Posted by Jim Bradanini on Mon, Aug 30, 2010 @ 12:13 PM
The days of the uneducated grease monkey are over. Aspiring auto mechanics must have increasingly sophisticated vocational skills and must constantly adapt to continually changing technology. The integration of computers in automobiles means mechanics must be familiar with complicated new systems. While this emphasis on ongoing training intimidates some, most soon find that motivation and an enthusiastic instructor can help. Students begin their training by studying car processes in manuals and then work on older cars. 
Most mechanics find themselves in technical educational programs after graduating high school, but a few high schools offer four-year automotive programs that culminate in certification. All auto mechanics are required to be certified (not by law, but by employers--few will hire uncertified personnel). To obtain certification, students spend over 1,000 hours working on cars and must pass a written exam. There are test preparation guides for all certifying exams. Community college programs encourage students to complete an applied science degree and then acquire an automotive technology certificate. A number of training programs work with local shops to place students in internships with car dealerships or service centers during their studies. Most mechanics are responsible for obtaining their own sets of tools, but employers are responsible for supplying large power tools and electronic testing equipment. These investments on tools can prove to be extremely expensive. That is why it is important for mechanics and auto technicians to protect their livelihood by purchasing tool insurance. Pro-TEC's tool insurance program provides you with $50,000 worth of replacement cost coverage for only $250 annually! Along with that, mechanics receive $5,000 for lost income if they are unable to work for a month because of their damaged or stolen tools. For $250, this is a must have for mechanics and auto technicians everywhere.
Protect your Tools and Protect your Livelihood with Pro-TEC!
Posted by Jim Bradanini on Mon, Aug 23, 2010 @ 03:26 PM
Auto mechanics repair and maintain cars. Some mechanics work on all parts of any car, while others specialize in one area or on one type of car. The most challenging aspect of car repair is often the mechanic's favorite part: diagnosing the problem. Speed and accuracy in diagnosis and quoting prices to the customer are crucial if the mechanic intends to keep long-term clients. The mechanic examines the engine while it is running (if possible) to see if his initial assumptions are correct. Electronic diagnostic equipment is useful but the good mechanic can tell a lot by using eyes, ears--even nose--as he searches for problems and potential hazards. Sometimes he repairs parts, but if the part is worn or damaged, he replaces it. Some mechanics compare their field to that of the physician, because most people come in only when their car needs serious help, not when regular preventive maintenance could have avoided the problems altogether. When people come in for an automotive check-up, mechanics often replace worn parts before they become hazardous to the driver, even though drivers can be suspicious of mechanics who recommend the replacement of parts that haven't stopped functioning. 
The best mechanics have mastery of a wide variety of integrated skills: electrical systems (a car's wiring is more complicated than an average home's); computerized electronics (a television set seems simple by comparison); fuel systems and refrigeration (a car's "plumbing" is a maze of tubes). Auto mechanics proudly compare themselves to doctors (though not, unfortunately, in salary range), since they mainly see people with complaints; but whereas the human body and its problems have remained essentially unchanged for centuries, the designs of cars change every year. As a result, the job requires more preparation than ever before. More and more, cars are controlled by electronic instruments, so mechanics are using computers constantly. "Computers have become as much a part of the tool box as wrenches," said one mechanic. Most auto mechanics intern while still in automotive repair school, then work full time at the same dealerships. They read trade papers daily to keep up to date with changes and trends in their industry. As they gain experience they can move into higher-paying, specialized positions. They can also rise to the ranks of supervisor or manager, particularly if they have strong interpersonal skills to calm cranky customers who are unhappy with high service bills and inconvenience.
Posted by Jim Bradanini on Mon, Aug 16, 2010 @ 12:58 PM
The automotive repair industry continues to be a stable market with new employees being hired to replace retiring technicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 14% growth in job openings between 2010 and 2020. Auto repair technicians with formal training and/or certification will be most likely to succeed, but there are opportunities for all within the industry. Although some mechanics learn solely through apprenticeship, most auto techs complete training programs through their high schools, vocational schools or community colleges. Some auto manufacturers or franchised dealers will sponsor associate degree programs in auto repair. For auto repair technicians who wish to work in metropolitan areas, certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is recommended. 
Auto repair technicians can find work in privately owned garages, gas stations, national chains, or large dealerships. Some mechanics may choose to specialize in a specific area of repairs, such as transmission rebuilding or muffler service. As a general rule, an auto repair technician needs a high energy level and a willingness to get their hands dirty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 30% of auto repair technicians work more than 40 hours a week and the occasional scrapes, bruises, and burns are common.
Auto repair technicians are responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of various types of vehicles. This includes the use of a wide variety of tools and diagnostic equipment. As the automotive technology becomes more sophisticated, the role of the basic car mechanic has expanded to include the use of computerized equipment and the repair of high-tech electronic components. Auto technicians and mechanics invest thousands of dollars out of their own pockets on their tools and equipment. Often their employer’s insurance coverage does not protect their mechanics’ tools. Lucky for these auto technicians, Pro-TEC has developed an extremely affordable tool insurance program; $50,000 of replacement cost coverage for ONLY $250 annually.
Protect your Tools and Protect your Livelihood with Pro-TEC!
Posted by Jim Bradanini on Wed, Aug 04, 2010 @ 03:00 PM
Robert Jackson
Mercedes/Jaguar Auto Technician
Houston, Texas
I saw your Pro-TEC commercial on the Speed Channel the other day; I believe it was on either Truck U or Two Guys Garage. I said to myself, “Wow, look at this, an affordable insurance program to cover my tools for only $250 annually with $50,000 of replacement cost coverage and more. Who knows with this economy and the cutbacks all over the place if I’m even covered by the dealership’s insurance policy where I work so I checked and guess what, I’m not.
I called Pro-TEC and spoke to this great guy, Jim B, who actually put the program together. He put me on the straight and narrow-we have 20 other auto techs employed here. I made sure I passed the word on about Pro-TEC.
“Gear Heads” like me Smarten Up Before it’s Too Late!!
Things happen and you have to be ready for them.
Protect yourself and your tools with Pro-TEC's tool insurance.
Posted by Jim Bradanini on Thu, Jul 29, 2010 @ 02:40 PM
Hello,
You asked where I heard about the Pro-TEC insurance program.
I found it in a magazine that comes to the repair shop that I work at. I’m not sure which magazine I think it was, either motor age or auto inc., not sure. I have been trying to find some sort of
insurance for my tools and box for over a year now. When I wrote my homeowners insurance company they said that they couldn’t help me and gave me insurance companies that may but they also could not help. Back a couple years ago, a shop burned down not too far from where I work and I found that the tools that were owned by the employees were not covered so I asked my boss if something happened to my tools would we be covered and he looked into it and found out that we would only be covered for $500. That would cover the price of one wrench set so when I found this insurance I figured how could I go wrong?
My co-workers also seem very interested in this tool insurance from Pro-TEC so I will give them the two advertisement sheets that you sent along with the policy.
Thanks,
Aaron Dodson
Sanborn, New York
Posted by Jim Bradanini on Tue, Jul 27, 2010 @ 04:17 PM
Hello Jim,
I recently purchased a policy to cover mechanic’s tools through Pro-TEC.
You asked me to provide some feedback via e-mail.
First, I purchased this policy for my son, Tyler, who is an auto mechanic, to protect his substantial investment he has made just in case something was
to happen to his tools.
Secondly, I found out about the Pro-TEC Insurance Program on the internet when we were searching for tool insurance coverage. By the way, your website is very user friendly.
A friend of Tyler’s had his tools stolen about a year ago and there were questions about who was going to cover them for his loss.
At that time, Tyler realized he may not be fully covered, if at all, by his employer in the event of a loss. So we have been searching for this type of insurance for about a year now and found that there is very little out there and what we did find was very expensive and not affordable for a relatively new mechanic.
Thank you Pro-TEC for developing such a fine and affordable insurance program.
Stacy Kozel
Franklin, Wisconsin
Posted by Jim Bradanini on Thu, Jul 22, 2010 @ 01:28 PM
Dear Pro-TEC,
I would like to be a representative for your company in California. I do not have any insurance experience, but I am a Master Technician with over $40,000 in tools so I know what makes us tick.
I think with the cost of tools today that tool insurance should be as common as a socket set for your tools.
All we mechanics are looking for is a fair deal for our hard earned money. Pro-TEC has done that convincingly.
Manuel Beltran
Palm Desert, California
Posted by Jim Bradanini on Mon, Jul 19, 2010 @ 03:20 PM
Pro-TEC would like to take the time to clarify the Limits of Coverage that are being offered so there is absolutely no confusion for a potential purchaser of Pro-TEC.
I would like to thank Kevin Foster, a mechanic from Houston, Texas, for calling my attention to our coverage “highlights” which seemed to be a little misleading to him and MATCO and SNAP-ON Distributors.
Pro-TEC offers a $50,000 Total Catastrophe Replacement Cost Limit unless higher limits are being requested and approved by Pro-TEC. Pro-TEC has done an extensive amount of research by interviewing a number of auto mechanics in order to properly determine the sub-limits for tools and equipment.
The sub-limits are as follows:
- $1,500 for any (1) hand tool
- $5,000 for any (1) piece of diagnostic equipment
- $15,000 for any (1) empty tool box
This means that Pro-TEC will not pay more for any one of those items, but NOT limited to just ANY ONE item per loss.
Example of a Covered Loss either by Theft or Fire Damage:
15 hand tools suffered a loss--the maximum replacement cost Pro-TEC would pay is $22,500 minus the $500 deductible (15 tools multiplied by up to $1,500 for any (1) hand tool). The same formula applies to the number of empty tool boxes (up to $15,000 each) and the number of pieces of diagnostic equipment (up to 
$5,000 each).
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Pro-TEC.
Protect Your Investment and Your Livelihood with Pro-TEC!
Posted by Jim Bradanini on Thu, Jul 15, 2010 @ 02:04 PM
Stacey Artl, Indiana
Why I purchased Pro-TEC for my husband who is an ASE certified mechanic:
"We were paying $900 per year with our homeowners insurance company for coverage that was not as good. In our minds it was a no brainer; $250 for $50,000 Replacement Cost Coverage and more."
"I found out about Pro-TEC from an ASE newsletter."
"Keep up the good work Pro-TEC!"
"You are really offering a terrific insurance product that all uninsured auto technicians should definitely have."
Protect your Investment with Pro-TEC!
Posted by Jim Bradanini on Mon, Jul 12, 2010 @ 03:51 PM
The demand for automotive technicians has never been greater.
The importance of the automobile in today's society means tremendous opportunities await men and women in the automotive repair field. The wheels are always turning on the street and the demand for qualified technicians consequently grows.
A solid understanding of the way a car works is the prerequisite for an automotive repair career or even for one within NASCAR. Thanks to schools like NASCAR Technical Institute, a UTI school in Mooresville, N.C., a new breed of technicians is being trained to enter the workforce.
The school's mission: to increase awareness about the lucrative, yet often-overlooked, career of automotive repair and support training opportunities for future technicians.
"We've had four or five graduates from NTI," said team owner Kyle Petty, CEO of Petty Enterprises. "A couple of them have done well with our team and are working into critical jobs."
While attainable, it can be a challenge to land a prime spot on a NASCAR pit crew. Yet vehicle repair shops across the country are racing to scoop up qualified automotive technicians for their own "pit crews" -- even with yearly salaries of $30,000 to $70,000 or more, depending on the market.
In a recent study, shop owners were asked if they were currently looking to hire a technician, a staggering 64.5 percent said yes.
Estimates reveal the auto industry will need 35,000 new technicians every year through 2014, thanks to the increasing number of cars on the road and the affects of changing technologies.
The complexities of modern vehicles have made auto service and repair a high-tech profession, which requires technicians to work with some of the most sophisticated computerized systems on the market.
Feeling the pinch of the national shortage of technicians, repair shops are luring skilled workers by offering lucrative pay, substantial benefits, paid advanced training and signing bonuses.
Increasing demand for techs translates into job security and opportunities for career advancement and mobility.
Those looking for a rewarding career in the auto-service industry will find a variety of challenging jobs: collision-repair tech, paint-refinishing tech, body-shop manager, entry-level, mid-level and master technician, shop foreman, and race team tech. The industry also offers positions as parts specialists and service consultants.
The bottom line: A career in automotive service is one of the hottest jobs in America, and the rewards are better than ever.
With that comes a need to protect the substantial financial investment the auto technician has made in the purchase of their Tools & Equipment. This is where Pro-TEC fulfills that need; $50,000 of replacement cost insurance coverage for $250 annually.