Q: I would like to go to a technical school and become an automotive technician. How do I find a reputable school?

A: Schools that are NATEF (National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation) certified have to meet rigorous standards and go through an approved certification process. NATEF schools are required to have appropriate tools and equipment, qualified staff, and implement ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) specified tasks in the curriculum. To find a NATEF certified school, go to www.natef.org.

Q: Are automotive manufacturers required to inform the owner of a vehicle when new Technical Service Bulletins are issued, similar to safety recalls?

A: Safety recalls are separate and different from Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). Automotive manufacturers are required to inform consumers of specific safety defects through safety recalls, but not general repair problems that are issued through TSBs. TSBs are issued to dealerships and to a national database. It is a good idea if you are having problems with your vehicle to review possible causes by taking the initiative to review the TSBs that have been released. To access TSBs and safety recalls you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website, www.nhtsa.dot.gov, and search the "Office of Defects Investigation" division.

Q: What does it mean when a technician is ASE certified?

A: An ASE certified technician is one that has passed rigorous tests in specific areas of automotive, heavy-duty truck, parts specialist, school bus repair, machining, or collision repair. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence. Currently, there are over 400,000 people that have ASE certifications. The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) provides testing for individuals that want to become certified technicians or parts specialists. There are over 40 different tests covering everything from brakes to automatic transmissions to collision repair. Technicians can become certified in more than one area and can become a Master Technician when several tests are passed. A technician that wears the ASE logo represents a commitment to quality. To keep the certifications current, tests are retaken every five years.

Q: What should I look for when choosing an auto repair facility?

A: A repair shop is only as good as its technicians. Look for shops that display the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications of its employees. Also remember though, that having an ASE certification does not necessary make the technician knowledgeable on your specific vehicle model. Ask your co-workers and friends for recommendations. Look for shops that specialize in the service that you need. For example, some facilities specialize in suspension repair, tires, and alignments. Still others may specialize in automatic transmission repair and service. Once you find a shop that you trust, build a rapport with the service writers and technicians. This relationship will help you if you ever get in a bind and need emergency service.

Q: What does the L mean in the description of an engine? For example, my car has a 2.4-L engine?

A: The 2.4-L stands for the displacement of the engine in liters. This is also considered the engine size. Displacement is the combined volume of air in the engine’s cylinders – from the pistons’ bottommost point (bottom dead center) to topmost point (top dead center). This distance the piston travels is defined as the stroke. To calculate the displacement, the diameter of the cylinder (i.e., bore) and the stroke are needed. The basic mathematical formula for calculating the volume of a cylinder is: volume = (pi) (r²) (h). Since the bore is the diameter and not the radius (r), divide the bore by 2 to get “r”. The “h” is the stroke and “pi” is the constant 3.14. To obtain the units in liters, the “r” and “h” need to be in centimeters. Then multiply the volume of one cylinder by the total number of cylinders and finally divide the total by 1000 to obtain liters (since 1000 cm³ = 1 L).

Q: Why don’t all trucks and big SUVs have fuel economy ratings?

A: Trucks and SUVs with a gross vehicle weight rating over 8500 pounds are exempt from the fuel economy requirements set out by the federal government. In response to the oil embargo in the 1970s, the federal government established Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for light trucks and cars to reduce energy consumption. The original exemption on vehicles weighing over 8500 pounds was designed for commercial and farm vehicles. Today, more and more people own large SUVs (e.g., Ford Excursion and Hummers) and trucks over 8500 pounds for everyday passenger vehicles where CAFE standards are not applicable.

Q: I have heard the acronym OPEC used in the news. What does this acronym represent?

A: OPEC stands for the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. OPEC currently has eleven nations: Algeria, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, the Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. OPEC has over 75% of the world’s proven oil reserves. For more information about OPEC, go to www.opec.org.

Q: How do I find out if there is a recall on my vehicle?

A: If your vehicle has had a safety recall, the auto manufacturer is mandated to send a first-class letter to your registered residence. Manufacturers get your mailing information from your state’s department of motor vehicle office. If you are unsure if your vehicle has a recall, go to www.safercar.gov and check its status by clicking on “Check for Recalls”.

Q: Last week when I purchased an alternator the salesperson said that it was remanufactured. What types of auto parts are commonly remanufactured and why don’t they just make new ones?

A: Remanufacturing some types of automotive parts is more economical than making them from new raw materials. This conserves energy resources, resulting in lower pollution emissions from the manufacturing process. “Remanned” parts meet or exceed original manufacturer specifications. Water pumps, alternators, starters, brake calipers, power steering pumps, and other parts are often remanufactured.

Q: While looking for a remanufactured engine for my car I came across the terms short and long block. What is the difference?

A: In general, a short block is a remanufactured engine usually only consisting of the engine block, crankshaft, pistons, and sometimes the camshaft and timing chain (on non overhead camshaft engines). All the other components, including the cylinder head(s) and manifolds, will need to be used from your existing engine or need to be purchased. A long block also includes the cylinder head(s). The exact components will vary depending on the engine and remanufacturer. Have a qualified technician determine the usability of engine components that will not be replaced. When obtaining quotes, have the engine manufacturer specify all the components that are part of their short or long block.