The Mail-Journal, Volume 12, Number 41, Milford, Kosciusko County, 5 November 1975 — Page 4

Certified mechanics fill need for dependable car service

A national organization formed only three years ago has tested 95,000 automotive mechanics and certified approximately 70.000 of them as competent in one or more technical areas. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, headquartered in Washington. DC , is the name of the organization, and their tests are developed and administered nationwide by Educational Testing Service of Princeton. N.J. The* |m»* fee Mechanics or their employers pay the fees for the tests and the program is strictly voluntary. Herbert S Fuhrman. NIASE President, says: The nation's mechanics deserve huge credit for turning out m such large numbers for these voluntary tests. U certainly expresses a strong desire to prove their competency. We hope that consumers will ask for certified mechanics to work on their cars and will look for mechanics' credentials displayed in service areas." Shops employing certified mechanics are authorized to display orange and blue signs which read: "We employ mechanics certified by NIASE — let us show you their credentials.” PinptMnl certification The credentials show specifically in what areas a mechanic or body re pairer or painter is certified. The Institute offers certification in eight automobile areas: Engine Repair. Manual Transmission and Rear Axle. Front End. Brakes. Electrical Systems. Heating and Air Conditioning. and Engine Tuneup Also offered are six tests for heavy-duty truck

Don't Get Your E WeR & Dayton Snow Tires ii' M — Duncan Motor Service Phone: 659-4774 Milford

BRAIN TWISTER — Auto mechanic* taking the NIASE certification tert* find the question- truly probe their knowledge of their trade. NIASE official* expect that by next year more than 100,000 mechanic* will have earned certification in one or more of eight specialties.

and bus mechanics, and two tests in body and paint. In the automobile series, for example, a mechanic can take all eight tests or a lesser number. If he succeeds in passing all eight and he meets the experience requirement, he is certified as a General Automobile Mechanic. Two years' working experience as a mechanic are required for certification Benefit* r»er»o«»e The Institute claims the voluntary testing and certification program benefits everyone. The consumer is given the choice between a mechanic who has proved his competency and one who has not. The tests are generally designed for the mechanic who is already employed, and experience seems to be a very important factor phasize problem solving and diagnostic skills rather than just knowledge questions. Older men have consistently done better on the tests than younger mechanics, despite the fact

that in most cases the younger men have more formal education than their older associates. Each certified mechanic receives a certificate, an IJD. card, a display card, and shoulder patches and stripes identifying his areas of demonstrated competence. Fuhrman anticipates that within a year the Institute will have over 100,000 mechanics certified in one or more specialty areas. “This program resulted from an industry response to the need for improving the quality of automotive repair. Mechanics’ lack of

Cutter Chevrolet FALI SERVICE SPECIAL! I Lube, oil change and filter, with GM | Optikleen in your windshield washers N ALL AC PARTS 15 °° KENDALL OIL save 5 50 D Tune-up — For quick starts this winter | better fuel economy I Plugs, Points, Condenser, Fuel Filter, | Installed Reg 48 50 | ALL GM Parts *>» 33°° B Less On 6& 4 Cyl. SAVE 15 50 ALIGNMENT "GiT IT STRAIGHT!" I All Cars & Ton Pick Ups | 15 “ now 10” SAVE s°° J — Good Thru Month Off November — 14 j I Service Dept. Open: Mon., Tues., Wed., Fri. — 7:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M. V v eV* Thur*. —7:30 A.M.-OP.M. 1001 S. Huntington Phone <57-3777 Syracuse J

1 know-how’ has been one of the major deterrents to excellence in auto repair,” he says. “With the certification of more and more good mechanics, the public can now find mechanics of proven and tested ability. We are proud of the Institute’s role in this effort.” Plug misfire can kill Misfiring spark plugs have long been known to cause fuel waste and excessive emissions. They can now contribute to an- - other problem —a nonfunctioning catalytic converter. When plugs misfire, whether due to fouling, ignition system malfunction. or being just plain worn out, heat in the catalytic converters rises. The converters, designed to change unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into harmless carbon dioxide and water, normally operate at 900 to 1,500 F <4BB to 816 C). However, should spark plugs misfire severely, the temperature can be raised t as high as 2.200 ; F.. (1,200 C>, enough to melt the catalytic agents in the converter and render the unit ineffective. Therefore, spark plugs should be changed as part of a regularly scheduled tune-up.

More vehicles join Over-50 club on total mileage The Over-50 club has become the most dominant segment of the nation’s motoring population. It’s not the age of the drive rs but the age of the cars on our highways. According to a recent survey, more than half of the cars in operation today have in excess of 50,500 miles on their odometers. While the supposition could be that difficult economic times have caused people to hold on to cars longer, the survey shows the trend to higher mileage cars has been a steady one. In 1968 only 43 per cent the cars registered more than 50,500 miles. The latest study shows 51 per cent of all cars have exceeded that mileage. The significance of the figures lies primarily in a need for more maintenance on the part of the motorists. By the time a car has been operated more than 50,500 miles, the following major services should be performed: Cooling system component replacement and repair: major engine tuneup; exhaust system replacement; new shocks installed; major brake service: replace tires; install new battery; plus other services as needed.