Safety is an important consideration when choosing a family car. Consumer Reports monitors the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data to ensure that all vehicles on their list have the highest Overall Safety Rating. No matter if you are looking to buy a small car or an SUV, safety-conscious buyers will find the best choices on our list.
Skoda
Skoda is a great choice for family cars. Skoda cars have been designed to be luxurious and safe. They have features that help keep you and your passengers safe, including ABS with EBD, hill ascent and descent, cruise control, and air conditioning.
Skoda Octavia
Skoda Octavia has been voted one of the most loved family cars. The MQB platform allows it to be practical and without compromise. The boot is spacious, with 590 L in the hatchback and 600 L in the estate. There are also excellent legroom and headroom in the rear seats. The Skoda brand is known for its excellent handling and great value for money.
Skoda Tiguan
Skoda Tiguan offers many features that a family car should have. The 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 150 horsepower. The diesel engine produces 150PS and is a bigger 2.0-litre unit. All-wheel drive is also an option for the Tiguan.
Volkswagen Touran
The Volkswagen Touran is spacious and comfortable for seven people. The wide seats provide plenty of headroom and legroom. Additionally, the second row can be folded independently. The second row features ISOFIX points, which allow for the fitting of child car seats. The third row can also be easily flipped up/down.
Kia Soul
For the 2011 model year, the Kia Soul received several facelifts that gave it a more traditional appearance. The front has a more conventional appearance, with its headlights being larger and less boxy than before. For those who like a sportier appearance, the Soul GT-Line has body-color trim and unique wheels. The Soul GT-Line also features a range of driver assistance such as automated emergency braking, front cross-traffic alert, and lanes-keeping assist.
SEAT Leon
The SEAT Leon, one of the best family cars on the market, is the SEAT Leon. Introduced in 2012, it was part of the Type 5F-series and received a facelift in 2017. It's a very stylish and sporty car to drive. You can either get it with extra media tech or a three-cylinder, petrol engine. The Cupra 300 model is also available.
FAQ
Is being an auto mechanic a promising career choice?
There are many exciting opportunities in the automotive industry for people who are driven to achieve excellence. You can only succeed in this field if you work hard and learn from others.
Excellent communication skills are essential as you will spend most of the time speaking to customers or other employees. You will need to be able and willing travel for work, making it more difficult to commute.
You can take classes at universities and community colleges if you are interested in a career as an automotive technician. Many schools offer programs specifically designed for students interested in auto repair, sales, or customer service.
You should choose to study mechanical engineering if you want to get a degree. A bachelor's degree can be obtained in four years.
Many employers will hire graduates straight out from school. It's a smart idea to begin looking for work while you have the opportunity to study part-time.
After you complete your education, you may need to undergo some type of training before you can become an automotive technician.
You will need to pass the Automotive Service Excellence certification exam. This test covers topics such engine maintenance as brakes, steering, suspension, etc.
Once you've passed the ASE test, you can apply for a license issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
You can repair vehicles owned by private citizens with a license. You will be compensated based on how many services you performed.
Not all states require licensing. You will need a license if you want to work in a different state.
Some states don’t issue licenses until a certain amount has been completed. If this applies to you, then you may need to find another option.
How can I prepare myself for a mechanic apprenticeship
It is essential to understand what you are getting into. You need to understand the mechanics of cars and how they work. This will allow you to be prepared for your first day at work.
You should also know how to fix common problems such as tires or broken lights.
This article will show you how to diagnose and fix issues.
For the purpose of putting them back together again, you'll need to be able to identify how each piece fits together.
Finally, be proficient in using tools safely and efficiently.
All of these factors will allow you to become a skilled mechanic.
What are the qualifications for an automotive technician
You must have high school, or GED, and be able to read and write well in English and math. You must also be able to read, and write. Before you can start working, you will have to pass a written exam and take a series practical tests.
How can I fix my automobile as a hobby.
It's a great hobby to take on if you are passionate about cars. You could learn how to repair them, buy parts for them, sell them or just enjoy them. This would be a wonderful hobby if you're looking to find something completely different.
However, it's not easy to turn this into a full-time career. It requires hard work and dedication. It requires a lot investment.
You might not have a compelling reason to get involved in the car industry.
What kind of car mechanic jobs exists?
Car mechanics can find work in three areas:
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Automotive repair shops
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Dealerships
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Independent garages
Automotive repair shops
This is where most people first think of becoming a mechanic. In fact, it's probably the easiest way to get started. Either work for someone else's shop or you can start your own.
If you plan to work in a shop, you must apply to join the union. Once you have been accepted into the Union, you'll be given training by the union.
Once the training is completed, you can start working.
Register with the government if you want to open your garage. After you register, you will be required to meet specific standards.
You will receive a license to run your garage once you have registered.
You can sell spare parts or do minor repairs with your license. It won't permit you to fix serious engine problems.
Customers will expect you to not only sell spare parts but also provide advice and guidance.
Dealership jobs
Many dealerships have mechanics who are experts in one particular area. They may be trained to replace or repair tires, or they may specialize in brakes.
However, some dealerships also hire general mechanics who can handle all aspects of car repairs.
Many of these positions require that applicants undergo training before they are allowed to work. This means employers can choose which candidates are best suited for their role.
Some dealerships hire students straight out of college. These graduates are already familiar with basic mechanics and can therefore learn about cars.
Independent garages
Independent garages don’t have to be associated with any particular dealer. Instead, independent garages tend to concentrate on providing high-quality services.
Independent garages don't have to be associated with any particular company. This allows them to offer higher wages. As a result, these jobs are generally better paid than those at dealerships.
But this doesn't mean that independent garages are necessarily better places to work. Many business owners prefer to own their businesses and not delegate the responsibility to others.
You may find yourself working for long hours and not having control over the day.
It is also possible to expect lower wages than you would if working at a dealer.
It's possible to switch between jobs. It is possible to switch between different types of jobs if your current employer would prefer you to work at a dealer.
Or, if your dream is to work for an independent garage you can contact the owner directly.
It's not always easy to find a job. There are many factors that affect how much you make.
This could include the type of vehicle that you are working on and whether or not you charge an additional for labor.
Is it worth becoming a mechanic?
The answer to this question will depend on your goals for life. If you are looking for financial gain, then yes. However, if purpose and meaning are what you seek, then no.
If you don’t have any mechanical skills, it’s pointless to get into it. It will just waste your time. It will not make you rich. It won't make you famous. And it's unlikely to change your life.
You'd have to spend years learning how things work. It would be expensive to have your car fixed by someone else. That's why most people don't bother doing it at all. They find something else to do.
To sum up, if you want to earn lots of money then go ahead. The mechanic's profession is not the right place for you if it means that you will live a fulfilled life.
How long is an automotive course?
An automotive course is three years long.
The first year is spent learning about cars and theory. The second year is spent on practical training where you learn how to drive, fix engines, and do other mechanical jobs around the car. You will spend the final year working in a local garage to gain real-world experience.
Statistics
- 52% of Mechanics in the United States think their salaries are enough for the cost of living in their area. (indeed.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, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (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. Customers can rely on him/her to fix their cars, trucks and motorcycles. A technician in automotive must be able diagnose and repair problems quickly, safely, accurately, efficiently, and effectively.
To become an automotive technician, a person must first earn an associate's degree from a vocational college. After completing this program, he/she must pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam. ASE stands in for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The ASE certification test consists two sections. The first section tests the ability to use mechanical knowledge. The second section tests the ability to apply practical skills. To pass the test you must go to one of the authorized testing facilities. These locations can be found online or at your local auto dealer.
Before becoming an automotive technician, a candidate must pass the test. The process will vary depending on where an applicant lives. For example, some states require candidates to attend a training course, while others allow them to study independently. Some states issue licenses to technicians as soon as they get their license. Others wait until they have worked at least six months as an automotive technician.
To become an automotive technician, one must apply at a local dealership. Most new employees work as apprentices after they have been hired. Apprenticeships last for three years. A student will learn to repair basic things like changing oil, adjusting brakes or replacing tires. They also learn how spark plugs are cleaned and inspect engine compartments. Some students are able to perform more advanced repairs such as replacing shocks and installing air filters. Many schools offer classes during normal business hours. Some schools also offer evening classes, if necessary.
Once a student is done with his/her apprenticeship he/she can become a master journeyman. Journeymen spend typically four to five years learning to install major systems such as transmissions and differentials, steering gear, suspensions and drive shafts. You will also learn how to repair complicated electrical components, as well as how to remanufacture engines and rebuild transmissions. Because they have the experience and knowledge to do the job right, employers love hiring journeymen.
Candidates who pass the required exams are eligible for a license. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010, nearly 1.7 Million automotive mechanic jobs were available. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted that this number would rise by 18% from 2009 to 2020. If a candidate decides to open his/her own shop, he/she should prepare to invest many thousands of dollars in equipment and supplies.
The salary for an automotive technician depends on several factors, including the type of employer, location, education level, and experience. On average, a jobless person could expect to earn $20,000 annually. Someone who has only a highschool diploma could earn around 21,000 dollars per year. A bachelor's degree is equivalent to approximately $24,000 annually. Technicians with bachelor's degrees earned about $27,000 per year. A master's degree earns around $32,000 per a year. Salary increases are common, so a professional who earns less than $30,000 now could reasonably expect to earn $40,000 or more in just a few years.