When you trust a mechanic with your vehicle, how do you know you’re getting quality care? One marker of trusted quality is Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.
Our local mechanics are here with everything you need to know about the vital role ASE certifications play within the auto industry.
What is ASE Certification?
In short, an ASE Certificate is documentation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence affirming that a car care specialist is knowledgeable and trained in high-quality service.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and maintaining quality car service within the industry. The organization has been educating, testing, and certifying automotive professionals since 1972.
Why is ASE Certification Important?
So, why does ASE certification matter? There are several positive implications of this program that make it vital for mechanics and service technicians.
1) Providing Mechanic Service Quality Regulation
At the time of publication—licensing, training, and certification requirements for mechanics vary by state. In other words, there are currently no universal legal standards for technicians in the United States. Therefore, ASE certification provides a vital widespread regulation for mechanic service quality.
In the state of North Carolina specifically, mechanics currently do not need a license to complete any vehicle repairs or maintenance services. The only mechanic licensing requirements are for completing safety and emissions inspections.
In other words, almost anybody can call themselves a mechanic, take your money, and work on your vehicle. However, vehicle repairs require careful consideration, experience, knowledge, and training. You know you are in good hands when you confirm your technician is ASE certified.
2) Training, Knowledge, and Experience
Your mechanics are put to the test to get ASE certified. This process tests the comprehensive knowledge of everything from engine repair to brakes, transmissions, maintenance, vehicle lighting repairs, suspension systems, and everything in between.
In addition to formal testing, ASE certification requires hands-on training and experience. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence will ensure mechanics are qualified to work on your vehicle before they complete any solo repairs.
3) Staying Up-To-Date in the Auto Industry
The auto repair industry is constantly evolving to keep up with best practices, the latest environmental protections, and new vehicle features. For example, the last few years have seen several changes and challenges, including:
- Beginning in 2022, all vehicles manufactured in the US switched from R134a to R1234YF freon—requiring new attachments and insights.
- The rise of Tesla vehicles has presented some unique service challenges, including foam tire interior that gets in the way of patching and a vulnerability to curb rash.
- Newer hybrid and electric vehicles require unique parts, service insights, and experience.
- The pandemic created a number of vehicle problems—including a rise in catalytic converter theft.
To ensure mechanics stay up-to-date, ASE requires certification renewals every five years.
Chapel Hill Tire: High-Quality Mechanic Care Near Me
Chapel Hill Tire maintains ASE certification for all of our technicians and mechanics. This practice is just one of the ways we ensure our service is industry-leading and high-quality for our customers.
Our ASE-certified mechanics proudly serve 10 locations across Cary, Apex, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Chapel Hill Tire’s experts also commonly serve surrounding communities, including Knightdale, Pittsboro, Wake Forest, Hillsborough, Morrisville, and beyond. We welcome you to make an online appointment or give us a call to get started today!