When choosing a family car, safety is an important factor. Consumer Reports closely monitors data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration so that every vehicle on their list has a high Overall Safety Rating. No matter what size car you are looking for, we have the best options.
Skoda
Skoda is a great choice for family cars. The company's cars are designed to be both luxurious and safe. You and your passengers will be safe with features like ABS with EBD and hill ascent/descent, cruise control and air conditioning.
Skoda Octavia
Skoda Octavia, one of the most popular family cars on the market, is a top choice. Its MQB platform provides it with practicality and no compromises. The boot is big, with 590 litres of trunk space in the hatchback and 609 litres inside the estate. And the rear seats offer excellent head- and legroom. The Skoda brand is known for its excellent handling and great value for money.
Skoda Tiguan
Skoda Tiguan features many of the essential features a family vehicle should have. Its 1.5-litre petrol engine generates 150hp. The diesel engine produces 150PS and is a bigger 2.0-litre unit. The Tiguan can be ordered with all-wheel driving.
Volkswagen Touran
The Volkswagen Touran is a spacious and comfortable car for a family of seven. Its large seats provide ample headroom and legroom. The second row of the Touran can be folded up individually. 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
The Kia Soul has had a series of facelifts in 2011 to bring a more conventional look to its family sedan. The Kia Soul's front lights have been increased and it looks more boxy than the previous model. Those who prefer a more sporty look can opt for the Soul GT-Line, which features body-color trim and unique wheel designs. It comes standard with an assortment of driver aids including automatic emergency brake, lane-keeping assistant, and rear cross traffic alert.
SEAT Leon
The SEAT Leon family car is one of the most popular on the market. This car was first introduced in 2012 and is part of the Type 5F Series. It has been updated in 2017 to reflect this. It is a sporty and stylish car to drive. It is available with extra media tech, a three cylinder petrol engine and the Cupra 300 model.
FAQ
Is being a mechanic apprentice hard?
It is not easy but it can be done quickly. There are many opportunities for advancement.
You need to have patience and perseverance. Also, you must know how to fix trucks, cars, and motorcycles.
Customers and family members can put a lot pressure on you. They want you to succeed. You should not feel pressured into making difficult decisions.
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.
Perhaps you prefer a different route. If this is the case, you might want to become a technician.
This involves using your technical expertise to support other workers. Technical support could include helping technicians to troubleshoot issues or teaching them new techniques.
Another option is to become a service advisor. As a service advisor, you will provide assistance and advice to customers as they bring their car to a garage.
Your decision will be based on what your priorities are. There are many options, so you can choose the one that suits you best.
Is it hard to get work as an auto mechanic?
It can be done. Garages often advertise their jobs online and people just apply because it seems fun. Applying for several positions and seeing if they accept student applications is a good way to get your foot into the door. Another option is to ask family members and friends if anyone works in this industry. You might be able to refer someone.
How do I prepare for a mechanic apprenticeship?
It is vital to be able to comprehend what you are doing. You need to understand the mechanics of cars and how they work. This will help you to plan your first day in the garage.
Also, you need to know how fix simple problems, such as tires and lights that aren't working.
This article will show you how to diagnose and fix issues.
You'll also need to know how different parts fit together to put them back together again.
And finally, you must know how to use tools safely and efficiently.
All these things will help you to become a competent mechanic.
How long is an apprenticeship for an automotive mechanic?
The apprenticeship to become an automotive mechanic takes about three years. This includes two years in school and two as an apprentice. The first year is dedicated to learning the theory and practical skills of the trade. You'll also learn the safe and efficient use of tools during this first year. After the completion of the first year, you will spend another year on the job training. Here you'll gain valuable experience in different trades. These are also the times you can attend formal courses.
The final year of this program is spent in obtaining qualifications and becoming certified in your field. These include NVQs, which are obtained after passing industry-specific exams. In addition, there are HNCs (Higher National Certificates) that cover general subjects such as management, business administration, and customer service. Finally, there are City & Guilds certificates that are offered for those who wish to become qualified in certain trades.
Is it important which college I go?
You're wrong. There is no difference in the programs offered by colleges for getting into automotive work. But, there are better programs at some schools than others. Look elsewhere if you want something more niche.
What information do I need about car mechanics
To work as an auto technician, you don’t need to know much about cars. You only need to know how to fix them. Most people begin by changing brake pads and tires, before moving on to more complicated repairs.
You'll need to know how to read diagrams, understand written instructions and follow basic rules of good practice. You'll also need to be able to judge whether parts need replacing or repairing.
It's important to remember that you shouldn't attempt to repair vehicles without having received proper training and guidance. This is especially true if your job involves expensive parts like transmissions or engines.
Even though you won’t need to know much more about cars, you will still need to have an in-depth understanding of mechanics and physics. This is how you understand the mechanisms behind engines and brakes.
You should also be ready to handle all kinds of situations. You might be required to work on a vehicle that was involved in an accident. Experience with accidents and breakdowns is also a must.
Finally, you need to be willing and able to quickly learn new skills. You will need to be able not only to diagnose problems but also to perform simple maintenance tasks like tightening bolts and nuts.
What qualifications does a truck mechanic need?
Although you don’t have formal qualifications, you have extensive experience with engines and trucks. Your expertise is invaluable because you know how quickly and efficiently to diagnose problems.
Your knowledge of diesel technology will allow you to identify the parts that are required to fix our vehicles.
Statistics
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to decline by 4% from 2019 to 2029. (indeed.com)
- According to the BLS, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (uti.edu)
- 52% of Mechanics in the United States think their salaries are enough for the cost of living in their area. (indeed.com)
External Links
How To
How to be an Automotive Technician
An automotive technician provides repair services and maintenance to vehicles. He/she works at automotive shops, garages or service centers. He/she works with customers to repair their cars and trucks, ATVs or snowmobiles. An automotive technician must have the ability to quickly diagnose and fix problems.
To become an automotive technician, a person must first earn an associate's degree from a vocational college. After completing this program the student must pass the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence exam (ASE). ASE stands for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. There are two parts to the ASE certification exam. One section tests mechanical knowledge; the second section tests practical skills. You will need to attend an authorized testing site in order to pass the test. These locations are available online or through your local automotive dealer.
After passing the test, a candidate must pass an examination in order to be licensed as an automotive technician. This process is different depending on where you live. Some states require candidates to complete a training program, while others let them 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. Apprenticeship programs typically last three to four years. The apprenticeship program teaches students how to change oil, adjust brakes, replace tires, clean spark plugs, inspect engine compartments, and perform routine maintenance. Some students will learn advanced repair techniques, such as changing shocks, installing air filters, and replacing engines. Many schools offer classes during normal business hours. However, there are some schools that offer evening classes for those who need them.
Once a student finishes his/her apprenticeship, it is possible to become a Journeyman. Journeymen spend typically four to five years learning to install major systems such as transmissions and differentials, steering gear, suspensions and drive shafts. They also learn to perform complex repairs, such as remanufacturing engines, rebuilding transmissions, and troubleshooting electrical components. Employers prefer to hire journeymen as they are familiar with the job and can anticipate customer needs.
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. This number is expected to increase by 18% between 2009 and 2020. The candidate should expect to invest thousands of money in equipment and supplies if he/she decides to start his/her shop.
The salary for an automotive technician depends on several factors, including the type of employer, location, education level, and experience. An average salary for a jobless individual is $20,000 per annum. A high school diploma is all that's required to earn approximately $21,000 annually. Associate's degrees earn approximately $24,000 per annum. Technicians with bachelor's degrees earned about $27,000 per year. Master's degree holders make around $32,000 annually. Salaries are increasing so that a professional earning less than $30,000 could expect to make $40,000 in a few years.