The Various Types of Auto Repair Shops
The need for auto repair shops filled with skilled technicians is higher now than ever before. With 253 million cars on the road in the United States alone, at an average age of 11.5 years, there are always going to be problems that arise and maintenance that needs to be done. Due to this, auto repair has become one of the most secure industries to work in. There is a variety of repair shops out there which creates continuous opportunity for employment making it easier for graduates of the Automotive Technology field to get straight into the work force.
Auto repair shops can be divided into a few different categories. These categories include auto parts stores that also have service operations, automobile repair workshops that are an independently owned and operated business, auto dealerships that have their own service departments, OEM repair shops, and specialty repair shops. Auto parts stores that operate their own are usually always busy because they offer lower prices for services. They can do this because they use their parts from their store which is usually cheaper than ordering from the manufacturer.
Independently owned and operated repair shops can cost a little bit more but the quality of work and service is usually higher. These include national chains and franchises. Independently owned auto repair shops can also become certified OEM shops. This means that they can perform warranty repairs and maintenance as well as order and use OEM parts from their respected manufacturer.
Dealership service areas are the most common shops for the maintenance and repair of newly purchased cars. They are where most people bring their automobiles when their cars are still under warranty and need servicing or to resolve recall issues. These shops usually have the highest cost because they must use the manufacturer’s parts for repairs.
Specialty automobile repair shops specialize in the repairs for certain parts. Things like transmission, brakes, exhaust systems, body parts, and a/c repair are just some examples. These are popular shops with auto owners because the technicians have extensive knowledge of specific parts repairs and they can usually diagnose and fix issues quickly, cutting down on labor costs.
Auto repair is a booming industry with opportunities for employment continuously growing. Going through the Automotive Technology program at ATI in Las Vegas, students will have gained the skills and knowledge to jump straight into any one of the different auto repair shops. If you have a passion for working on automobiles and would like to make it a career, call or click today to let ATI get you on your way to a rewarding and successful career as an auto technician.