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What Does ASE Certification Mean?

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is an independent non-profit organization working to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. Currently, almost 300,000 Automotive Technicians and Service Professionals hold ASE Certifications. ASE Certified Professionals work in every part of the automotive service industry. ASE certifies automotive technicians and service professionals, not the auto shops.


ASE’s aim is to protect the automotive service consumer, shop owner, and the automotive technician. They test and certify automotive professionals so that shop owners and service customers can better gauge a technician’s level of expertise before contracting the technician’s services. They certify the automotive technician professional to offer tangible proof of their technical knowledge. ASE Certification testing means peace of mind for auto service managers and customers alike.


In addition to passing an ASE Certification test, automotive technicians must have two years of on the job training or one year of on the job training and a two-year degree in automotive repair to qualify for certification. The tests are challenging, with only two out of three test takers passing on their first attempt. To remain ASE certified, professionals must retest every five years to keep up with ever-advancing automotive technology.


ASE Certification tests are written in workshops by a national panel of seasoned automotive industry professionals and executives, including working technicians, automobile manufacturers, aftermarket manufacturers, and educators. Exams are segmented by sub-specialty such as automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment, school bus, collision repair, and more. There are 40-plus exams each designed to discern the automotive service technician’s knowledge of job-related skills.


Here at North County Automotive, we’re proud of Erik’s ASE certification! He’s a certified Master Automobile Technician in all of the following skills:


  • Engine Repair
  • Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
  • Manual Drive Train and Axles
  • Suspension and Steering
  • Brakes
  • Electrical/Electronic Systems
  • Heating and Air Conditioning
  • Engine Performance


Learn more about ASE certification here: https://www.ase.com/About-ASE.aspx

Winter Driving Tips

February 26, 2025
The main attraction in Southern California is the beautiful weather, year-round. But sometimes, it’s fun to visit the Winter – either with a trip to the local mountains or visiting another state that isn’t blessed with our endless summer. If you’re planning a trip to visit the snow, the California Highway Patrol has some advice: Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition. Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder temperatures. You may want to add special solvent to your windshield washer reservoir to prevent icing. Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition. Always carry chains. Make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order. Carry a flashlight and chain repair links. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels. Make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive. Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice scraper or commercial deicer, a broom for brushing snow off your car, a shovel to free your car if it's "snowed in," sand or burlap for traction if your wheels should become mired in snow; and an old towel to clean your hands. It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing. A lengthy delay will make you glad you have them. Put an extra car key in your pocket. A number of motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when putting on chains and at ski areas. Allow enough time. Trips to the mountains can take longer during winter than other times of year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be caught in a traffic delay. Keep windshield and windows clear. You may want to stop at a safe turnout to use a snow or ice scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog. Slow down. A highway speed of 55 miles an hour may be safe in dry weather - but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes. Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles and for snow equipment. Even though snow removal vehicles have flashing lights, visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it is difficult to see the slow moving equipment. When stalled, stay with your vehicle and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any possible exhaust or monoxide problems. What you need to know about chains: You must stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate chains are required. You can be cited by the California Highway Patrol and fined if you don't. You will usually have about a mile between "Chains Required" signs and the checkpoint to install your chains. Control areas can change rapidly from place to place because of changing weather and road conditions. The speed limit when chains are required is 25 or 30 miles an hour and will be posted along the highway. When you must put on chains, wait until you can pull completely off the roadway to the right. Do not stop in a traffic lane where you will endanger yourself and block traffic. Chain Installers: If you use the services of a chain installer, be sure to get a receipt and jot the installer's badge number on it. Remember, chain installers are independent business people, not CHP employees. Having the badge number may help with any misunderstandings later. Chain installers are NOT allowed to sell or rent chains. When removing chains, drive beyond the signs reading "End Chain Control" to a pull-off area where you can safely remove them.

Tune Up Or Trade In?

February 26, 2025
Are you still as in love with your car as you were on the day you first drove it home? Or are you getting frustrated with its need of constant attention? Are you starting to wonder if the repairs are even worth it and whether you should just trade it in? We can help you decide! Is the needed repair more than a few month’s car payment would be? If your vehicle is paid for in full, it’s almost always the best financial decision to do those repairs. Yes, the cost of a major repair can be onerous, but monthly loan payments are usually worse! Consider also that newer vehicles generally cost more to register and insure.. Is the needed repair more than the car is worth? We can help you determine the value of your car and whether doing the repair now will increase it’s value. A new car loses an estimated 22 percent of its value in the first year. It’s usually in your best interest financially to keep the car you have now on the road for as long as possible. Are little things making you fall out of love with your car? Little annoyances can conspire to try to convince you need a new car. Is there a window that won’t go up, a seat that won’t move, a broken door handle, a tire pressure light that comes on at random, a trunk that won’t stay open? If your car has two or more minor irritations, you may start to feel like the whole car is falling apart and it’s time for a new one. But often, that whole laundry list of repairs can be remedied for far less than a payment or two on a new car. Give us your list and let us help you fall in love again. Considering upgrading to a newer used car? Be sure there’s room in the budget for these repairs, because you don’t know which of these have been taken care of on the “new” car and which are about to break. How we can help: We consider it our duty to help you decide what’s in YOUR best interest, not ours. We won’t sell you repairs that you don’t need or that aren’t going to keep your car safely on the road longer. We will inspect the whole car and give you an accurate evaluation of every part and system. Of course, no one has a crystal ball to see the future, but we can give you a report that will show you the repairs that are needed now as well as those repairs and maintenance that are likely to come up in the near future, so that you can make a fully informed decision. We can help you love your car again. …On the other hand, if you’ve decided that you’re just not in love any more or the vehicle just isn’t meeting your needs, happy to inspect the replacement vehicle you’re considering to make sure that you’ll stay in love with the new purchase for many years to come. 
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