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Feature Articles

A career in automotive technology is sure to be satisfying, rewarding, and challenging! We have worked hard to provide you with the framework necessary to construct your ideal career, and we hope that you will be able to make an informed and intelligent decision about your future. Now find out the inside scoop on the automotive industry. In our feature articles section, we have chosen to highlight some of these topics and answer questions you may have.

Xzibit may be the most famous face on MTV's Pimp My Ride, but the real stars of the show are the guys from West Coast Customs and Galpin Auto Sports, who turn dying clunkers into modern works of art - often worth as much as $20,000 to $30,000. Custom car detailing and refinishing is one of the most creative jobs in automotive technology, and it requires specialized skills above and beyond standard automotive repair training. Read "Pimp My Ride": Become a Custom Auto Technician 

Ever since the first modern car was built in 1885 by Karl Benz, people were necessary to repair the fickle machines. Today autos are more sophisticated than ever before, and are literally roaring computers on wheels. Want to know where the automobile industry now stands, and where it's headed? Check out the article below. Read Automobile Careers Present and Future

Most car repair consumers look for the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence, which a repair shop can attain if 75% of its counterpersons and mechanics themselves are ASE certified and at least one employee is certified in each area of service the shop offers. Most repair shops require their technicians to be ASE certified. Why's it so important? Check out the article below to find out. Read ASE Certification: What You Need to Know

Undertaking an automotive is a solid commitment of time and money, so you should make sure your study will take you to the career you desire. Will a diploma be enough education, or do you need a degree? What benefits will certificates add? Find out the answers to these questions in the article below. Read Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates: What Difference Does It Make?

If someone mentioned the word, "diesel" would it only bring to mind big rig semi trucks? Diesel engines power so many other vehicles and machines than just tractor trailers. You'll be able to work on diesel engines on the sea, the coast, in the forest, in the field, on the road, and on the airfield. To see just how many opportunities are available to diesel technicians, check out the following article. Read Diesel Opportunities

In a world where expressing uniqueness and personality continues to increase in popularity, so too has automotive customization. From tricked-out factory models to complete fabrications, custom cars are appearing everywhere, drawing the attention not only of the public, but also the media. As a result, several cable networks have based programs on this premise, to the delight of viewers everywhere. Find out more about these popular custom car shows, and the heroes who host these programs. Read TV Technicians and Custom Car Shows

Choppers have been popular for many years, from their original inception at the end of World War II to the Easy Rider trend of the late 60’s and 70’s, but have definitely experienced a recent rise in popularity thanks to a handful of biker build-off shows. Take a look at some of these trend-setting programs. Read The Great American Chopper

With these tools and more, we're confident that you'll be on the road to success.

Automotive Careers Present and Future

December 15, 2015

If you've ever considered a career in the automotive or motor sports industries, it's time to start your engine and make your move. With expectations of more than 56,000 new service, repair, and maintenance jobs being created each year through 2012 (ETA), the employment situation for aspiring auto service technicians and mechanics couldn't be better.

The Great American Chopper

December 15, 2015

Just the sight of the long steering system, disparate tires, and high handlebars, or "ape hangers," is enough to make the hearts of people who love choppers race. Named for the practice of removing, or "chopping," unnecessary parts such as the windshield and front fender, these days it’s hard to look anywhere without seeing some reference to this bad boy of the motorcycle world, the chopper.

Diesel Opportunities

December 15, 2015

When most people see the word ‘diesel,’ they think of diesel trucks, but the truth is that diesel technicians have many more opportunities available to them. Diesel engines are also found in buses, trains, ships, farm and mining equipment, and even as the engine of choice to some drag racing teams. The expansion of diesel engines into other fields, such as aviation, is imminent, with diesel being not only the cheaper fuel in some places, but also a more efficient means of propulsion.

TV Technicians & Custom Car Shows

December 15, 2015

In a world where expressing uniqueness and personality continues to increase in popularity, so too has automotive customization. From tricked-out factory models to complete fabrications, custom cars are appearing everywhere, drawing the attention not only of the public, but also the media. As a result, several cable networks have based programs on this premise, to the delight of viewers everywhere.

ASE Certification

December 15, 2015

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is the mark of distinction awarded to qualifying automobile aftermarket service and repair technicians.

Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates: What Difference Does It Make?

December 15, 2015

Technical schools offer a variety of awards at graduation: certificates, diplomas, and degrees. Major differences in these three awards include time it takes for completion—generally about a year for many diploma and certification programs, and generally about two years for an associate degree.

"Pimp My Ride": Become a Custom Auto Technician

December 15, 2015

Xzibit may be the most famous face on MTV's Pimp My Ride, but the real stars of the show are the guys from West Coast Customs and Galpin Auto Sports, who turn dying clunkers into modern works of art, which are often worth as much as $20,000 to $30,000. Custom car detailing and refinishing is one of the most creative jobs in automotive technology, and it requires specialized skills above and beyond standard automotive repair training.