Car Clinics

Jim and I have had the privilege of helping some friends put on a couple of car clinics recently. The first was at the shop of our friends, Sybren and Kathryn van der Pol. We helped them with a clinic for their customers at Adolf Hoephl and Son's Garage on North Shepherd. The second was at Congregation Orami on Wilcrest.

These both proved to be fun and informative. We talked about what to pay attention to on your tires, battery, fluids and electrical systems, as well as common problems you may face with your car or driving conditions. Then we took the attendees outside and did an inspection of each of their cars. Many were surprised at what we uncovered with just a quick walk-around check. Several were low on vital fluids, or had tire wear problems that they hadn't been aware of. Fifty percent had low tire pressure, despite the fact that all reported they had their cars serviced regularly at a dealer or lube shop. A couple had lighting problems and one had very bad corrosion on the battery. These were all 2002 and newer vehicles.

I like to think that these clinics are helpful for the attendees. We plan to do a youth oriented session in the near future, helping the young drivers in our community understand a little more about their cars, and their responsibility regarding maintenance.

If you have a group that may be interested in holding a car clinic let us know. We do them as a public service.

Car Pros for Kids

If you bought the coupons for the Car Pros for Kids campaign they are about to expire. These coupons are good from date of purchase until December 31. If for some reason you are unable to use the coupon before the deadline please call the shop and we will work a way to extend the deadline for you. If you do not call, do not expect to use your coupon after December 31, 2009.

We will once again participate in Car Pros for Kid in February 2010.

Happy Holidays from the family and staff at Freedom Automotive

This is our 23rd holiday season and many of our customers have been with us for every one of them! Whether you are long time loyal friend and customer, or a new friend and customer we want to wish you and your family the very best in the New Year and a Happy, Joyous Christmas.

If we stick by each other we can help smooth out some of the bumps that come along in the road of life. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

John & Janice Miller

Careers in Automotive Technology

Over the past year I have talked with several people who were interested, or had family members interested in making a career of auto repair. From my own experience I can say that it makes for a great way to earn a living.

In the 43 years that I have been working on cars professionally I have never been unemployed. I have never felt stagnant in my choice of career, or lacked a challenge to my wit and sense of humor. I have been able to provide well for my family and save for retirement. That said, it is still not for everyone. Auto repair takes a combination of mental and physical dexterity that many people just do not possess.

I have found that it is a combination of Sherlock Holmes and Henry Ford. Much of what we do comes down to the details. Whether it is interpreting the symptoms of a problem to decide on a solution, or painstakingly following specifications on an assembly. We have to follow a systematic procedure to success.

There are several ways to get started in the auto repair business. Most high schools offer a course, and many of them are approved by the manufacturers and funded by them for work partnerships. There are several local colleges that offer excellent programs in partnership with the manufacturers. San Jacinto Junior College is one of the best in the country.

At San Jac they have programs backed by Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda and GM. These provide a unique program of factory level training, combined with an Associates Degree program that will get a young person off to a great start in life.

The cost of the program is relatively low, especially when compared to some of the private institutions that offer such technical training. There are also grant programs available that make it affordable for many who couldn't go to a private school.

The technology on today's car makes the educational background valuable and it will prove a firm base for the real life experience. However, it is not completely necessary. For many technicians in the business today it started with a job as a shop helper job. We worked at minimum wage for a couple of years while we learned auto repair from the pros in the shop. We pushed a broom, washed parts, scrapped gaskets and learned by watching, and then gradually were allowed to help really fix cars. It had the advantage that at least we were earning while we were learning.

If you know someone who is interested in a career, or a change of careers, in automotive technology have them talk to your local mechanic, or call us at the shop before they sign on with a technical institute at the cost of tens of thousands of dollars.

It is estimated that the auto industry is short 250,000 technicians and support people. I think that will only increase as motorists keep their cars longer.