When choosing a family car, safety is an important factor. Consumer Reports closely monitors data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration so that every vehicle on their list has a high Overall Safety Rating. Safety-conscious buyers will find great options whether they are searching for a compact car, or a large SUV.
Skoda
Skoda is a great choice for family cars. Skoda cars are luxurious and safe. Safety features include ABS with EBD, hill climb and descent control, air conditioning and cruise control.
Skoda Octavia
The Skoda Octavia is one of the best family cars available. The MQB platform makes it practical without compromising on quality. The boot is huge, 590 litres in hatchback, 610 litres estate. Rear seats provide excellent leg and head room. It lives up the Skoda brand's reputation of good handling and value-for-money.
Skoda Tiguan
The Skoda Tiguan has many of the features a family car should offer. It has a 1.5-litre engine that produces 150hp. The diesel engine is a larger 2.0-litre unit that produces 150PS. The Tiguan can be ordered with all-wheel driving.
Volkswagen Touran
The Volkswagen Touran is spacious and comfortable for seven people. The large seats offer plenty of leg and headroom. The second row can also be folded separately. The second row includes ISOFIX points that can fit child car seat holders, while the third row can be easily flipped up or down.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul has had a series of facelifts in 2011 to bring a more conventional look to its family sedan. Its headlights have been enlarged, and the front looks less boxy than its predecessor. 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 very sporty and stylish to drive. It is available with extra media tech, a three cylinder petrol engine and the Cupra 300 model.
FAQ
Are you looking for a career as an automotive mechanic?
If you are determined to excel, the automotive industry offers many opportunities. This field requires hard work and the willingness to learn from others.
You'll need to have excellent communication skills because you'll spend most of your time talking to customers and other employees. You must also be willing and able to travel long distances, which can make it difficult to commute.
Take classes at community colleges or universities if you're interested to work in automotive. Many schools have programs that are specifically tailored for students who are interested in automotive sales, repair, and customer service.
Mechanical engineering is a good choice if you are interested in pursuing a degree. It is possible to earn a bachelor’s degree in only four years.
In addition, many companies will hire graduates straight out of school. So it's wise to start looking for employment while you still have the chance to study part-time.
After your education is complete, you will probably need some training in order to become an automotive technician.
This means you'll need to pass exams such as the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification exam. This test covers engine maintenance and brakes as well as suspension.
After passing the ASE exam, you can apply for a National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence license.
A license allows you to perform repairs on vehicles owned by private individuals. In exchange, you'll receive compensation based on the number of services performed.
Not all states require licensing. A license is required if you plan on working outside of your home state.
Some states will not issue licenses until an individual has completed certain training. This may be the case for you.
What qualifications are necessary to become a truck driver mechanic?
Although you don’t have formal qualifications, you have extensive experience with engines and trucks. Your experience is valuable because it allows you to diagnose problems quickly, efficiently and effectively.
Your knowledge of diesel technology will allow you to identify the parts that are required to fix our vehicles.
Can I work as an auto mechanic without a degree? Can I study part-time?
It is not essential, but it is helpful. Employers prefer applicants who have completed a full-time degree. It shows that your efforts have been put in and you have succeeded.
This doesn't necessarily mean you can't continue to work while studying. Many universities permit students to take courses during the summer holidays, and then finish their studies in the fall. Students can also take classes part time throughout the academic year.
Statistics
- According to the BLS, the median annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the United States was $44,050 in May 2020. (uti.edu)
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to decline by 4% from 2019 to 2029. (indeed.com)
- According to the BLS, total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 705,000 by 2030. (uti.edu)
External Links
How To
How to diagnose your vehicle properly for repair
You should first examine the symptoms your car is showing to determine if it requires repairs. Follow these steps to properly diagnose your vehicle.
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Check engine lights. Check the dashboard light indicators such as the engine light indicator, the oil pressure gauge, the battery light indicator, the coolant temperature gauge, and the RPM gauge. You may have a problem with your vehicle if any of the indicators are flashing for more than a few days.
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Inspect the tire treads. Tires can become worn and cause problems in handling and braking. It is also important to inspect the wheel treads. They should be clean and smooth. You can do this by taking off the wheels. Check the tread condition with a flashlight.
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Monitor the level and consistency of your brake fluid. It is important to keep track of how much brake fluid you have in your car. This will ensure that your brakes run smoothly. Low brake fluid levels could cause your brakes to fail when you apply pressure.
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Check the suspension system. The suspension system in vehicles absorbs vibrations and shocks. It gives you better control and allows for smoother accelerations and decelerations. A suspension problem can cause your vehicle to feel wobbly and shake uncontrollably. To determine whether your vehicle may have a suspension issue, you can try to put weight on the rear or front axle and watch the movement.
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Examine the steering wheel. The steering columns are what connect the steering knob to the rest. Many accidents can cause damage to steering columns. It is recommended to replace any steering column that feels loose, or shakey.
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Observe the exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe helps move gases from a combustion chamber into the atmosphere. Exhaust pipes that are cracked or leaking can allow harmful fumes to enter your cabin. It is also important to repair any bends in your tailpipe immediately.
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Look under the hood. To check for unusualities, look under the hood. Fluids could be leaking from your engine. A professional technician should be contacted if your engine compartment emits an unusual smell.
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You should inspect your air filter. The outside environment collects dust and other particles in the vehicle's filter. A dirty filter can lead to a poor vehicle's performance. Replace your air filter regularly.
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Check the fan belt. Your vehicle's fan belt connects the engine to the transmission. The engine will not turn if the fan belt breaks. Replacing the belt is simple. You only need a screwdriver or pliers to replace your belt.
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Make sure you inspect the radiator hoses and hoses. The radiator-hose carries water to the engine. If the hose becomes damaged or cracked, hot liquid can be emitted onto the engine. To repair the hose, you will only need to use a pair needle-nosepliers and a wire brush.
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Be sure to inspect your windshield wipers. Windshield wipers use electricity to remove snow and rain. If they stop functioning, they can leave streaks in your window glass. You can fix the problem by changing the washer fluid.
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The battery cables should be checked. The battery cables supply power to your car's electrical systems. When you replace batteries, make sure to disconnect the negative cable first. Failure to do so can damage your alternator.
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You should check the headlights. Headlights help you see the road ahead. Bad visibility can be caused by headlights that don't work correctly. You can check the bulbs to make sure they aren't burned out.
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Be sure to check the lights. The lights are there to warn other drivers if they approach you at night. You may be distracted by the light and end up in an accident.
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Check the brakes. Before you have a collision, brakes slow down your car. If your brakes aren't working properly, you may lose control and crash into other cars.
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Change the oil. Your engine will stay lubricated by the oil. This oil helps to prevent metal parts becoming too worn out. It is recommended that you change your oil at least once per month.