would use a quart of oil a week. The pistons and rings had to be replaced under the old-fashioned 12/12 warranties. The hard part was getting the dealership to admit a problem existed.
It took much fighting with Ford Motor Company and the local dealer about what normal oil usage should be.
Every Christmas and thanksgiving our large family sat around listening to details of the battle for justice. The results are that nobody in my family or circle of friends has ever bought a Ford product since my dad’s bad experience in the mid-70s. Talk about holding a grudge!
New automotive engine construction
RX8 Rotory Engine
Modern automotive engines are made of lightweight engine castings, and in most cases non-iron materials.
Some of the types would include aluminum, magnesium carbon fiber materials, and in some cases reinforced plastics.
If the block is made out of aluminum the use of a stainless steel cylinder liner is used most often.
When it comes time to assemble the engine, fasteners that hold things together are now fewer and smaller than ever before.
This is made possible through computerized engine design (CAD, CAM) that optimizes the loading and sealing patterns when the motor parts are assembled. Read more
