Get Under the Hood of an Automotive Technology Career

For those of you who are tired of getting your auto fix by continuously customizing and modifying your own car, or gluing yourselves to TV shows like "American Choppers" or "Pimp my Ride", there are ways to expand -- automotive technology could be a lucrative career instead of just a way of letting the day speed by on the couch.

Automotive technology schools provide students with the possibility of blending their technical and creative passions together. Your interest in design, form, color, and presentation can be satisfied along with your desire to problem solve, tinker, experiment, and work with ever-evolving technology and science.

According to the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, professional automotive technicians can earn $60,000 or more per year with the appropriate training -- and with good reason. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pros in the field are in demand, with over 800,000 automotive technicians employed as of 2004. As the number of multi-car families continues to increase, job opportunities for automotive technicians are expected to grow as well.

An automotive technician career isn't the same as it was 10 years ago, and as a result automotive technology schools have had to update their curriculum accordingly. With global positioning systems, Internet access, and alternate-fuel systems among the many increasingly common technological advancements found in cars, students at automotive technology schools cannot complete their training without knowledge in these fields. In fact, according to the College Board, more automotive technology schools are now even offering courses in stress management and customer service.

Not that automotive technology should be a stressful job -- to the contrary, a successful automotive technician is one who is passionate about his or her career. But let's face it, cars are a big part of the way we live and keeping them on the road is no small task. According to the Center for Automotive Research, by the year 2000, there were about 217 million vehicles on the road in the U.S., traveling 2.5 trillion miles, and consuming 160 billion gallons of gasoline. So sure, the job can get a little stressful at times -- which is why an automotive technology career relies on education during crunch time.

Once you've received your training from an automotive technology school, certification is the only thing standing between you and your career. Voluntary certification by ASE is the standard credential in the automotive industry. Your certification will be in a specialty field of your choice, of which there are eight. These include electrical systems, engine repair, brake systems, suspension and steering, and heating and air-conditioning. Master automobile technicians are certified in all eight areas .

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Basics of Motorcycle Saddlebags for Beginners

Toolbox, bike's papers, some helpful spares, first aid kit, your machines, gadgets, and other small essentials - you can safely keep and carry all this stuff in your motorcycle saddlebag. The new small yet spacious models add to the convenience and the looks of your machine. You can fit these usually hard bags/cases next to one or on each side of your motorbike's rear wheel, under the passenger seat. Fixing them on the carrier at the back of the passenger seat is also a good option. They may look simple, but picking saddlebags for your 'street' motorbike needs some research. Here are some helpful pointers for knowing more about the motorcycle saddlebags:

• Fitting: Any saddlebag does not fit on any motorbike. You pick these bags depending on your machine's type - cruiser, touring, sport touring, sport bike, dual-sports, and standard. You have more custom options if your machine is the likes of Harley Davidson (HD), Suzuki, Honda, Indian, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Victory, Triumph, or Universal. So, buy the saddlebags according to the type and the maker of your motorcycle.


• Material: Motorcycle saddlebags are mostly made of fiber (PVC), Nylon, leather, synthetic or imitation leather (Vinyl), and plastic. While nylon bags are the most durable, synthetic leather is the easiest to maintain and is the most popular. Except for nylon made saddlebags, the rest of the lots have hard surfaces.


• Weather Resistant: The weather should not affect your saddlebag. It should be resistant to the environmental changes and your stuff should stay undamaged.


• Locking System: A secure and built-in lock system helps ensure the safety of your belonging.


• Buckle: Look for quick-release buckles for operating the bags easily.


• Flexible Mounting: Try going for the bags flexible for mounting both as throw over and hard bolt. You can carry the throw over ones with you as backpacks. The bolted ones provide secure attachment to the bags and are therefore good for long road journeys.


• Metal Frame: Synthetic or genuine, leather saddlebags lose shape with time. However, thanks to the metal frames, they help keep your leather bags from sagging, while adding to their durability. Stainless steel frames are preferable over brass or any other metal. Make sure the one you pick has this anti-sagging stainless steel metal framework in place.


• Buying Point: Go for online deals when purchasing motorcycle saddlebags. Several freebies backed by competitive pricing fetch you the true value for money.

The author Rakhi Sinha is the Founder & Owner of The Syntax Systems, global content service provider. We deliver a wide variety of content on a broad spectrum of subjects. For our content & related services, please mail us on contact@thesyntaxsystems.com.

Home Automotive Lifts Make Repairs Easy

An auto lift is a vital tool for any automotive repair shop. It provides access underneath a car or truck, making repairs a snap. The most crucial element to consider when choosing an automotive lift is selecting one that meets your needs. You will save time and money in the long run if you put price aside and focus on choosing the auto lift possessing the key elements necessary for how you will use it. The following paragraphs detail the types of automotive lifts available.

Auto Lifts For Home Use

If you are seeking to perform automobile repair and maintenance in the same style as an automotive shop, you should consider purchasing a lift for your home garage. A home automotive lift is convenient and it increases your accessibility to making repairs to your own car. This investment can save you money long term as you will not need to take your vehicle to an automotive repair shop for repairs that you can make yourself since you have a lift in your own garage.

Home auto lifts [http://www.sviinternational.com/] include four posts that pneumatically lift your automobile, providing access to the undercarriage of your car for oil changes, transmission repairs, and more. Home automotive lifts also provide extra storage as you can elevate your vehicle when needed to increase floor space in your garage. Many people who collect antique vehicles use lifts to raise their collection so they can park their every day vehicles underneath.

Automotive Lifts For Automobile Repair Shops

Professional automobile repair shops, garages, and commercial facilities often choose heavier duty auto lifts. Standard models can have one, two, or four lifts, depending on the balance, weight capability, and stability required for the space available to house the lifting equipment.

Heavier lifts require a good bit more maintenance than home auto lifts due to the industrial use. Maintenance for these types of automotive lifts is best left to a professional who is familiar with the workings of the lifts and the proper maintenance of safety features.

One, Two, And Four Post Lifts

Most users find that one post lifts provide the best use of space. Two types of one post lifts include centered lifts and offset lifts. Centered one post lifts are stronger than offset one post lifts, but the offset version allows for parking a vehicle underneath a lifted vehicle, which provides a better use of the space available. Four post automotive lifts allow for the same underneath vehicle parking as offset one post lifts, but the four posts take up more space and require more power to operate. The main advantage of a four post lift over an offset one post lift is the amount of lifting power possible, four times more than a one post lift. The advantages and disadvantages of two post models fall in between the one and four post lifts.

Automotive lifts allow you to approach your vehicle from any direction, providing you with the access to make repairs only able to be done by an automobile repair shop in the past. Whether you seek an auto lift for your home garage or for your commercial repair business, there is a lift to suit your needs.

Free Quotes From Motorcycle Shipping Companies

Why Easy Motorcycle Shipping?

This question may be poking your mind that why should we choose a website that only lists firms that provide open and Enclosed Motorcycle Shipping Trailers and ATV transport trailers, whereas we have websites who list companies who transport all kind of vehicles. Let us tell you why you should choose us. Firstly, you DNA€™t have to look and ignore companies that ship only cars and other heavy vehicles which will help you choose quickly and easily which saves your time and narrows your search. You can search openly by staying within your requirements.

Secondly, the price package you get from companies which ship all kinds of vehicles will definitely be more than the package the companies who are known for shipping particular vehicles offer. The reason is they use same trailers for transporting multiple category vehicles, whereas only motorcycle shipping companies or ATV transporters use trailers to transport vehicles of similar category which costs less as overall cost of shipping is low because the interstate tax for shipping two wheelers is low which saves them a lot of money and these companies DNA€™t charge any extra penny from you. So, by staying within your requirement of bike shipping companies OA€™t hurt your finances and Easy Motorcycle Transport helps you do that.

EMS allows you to search and select between only bike shipping and ATV transport companies. After we get all the information about your shipping details that you have filled in the form available on the website, we within seconds track down all the suitable companies for you and give you their list with their price quotes in free. And if you are looking ahead to start a fresh business in this field, there are certain guidelines which are a must follow. They are discussed in detail on our website.

Preparing your Motorcycle for Shipping?

There are certain guidelines, tips that may help you while making an agreement with such companies. An inspection procedure which every known company follows before toeing the vehicle on shipping pallet and before toeing it down at delivery point, these procedures and paperwork involved in it are kept crystal clear for the customer. Tips and general advices for both customers and dealers are given on the website; do read them thoroughly before signing an agreement. IA€™s for your benefit. We want a safe delivery of customer€™s vehicle from a good lawful shipper.

Motorcycle Engines For New Custom Made Bike

Whether you are looking for latest motorcycle engines, Harley gas tanks, Harley Handlebars, Motorcycle Wheels or similar other accessories for your bike, you will get the right one from the comfort of home with some added benefits and services from leading companies that deal in such products and custom-made bikes.

AA€¢ Want to give a new and classy look to your bike with assured safety and reliability?
AA€¢ Are you looking for the latest Harley handlebars to give a new and dynamic look to your new bike?

Fortunately, you have a better option available as numerous renowned companies have come up with some of the latest bike accessories for Harley.

Harley Gas Tanks - The Choice Number One Ever

Gas tanks are the most essential parts that you will get from Harley at very reasonable prices. These tanks are offered with assured highest quality with top and hottest styles. Whether it is custom Harley chopper or a Pro-street, you will get the gas tanks according to your desired product. These Harley gas tanks are made of steel with some added features and beautiful curve lines to compliment and match the curvature of the engine rocker boxes.

If you are going to customize your Harley motorcycle or want to replace the selected one, Billet Chrome wheels would be right one to customize your Harley. At a leading distributor or company that deals in custom bikes, you will get numerous styles of chrome wheels in billet aluminum and spoke variants. There is no denying the fact that latest motorcycle rims adds more zing and glamor along with a dramatically changes in the way your bike looks. Whether you want a 40, 60 or 80 spoke wheels with billet hubs; you will get the right one from a selected company.

How to Get Latest Motorcycle Engines and Motorcycle Wheels

The best way is to visit an authorized distributor of any preferred brand in local. By visiting the local store, you can get detailed information about the engine techniques and specifications. Apart from this, you will also get numerous added benefits. Before visiting the store, you can also go through their online wings that are the right platforms to collect information about the specifications, features and other details of motorcycles. Online stores are the authorized e-platforms or subsidiary of companies that deal in motorcycle engines.

You will also get such amazing bike accessories from companies that deal in custom motorcycles. Companies and agencies that have started as a custom built motorcycle have established their reputation as a pioneer of radical motorcycle designs, euro style bikes and custom chopper concepts. There is no denying the fact that numerous companies have become multi-million dollar wholesale company with branches in different locations. These companies have in-house team of engineers who leave no stone unturned in providing you precise solutions for custom motorcycles. Whether you are looking for motorcycle engines, motorcycle wheels, Harley gas tanks, Harley handlebars or anything else from the similar domain, you will get the right one from these stores.

You have to place your order according to your requirement and rest of the work is done by their executives. These stores also offer round the clock services and customer care support for any further assistance.

Disclaimer Policy

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by us. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content. The owner(s) of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content may not always be identified.

Biggest Killer of ATV Riders

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are becoming more popular every year. So, too, are accidents. Several hundred riders die and over 100,000 are injured annually. The causes are varied from defects in equipment to when nature isn't cooperative. But by far, the biggest cause is rider error.
Rider error can be in the form of lack of proper gear. The helmet is the most important, yet often riders presume a ball cap will shield them from harm. Goggles prevent eye injuries from debris and branches. Long sleeves and gloves prevent abrasions.
Many riders have never looked at the warning stickers on the fenders which warn them not to carry two riders unless the ATV was designed for it. Having the back end overloaded is a sure way to precipitate a backflip while going up a hill. Or they will ride on roadways and be struck by an auto. Or they will be drinking alcohol and poor judgment will prevail.
Many times children are on ATVs (sometimes called quads) that are too large or powerful for them to handle. They are even more prone than adults are to attempt extreme maneuvers or climbing a slope or traversing unstable terrain that is unsafe. Too often, this results in tragedy.
Much of this can be remedied by taking safety courses which are offered free by the manufacturers upon the purchase of a new quad. Surprisingly, only about one-third of new purchasers take up the offer.
As to actually killing riders, there is one situation that happens to overwhelmingly cause the most deaths. That is a rollover. Quads can weigh from 350 to over 900 pounds. One on top of a rider can easily pin them in sand or mud, or even under water or against a tree. But many times, they get a crushed skull or broken bones or spine.
One might think this will usually only happen if the rider is hot-dogging along a narrow trail, but that thought is wrong. In fact, 75% of all major accidents happen loading and unloading from a pickup bed or high trailer. Why is this?
Usually ramps are used for the quad's wheels to travel on going up or down. On a trailer, it's easy to move the wrong way slightly and come off where there is no ramp. Or, many times the ramps are short and the pickup tailgate is high. This means a steep angle of climb which is difficult. But even when longer ramps are used, there can be a problem.
What happens is that as the quad goes up the ramp, the wheels try to spin the ramp back away from the tailgate. When this happens, there is a space at the top of the ramps and they fall down. At that moment, the quad's front wheels may be on the tailgate and the rear wheels fall causing the quad to do a backflip-often landing on top of the rider. If only one ramp falls, the quad falls back and sideways-not much easier on the rider.
When the quad is being unloaded, it is being backed off the pickup and as its weight (remember, you are adding to the weight since you are on the seat) is transferred to the ramps, the tailgate rises and allows a gap at the top of the ramp. Then the ramp falls off. Now if the rider is way down on the ramp and close to the ground, then maybe no foul. But if the rider is high up still, or comes off the side of the ramp, then, again, the quad flips backward and/or sideways and lands on the rider. And, let me tell you, even if you aren't squashed, you still get quite a thrill!
The easiest way to prevent this loading/unloading hazard is pretty simple, although amazingly often disregarded. It's to use retention straps or chain to hold the ramps against the tailgate. The most effective way is to position them near the top portion of the ramp and as straight back to the truck, or bumper, as possible. If you are using nylon straps, you should check them regularly to make sure they aren't stress separating.
It is also a good habit to be wearing a helmet during this maneuver, too, for obvious reason.
Remember, three-fourths of all serious injuries are caused loading and unloading, so if you aren't on a trailer close to the ground where you can just push your quad off safely, then use the straps.
Accidents can sure ruin your day.
Ron Kelley