Q: I want to put a lift in my garage so I can work on my car. My employer charges me to work on my own stuff. What's the best? A two-post or four-post?
A: Before you get your wallet out, can your garage floor support a lift? Safety first. We don't want you to purchase and self-install a lift that the anchors will not support. You're going to have to "test" the floor. In an inconspicuous spot, drill a hole into the concrete until you've met the dirt foundation. Measure the depth. If that number is within the lift support specs, you're in business. Then, there's a part two to your venture: How much room you are going to give up in your own garage? What's the weight of your present vehicle? (Do you foresee a truck in your future?) These questions need to be taken into consideration before shelling out hard-earned money.
Q: A friend of mine moved to another shop. His new employer says that ASE testing is not important; the company's testing is more important. What's the difference?
A: Always go ASE. No question. Quite a few companies choose their own "testing," but there is nothing more universally accepted than the ASE certification. It shows your automotive proficiency to all across the board, just not the company store. Furthermore, what happens to you friend if said company lays him off? Will that company "certification" carry any weight at another facility? Most likely not.
Have an automotive service-related question for Pam Oakes? Email it to Tire Business reporter William Schertz at [email protected].
ASE-certified technician Pam Oakes is the owner of Pam's Motor City Auto & Tire Center, an award-winning automotive service business in Fort Myers, Fla. She also is the author of the book series Car Care for the Clueless and hosts a daily radio talk show by the same name airing on various CBS Radio stations.