Carfax or autocheck? Which is better? You've seen the TV ads that claim you can know every detail about a car. But there are limits to what they can tell. Carfax pulls together data from all cars and compiles it into a single report. This report includes everything from title transfers and theft reports, odometer reads to accidents or repairs. It is a useful tool for comparing automobiles, but there is much more to it.
Autocheck
Autocheck and Carfax will help you choose the right car for you. You should choose wisely as there are differences between the two services. AutoCheck has extensive data on almost every car in America, beginning in the 1970s. It is helpful if you are looking for a car with a long history, or to determine if there has been any damage recently.
The quality of the information provided by both services should be considered when comparing them. Carfax has more data sources than Autocheck and is often more comprehensive. Autocheck's database includes information from over 34,000 sources, including every state and Canadian province. Additionally, the service includes data from auto auctions, police and fire agencies, and fleet auto managers. The federal guidelines allow both services to reveal past thefts or accidents.
While the Carfax report remains the most trusted source of vehicle history reports, it could contain crucial information that an Autocheck cannot. For example, a small body shop might not report a tree-damage accident, but a more prominent insurance company will. These reports also provide detailed information about how the car was maintained. The life of a Lexus ES 350 2008 with a salvage tag was spent in Texas, for example. Carfax showed 25 service records including a replacement drive belt. AutoCheck, however, only listed four.
Carfax
When it comes to used car buying, there are two main sources of information - Autocheck and CARFAX. The latter is the largest and longest-running, having been established in Columbia, Missouri, back in 1984. The service was named after the play on the word "facts" and quickly grew to encompass fifty states in 1993. Autocheck has been quietly growing for many years and is currently the second largest service. Experian is the owner of Autocheck. The company does not spend much time marketing. Instead, it focuses on building relationships and working with state motor vehicle agencies as well as car dealerships and auctions.
Both services offer a vehicle history report. While AutoCheck is cheaper, Carfax has more detailed information. It provides more precision and brand recognition than AutoCheck. It offers auction information and precision. No matter what service you choose to use, it is always a good idea for both. Once you have decided on which service is right for you, consider your goals and budget. The detail you are looking for will impact the cost of both services.
It's possible to get a vehicle history report that can help you learn more about the car's history. However, many people don't realize that it's possible to miss critical information. Autocheck will not accept a vehicle that has been damaged by trees from a bodyshop, but it will be sent to the insurer. These kinds of incidents are likely to go unreported. It is unlikely that an auto repair shop will report an accident to the auto history report.
FAQ
Can I work as an auto mechanic without a degree? Can I do part-time studies?
Although it's not mandatory, a degree can help. Employers prefer candidates who have completed a full degree. It shows you are dedicated and have worked hard to achieve your goals.
You can still study while working, however. Many universities permit students to take courses during the summer holidays, and then finish their studies in the fall. Others allow students to study part-time all year.
How long does an automotive course take?
An automotive course lasts 3 years.
The first year is dedicated to theory and learning about cars. Practical training is the second year. You will learn to drive, fix engines and perform other tasks around the car. The last year is spent at a local shop, where you will get practical experience with real-world problems.
Is being a mechanic apprentice hard?
It's not easy, however, it is very rewarding and offers many opportunities for growth.
You must have patience and perseverance. You must also know how to fix cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
Customers and family members will put pressure on your shoulders to help you succeed. But you should never feel pressured into making decisions you aren't comfortable with.
This could be an excellent career choice for someone who enjoys fixing cars. It's a job where you can earn a decent salary and build up your business.
However, you might prefer to go down another route. Consider becoming a technician.
This means that you can use your technical knowledge to help other workers. Technical support could include helping technicians to troubleshoot issues or teaching them new techniques.
Another option is to become a service advisor. Here, you'll provide advice and assistance to customers when they bring their cars to a garage.
It all depends on your goals. There are many options, so you can choose the one that suits you best.
What is the difference?
These two jobs are very similar but not identical. An automotive technician maintains cars, while a mechanic repairs them.
A mechanic must have good manual dexterity and be able to perform simple tasks quickly. They must also be able to diagnose problems accurately and repair them effectively.
An automotive technician is required to have more technical knowledge than a mechanic. They must be able to read blueprints and use tools such as drills and wrenches.
They should also be capable of safely performing complex procedures. They must also be familiarized in different types and electrical systems.
They must also understand the interplay of different parts.
This means that mechanics usually make less money than automotive technicians. Both careers have many options.
Statistics
- There were 749,900 jobs available for automotive service technicians and mechanics in 2016, which is expected to grow by six percent through 2026. (jobhero.com)
- Apprentice mechanics earn significantly less hourly than mechanics who have completed training, with a median wage of approximately $14.50 an hour, according to PayScale. (jobhero.com)
- According to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $44,050 in May 2020. (uti.edu)
External Links
How To
How to Become an Automotive Technician
Automotive technicians provide repair and maintenance services to vehicles. He/she works at car dealerships, auto shops, garages, service centers, etc. He/she works with customers to repair their cars and trucks, ATVs or snowmobiles. An automotive technician must be capable of diagnosing problems and making repairs safely, accurately and efficiently.
If you want to be an automotive technician, you need an associate degree from vocational school. After completing the program, he/she must pass ASE certification. ASE stands in for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The ASE certification test consists two sections. The first section tests for mechanical knowledge, the second for practical skills. To pass the test you must go to one of the authorized testing facilities. These locations are available online or through your local automotive dealer.
After passing the test, a candidate must pass a state examination before becoming licensed as an automotive technician. The process will vary depending on where an applicant lives. Some states require applicants to take a training course while others allow them the freedom to study on their own. Some states permit technicians to work immediately after they are granted their license. Others require them to wait at least six consecutive months before they can be licensed.
An applicant should apply to a local auto shop in order to start their career as an automotive technician. Most new employees work as apprentices after they have been hired. Apprenticeships last for three years. During this time, a student learns how to perform basic repairs, such as changing oil, adjusting brakes, replacing tires, cleaning spark plugs, inspecting engine compartments, and performing routine maintenance. Advanced repairs can be done by some students, including replacing shocks, installing air filters and repairing engines. Classes are offered by most schools during regular business hours. Some schools also offer evening classes, if necessary.
When a student has completed his/her apprenticeship, they become a journeyman. Journeymen generally spend four- to five decades learning how to fix major systems like transmissions. You will also learn how to repair complicated electrical components, as well as how to remanufacture engines and rebuild transmissions. Many employers prefer hiring journeymen because they know the job well and understand what the customer expects.
After passing the exams, candidates may be eligible to open their own shop if they pass all requirements. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010), almost 1.7million automotive mechanic jobs were on the market. This number was expected increase 18% between 2009 - 2020. A candidate who plans to open a shop should expect to spend many thousands of dollars on equipment and supplies.
Automotive technicians' salaries depend on many factors such as the employer, whereabouts, education level and experience. A jobless person can expect to make $20,000 per year. A high school diploma is all that's required to earn approximately $21,000 annually. Those with an associate's degree earned approximately $24,000 per year. Technicians with a bachelor’s degree made about $27,000 annually. Master's degree holders make around $32,000 annually. Salary increases are common so professionals who make less than $30,000 a year could realistically expect to earn $40,000 over the next few years.