Archive for January, 2012

Article by U Urbano

Automotive mechanics are responsible for servicing and repairing motor vehicles. At various times, their work may involve inspection of problems, routine or preventive maintenance, replacement of parts, diagnostic troubleshooting, performance testing, and/or vehicle repair. Mechanics make use of a wide variety of tools, ranging from traditional hand tools to larger power tools to the computerized shop equipment needed for interfacing with the integrated electronic systems and complex computers which regulate most of today’s vehicles. During routine service inspections, mechanics will test and if necessary, repair or replace worn parts using a checklist to ensure that they examine every critical part. To handle more intensive repair jobs, mechanics may need to replace or overhaul major systems or components of the vehicle. Troubleshooting problems on many of today’s vehicles often requires a mechanic to compare readouts from a computerized diagnostic testing device with benchmarked standards provided by the manufacturer.

Education, Certification, Licensing

Strictly speaking, there are no mandated educational requirements for becoming an automotive mechanic. Some mechanics still learn the trade by assisting and learning from experienced workers. However, successful completion of a vocational training program in automotive service technology in high school or in a postsecondary vocational school or community college is highly recommended. Courses in math, physics, and to an increasingly important degree, electronics and computer science, will be extremely helpful. Even those who graduate from a formal automotive training program will still need a year or two of experience to become a fully qualified automotive mechanic. Complex specialties, such as air conditioning or transmission repair, normally require another year or two of training and/or experience.A standard credential for automotive mechanics is the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. While not mandatory for automotive service work, certification is becoming increasingly common to the point where today there are about 400,000 certified professionals. Certification can be earned in one or more of 8 different areas of automotive service (e.g., engine repair, brake systems, electrical systems, etc.) and is based on a combination of education/experience and the ability to pass a certification exam. Those who are skilled in multiple auto repair services and would like to increase their marketability as an all-around mechanic can pursue ASE certification in all eight areas, which will earn them the designation of Master Automobile Technician.

About the Author

This article on auto mechanic schools and jobs has been provided courtesy of City Town Info.

Article by Chickie Maxwell

Do you love to pay auto mechanics the big bucks? Some of them have sophisticated tools that save them loads of trouble. They plug them in, get the info they need, make the necessary adjustments and hand you the big bill. Something about this just isn’t fair. You have experience. You understand the basics of engines and have done several repairs yourself. Why should you pay someone else so much money for auto checkups you can do yourself quickly and easily? What if you could do all this in minutes for a crazy low price? You can.

We’re introducing AutoTap Express DIY. With the AutoTap express, you’ll be saving time and dollars from the moment you plug it in. If you’re shopping on line at MyReviewsNow, you may have seen it. AutoTap is produced by its parent company B&B which was founded in 1981. Their US headquarters are located in Ottawa, Ill. and European headquarters located in County Galway, Ireland.

B&B has been developing and manufacturing automotive diagnostic tools for the automotive aftermarket since 1996 – the same year that OBDII vehicles appeared on the road. They have an inventory that allows them to ship your order the same day they receive it. They will even work with you on custom designed diagnostic tools. To back up their quality products, AutoTap provides free technical support in addition to an extensive library of technical reference articles. Customer service is not only a part of the AutoTap culture – it’s their mission. You’ll recognize this if you ever need their support.

If you want to save money and time and do some auto checkups yourself, you simply follow these few steps. You will need either a Windows laptop or netbook to perform the diagnostics. Windows version 7 is supported as well as Windows versions going back to Windows 2000 SP4. Your computer needs a USB port and a CD drive as well as 1 gig of RAM and 250 meg of hard drive space. Apple computers are not supported.

AutoTap Express comes with the hardware to connect to your 1996 or later vehicle and the software required to do the diagnostics. To confirm that your vehicle is OBDII compliant, check the emission compliance sticker which will be under the hood or on the door frame. To use the tool, simply plug it into the port on your vehicle and into your computer with the software installed. Follow the instructions on every screen and you’ll be getting diagnostic information that previously only mechanics could see.

Whether you’ve seen this product on MyReviewsNow or heard about it from a friend, the same low price applies. This is one more reason why automotive diagnostics DIY may be the best choice for you. Whether you sense there is something wrong with your vehicle or you just want to make sure everything is ok – DIY diagnostics will help solve your problems. Perhaps you want to know if your vehicle complies with inspections, many of these can be done with your own AutoTap product instead of paying top dollar to someone else for the same results. Of course, these types of tools won’t replace a qualified mechanic when you really need one, but they will make auto checkups easier. AutoTap will not reprogram your vehicle or control solenoids – it is simply a diagnostic tool designed to get valuable information on the condition and operation of the drive train of your vehicle.

In addition to AutoTap for cars, there is also an AutoTap product for trucks. Learn more about it on the AutoTap web site. Go to MyReviewsNow for more information on DIY auto diagnostics.

About the Author

MyReviewsNow

Just Energy Reports Third Quarter Results for 3 Months and 9 Months Ended December 31, 2010
Continued Strong Customer Aggregation Update of Fiscal 2011 Guidance
Read more on Marketwire

Article by Jeremy Smith

Electronics is technology that includes electrical circuits with active electrical components including transistors, diodes, vacuum tubes and integrated circuits. They make the amplification of weak signals possible because they control electron flow. Electronics is usually used in signal processing, sophisticated systems and information technology.

Studying this type of technology in a vocational high school will prepare a person for the lucrative profession of repairing and maintaining consumer electronic products including telephones, personal computers, GPS, automotive electronics, digital cameras, televisions, audio equipment, MP3 players, calculators, DVDs, VCRs and camcorders. It is now used in a number of school systems throughout the United States in conjunction with the tutor saliba learning method.

Electronic technicians work with engineers to design and build experimental models, do assembly and inspection work and set up and repair equipment. Some of the equipment they work on is navigational equipment, medical equipment, telemeters, sonar, radar and radio.

Electronics is a very broad field and students usually specialize in one area. In the fields of production, design or customer service electronic technicians must use highly sophisticated diagnostic and measuring devices to adjust, test and repair equipment. If they are overseeing medical equipment, they must understand how it is used. Today, computers and industrial automation do most of the work. Skilled technicians are in demand who can use it.

Most businesses depend on complicated electronic equipment and need the expertise of electronic technicians regularly. Factories that have automated industrial controls, all of the communication devices, air traffic control, the electronic equipment used in power companies and even the United States government needs technicians for its defense systems. There is a future for high school graduates in vocational electronics.

Some of the topics students will learn are:

• Multimedia• Web development• Computer network systems• Technical project management• Computer drafting and design• Information systems security• Programming• Software applications• Medical equipment• Automotive electronics

High school vocational training using the tutor saliba learning method for these technicians will give a good foundation in theoretical as well as practical electronics, which will lead to entry-level employment. Often the employer will send such students for further training and specialization. Specialization means focusing on one or two systems such as robotics, digital computers, communications systems, television and radio repair, circuit design and analysis, industrial systems and medical systems.

The best opportunities for employment are for students that have a complete knowledge of electrical equipment and electronics including experience in repairs. Also, employment is expected to grow for the installers and repairers for commercial and industrial equipment. As more advanced and reliable equipment is installed by businesses and manufacturers to reduce their costs, the people who maintain and repair these systems will have employment.

About the Author

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information about tutor saliba, please visit http://www.tutorsalibalearning.com/.

Article by Mad Hatter Auto Service, Muffler and Brakes

Learning about our vehicles is a responsibility of all car owners. It will come in handy whenever we need to go to the auto service shop for car repair, whether for simple auto AC repair or more complex engine or brakes repair. At least we will be better equipped to understand the diagnostic report given to us by the mechanic. For now, let’s try to understand our vehicle’s transmission system better by learning about the transmission components from a Tampa automotive mechanic.

The main components of the automatic transmission are the planetary gear sets, clutch packs, band, torque converter, hydraulic system, oil pump, valve body, computer control, governor, vacuum modulator, throttle cable, and seals and gaskets,

The planetary gears sets are mechanical systems that make possible the forward speeds and reverse of automatic transmission vehicles. Each planetary gear set is made up of one sun gear, one ring gear and two or more planet gears. They are constantly engaged with each other while spinning on pinions in a single carrier. Two or more planetary gear sets are connected in different combinations in order to produce the various forward speeds and reverse of automatic transmissions. With newer vehicles featuring up to eight speed automatic transmissions, a computer is necessary to monitor and control the gear shifts.

The clutch packs are made up of alternating disks of steel and a friction material within a clutch drum. A piston is activated by oil pressure to lock the clutch pack together at the appropriate time so that they all turn together. The clutch packs are used to control the planetary gear sets.

The band is a steel strap around the outside of the drum, with one end connected to the transmission case and the other end connected to a servo. It is tightened by oil pressure to stop the turning of the drum when needed.

The torque converter makes it possible for the engine to keep on running while the vehicle stops. It is shaped like a doughnut with a diameter of 10-15 inches and is mounted between the transmission and the engine. It has three elements – the pump, turbine and stator – that transmit power from the engine to the transmission using transmission fluid.

The hydraulic system is a complex maze of tubes responsible for bringing the pressurized transmission fluid to all parts of the transmission system and the torque converter. It is comparable to the human body’s circulatory system.

The oil pump produces the oil pressure necessary in the transmission system. It works with the engine.

The valve body responds to gear shift by controlling and directing the flow of hydraulic fluid to activate the appropriate clutch pack or band.

The computer controls have sensors that detect information and send this to a solenoid pack within the transmission for more precise shifting. In more advanced vehicles, the computer can even sense and learn the driver’s driving style and adapt to it.

The governor, vacuum modulator and throttle cable work together to signal the transmission when to shift. This is especially important in transmission systems without a computer. The governor controls hydraulic pressure according to vehicle speed. The throttle cable senses the gas pedal position. The vacuum modulator senses engine load through the engine vacuum.

The seals and gaskets prevent hydraulic fluid from leaking. Seals are made from rubber and are used on moving parts. Gaskets can be made of rubber, silicone, soft metal, cork and even paper. They are used on stationary parts that are connected.

Now you’ll be able to identify your car’s transmission system components when your Tampa automotive mechanic discusses it with you.

About the Author

Mad Hatter Auto Service, Muffler and BrakesContact: Victor Zamora4916 W Linebaugh Ave, Suite 101, Tampa, FL 33624Phone: 813-374-9230Email: info@madhatterexhaust.comWebsite: www.madhatterexhaust.com