Cars are constantly developing and will always continue to do so, so it only makes sense that as an automotive technician you will constantly be updating your training as well. Whether to improve your foundational skills or to learn a new one, there are automotive technician schools across the country with a course built just for you.
Going back to school for automotive training is an opportunity to learn new skills such as auto detailing or automotive painting. Expanding your car knowledge can improve the services offered by your auto shop, and also find you more work. An improved repertoire of skills could even give you the ability to transition to the business side of automobiles. Car sales training will help you move into a career as a car dealer—a great job for car enthusiasts when the physical work of auto repair becomes wearisome. For encouragement to go back to school and tune up your skills, here is a look at how cars have changed over the years.
Major Changes in Automobiles
Get this—in 1894 there were only four registered vehicles on the road in America. In 2012, that number was 250 million. Vehicles are now imported from all over the world, and this means that the knowledge required to become an auto mechanic is much more extensive than ever before. Redesigns occur every 5-6 years on average for a major car model, and platforms evolve at approximately the same rate.
Vehicles didn’t have air conditioning until 1940—over fifty years after their modern invention. Air bags were introduced in the 1970s, basic turbochargers in the 1960s. Body styles changed dramatically in the past 25 years with the sedan, hatchback and SUV as today’s leading vehicle types. All-wheel drive, diesel engines and fuel injections are also all changes which have occurred within the past several decades.
What the Future Brings for Auto Mechanics
Google has revealed that they are working on a prototype for a self-driving car. This car would have no steering wheel or brakes, and would use software, lasers and others sensors to drive itself. If this is the case, auto mechanics might be looking towards more computer-based vehicle repair in the future. Along with these innovations, a project currently being undertaken by Audi and BMW is laser headlights. The plan is that these computer-controlled lights can adjust their brightness and direction, while also generating twice the illumination as regular LED headlights—that’s up to 600 yards, or 6 football fields! Of course, solar power is also an emission-free option than many car companies are still exploring behind the scenes. With increasing concern about the environment, the next twenty years might show an astounding evolution of the car motor—perhaps a total overhaul of the device altogether.
In case we piqued your interest, here’s a look at Google’s self-driving car prototype in action!
