There are few things more important to keeping your automobile running well than regular maintenance. Simple maintenance like changing your oil, replacing your spark plugs and changing air filters ensures that your engine is running smoothly and will last for years to come. Having expert mechanics in Lansing, MI conduct your routine maintenance allows for full vehicle inspection as well, meaning small problems can get discovered and fixed early enough to keep you from getting stranded on the side of the road.
Whether you’ve recently bought a new car or have a used vehicle, you probably already understand the importance of having regular maintenance, but do you understand the difference between just any mechanic and those that are ASE-certified? Before taking your car to any old place for maintenance or repairs, you may want to read this in order to understand the importance of having ASE-certified mechanics in Lansing, MI handling your auto repairs.
What is the ASE?
The ASE, also known as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, has been around for more than three decades. They are responsible for organizing testing and certification for automotive service technicians. The standards of the ASE are stringent, to be sure, but that’s precisely what makes it such a useful guide for customers. In effect, having a universal testing and certification system is a way to offer confidence to consumers about the quality of certain mechanics. Using certified mechanics means that you can expect a bottom line in knowledge and experience from your mechanics in Lansing, MI.
Gaining the approval of the ASE isn’t mandatory for technicians and auto shops, so when a facility is willing to spend the time, financial resources and effort to get their technicians certified, you can rest easy knowing that you’re dealing with people who hold themselves to a higher standard of quality when it comes to automotive repair and service. These technicians and facilities know that the ASE “Blue Seal,” the badge that ASE-certified mechanics wear on their shirts, is a symbol of quality and commitment that customers can trust, and they display it proudly.
What is required for ASE certification?
Not all ASE certified technicians have the same level and range of expertise. There are many different areas of automotive repair that a mechanic can be certified in, so while they may be fully qualified in certain areas of repair expertise, not every mechanic will be certified for every type of repair. Gaining certification requires passing at least one of more than 40 examinations, along with having two years of relevant work experience. To retain certification, mechanics must also repass the test every five years. The most revered among ASE-certified technicians have earned the Master Technician certification, which means that they are competent in every aspect of automotive repair. In other words, they have passed tests related to all the different components of the vehicle.
Cars are more complicated than ever. In order to receive the best service from your mechanic, when you get basic maintenance or need expert diagnostics to fix a major problem, make sure you go with a mechanic who has put in the effort to receive ASE certification.