Safety is an important aspect of choosing a family vehicle. Consumer Reports carefully reviews data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure that each vehicle on their checklist has 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 could be the right choice for you if your family is looking for a car. Skoda cars are luxurious and safe. The cars come with safety features, such as ABS with EBD (hill ascent and descent), cruise control, and air conditioners.
Skoda Octavia
Skoda Octavia family car is a great 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. It also lives upto Skoda's reputation as a good-handling vehicle and excellent value for money.
Skoda Tiguan
Skoda Tiguan comes with many of the standard features a family car needs. Its 1.5-litre petrol engine generates 150hp. The diesel engine produces 150PS and is a bigger 2.0-litre unit. The Tiguan is also available with all-wheel drive.
Volkswagen Touran
The Volkswagen Touran offers spacious and comfortable transportation for a seven-member family. The Touran's spacious seats offer ample leg and head room, while the second row can be folded in its entirety. 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 Kia Soul's front lights have been increased and it looks more boxy than the previous model. Soul GT-Line offers a sportier look with body-color trim options 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 is one of the best family cars available 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's a very stylish and sporty car to drive. It can be purchased with additional media tech and a 3-cylinder petrol engine. Or, you can opt for the Cupra 300 model.
FAQ
Is it hard being a mechanic apprentice
It's not easy, however, it is very rewarding and offers many opportunities for growth.
You need to have patience and perseverance. It is also important to know how you can fix vehicles, trucks, or motorcycles.
There is a lot of pressure from customers and family members who want you to succeed. However, you shouldn't be forced to make difficult decisions.
If you like fixing cars, this could be a great career option. This job allows you to make a decent wage and build up your company.
Perhaps you prefer a different route. You might consider becoming a technician in this instance.
This requires you to use your technical expertise in support of other workers. You could help technicians troubleshoot problems or teach them new techniques.
Another option is to become a service advisor. When customers bring their cars into a garage, they will receive advice and assistance.
Your decision will be based on what your priorities are. There are plenty of options available, and you can choose which suits you best.
Is it really worth becoming a mechanic.
The answer depends on what you are looking for in life. If money is your goal, then you can answer "yes". But if you are searching for meaning and purpose, then you should not answer this question.
If you don’t have any mechanical skills, it’s pointless to get into it. It will just waste your time. It's not going to make you rich. It's unlikely that you will be famous. It's unlikely that it will change your life.
This would require you to spend many years learning how to properly do everything. This would mean that you would have to pay someone else for your car's repair. This is why most people don’t bother. They find something else to do.
In conclusion, if money is your main goal, you should go ahead. If you are looking for a fulfilling life, however, then stay clear of the mechanics' industry.
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 possess good manual dexterity, and be able perform simple tasks efficiently. They should also be able correctly diagnose and repair any problems.
An automotive technician requires more technical skills than a mechanic. They must be able and able to read blueprints as well as use tools like drills or wrenches.
They should be able safely to perform complex procedures. They must be familiar with all types of electrical and engine systems.
They must also be capable of understanding how parts interact.
A mechanic typically earns less than an automotive technician. Both careers have many options.
What are the different types of jobs available in car mechanic?
There are three major areas of employment that car mechanics work in:
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Automotive repair shops
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Dealerships
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Independent garages
Automotive repair shops
This is the place most people begin to consider becoming mechanics. In fact, it's probably the easiest way to get started. Either work for someone else's shop or you can start your own.
You will need to join a union if you want to work in a shop. Once accepted into the union you will be trained by the union.
Once the training is completed, you can start working.
Registering with the government is required if you intend to open a garage. You'll need to meet certain standards after you register.
You will receive a license to run your garage once you have registered.
Your license will permit you to sell spares parts and perform minor repairs. It will not allow you to repair major engine problems.
In addition to selling spare parts, you'll also be expected to offer advice and guidance to customers.
Dealership jobs
Most dealerships only employ mechanics who have a specific skill set. For example, they might only deal with brakes or only replace tires.
However, dealerships may also employ general mechanics who are able to handle all aspects related to car repairs.
These positions often require applicants to undergo specific training before being allowed to work. This allows employers to select the most qualified candidates for their roles.
Some dealerships hire students straight out of college. These graduates are familiar with the fundamentals of mechanical engineering so they can easily learn about cars.
Independent garages
Independent garages don’t have to be associated with any particular dealer. Instead, they tend to focus on providing high-quality service.
Independent garages are not associated with any companies so they can afford higher wages. As a result, these jobs are generally better paid than those at dealerships.
Independent garages can be just as good places to work, but this does not mean they are better. 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.
Additionally, you should expect to earn lower wages if employed by a dealership.
You can switch jobs easily. To work at a dealership you will need to contact your employer to see if he is open to the idea of hiring you.
Alternativly, you can apply directly to the garage owner if you are interested in working at an independent garage.
The bad news? Finding a new position isn't always easy. Many other factors can also influence the amount you earn.
You might also consider the vehicle type you repair, and whether extra labor is charged.
Statistics
- According to the BLS, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (uti.edu)
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to obtain a mechanic certificate
The mechanic's certifications can be used by people who wish to become professional automotive technicians. These certifications provide an overview of all aspects of auto repair including engine diagnostics and electrical systems, brakes. steering. fuel injection. air conditioning. heating. exhaust. diagnostic tools. body repairs. collision damage repair. collision repair. paintless dent removal. motor vehicle emissions testing.
The program comprises 12 hours of classroom instruction, and three months on-the job training at a participating dealership. Students must take a minimum 60-hour semester of classroom instruction. Additionally, students must pass a written examination that includes both theory and practical questions. Students may take the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence's state exam after completing the coursework. To be employed as an automotive service technician, you must have ASE certification.