The rise of electric cars is shifting the automotive industry and the profile of driving in general. While electric vehicles have many benefits, the tremendous influx of them has many wondering how they will affect mechanics. What does the future of mechanics look like in the face of electric cars?

The Benefits of Electric Vehicles

The rise of electric cars across the world indicates that something is working. Electric vehicles certainly bring a lot to the table. The ride in an electric car is smoother as a general rule. Their biggest draw is probably their energy efficiency. While producing almost no emissions, electric vehicles have been shown to be 85–90% efficient. This translates into major savings on fuel, saving owners an average of approximately $800 every year.

Electricity is also a renewable energy source, making it a more responsible choice for the planet. Because they don’t use fossil fuels or other common vehicular components like spark plugs and timing belts, electric vehicles also require significantly less maintenance. While this is great news for vehicle owners, it can make the members of the auto mechanic industry very nervous.

Maintenance with the Rise of Electric Cars

That being said, electric vehicles are not totally maintenance free. The rise of electric cars does not mean that being an auto mechanic is a dying trade. Some of the maintenance electric vehicles require is the same as cars with internal combustion engines. Electric cars still have transmissions and tires, and these still need to be serviced (with the fluid replaced) and rotated, respectively. Suspensions, brakes, and windshield wipers are sticking around, so basic maintenance is too. 

However, when compared to combustion engine vehicles, maintenance for electric vehicles is going to look very different. Traditional internal combustion engines for automobiles have approximately 2,000 moving parts. Electric vehicles have about 20. Elements like radiators, mufflers, and exhaust systems are a thing of the past. That fact alone means that taking care of electric vehicles is going to be a change. 

Fewer moving parts isn’t the only reason electric vehicles will need less maintenance. The very nature of how they operate also puts less strain on the components of the vehicle, so tear and tear is significantly reduced. For example, electric vehicles utilize regenerative braking, which converts energy from the brake pads into electricity to recharge the battery instead of letting that energy bleed into the surrounding region and cause wear.

The rise of electric cars cuts down on the need for the services that mechanics perform most regularly. Such vehicles don’t have combustion engines, meaning no more oil changes or servicing fuel filters, fuel injectors, cylinders, or gaskets. They don’t have belts, meaning no replacing belts or chains. They also produce almost no emissions, so no adjustments to the catalytic converter or exhaust system.

In such a climate, what are mechanics expected to do?

The Job Outlook

The rise of electric cars is only projected to grow. In California, legislation has been proposed to phase out all new gas-powered cars by 2035. They anticipate this will displace almost 32,000 mechanics by 2040, leading many to wonder what will happen to mechanics with the rise of electric cars.

Fortunately, many are still hopeful. The switch to electric vehicles indicates less of a demise of an industry as a transition or evolution. Mechanics have been quoted as saying that the job hasn’t shrunk but expanded, and that has to do with the different nature of electric vehicle maintenance.

While the number of moving parts is shrinking, electric vehicles will still need to be serviced. That service is shifting away from an understanding of nuts and bolts and toward fluency in computer programming. This is certainly a change and a challenge, but it also provides growing and learning opportunities for those in the industry.

Mechanics who want to be ahead of the game can hone their software engineering skills to improve their relevancy and specialty skills. The discipline is becoming mandatory in many tech schools across the country, indicating that being able to service both traditional electric vehicles is truly the way of the future. 

For some mechanics, this shift to computer-based technology is unwelcome, and not everyone is willing to make the transition. Many seasoned veterans especially show a resistance to change because it means learning a whole new skill set. That attitude may not be prohibitive. While some places, like California, are phasing out of new combustion vehicle production, many others have no such restrictions, and regardless of new legislation, traditional vehicles are in no short supply. There are so many in circulation that mechanics will always have some to tinker with.

Not all windshield cracks are created equal. Some are created upon impact, perhaps from a rock propelled into the air by another car on the road, while others result from fluctuations in temperature. While windshields are designed to be tough, the road is a dangerous place and there are many different elements that can crack a windshield. Knowing about them can help you protect your vehicle.

Common Types of Windshield Damage

When we say “crack a windshield,” what do we really mean? Not all damage to a windshield can be called cracks. The other main family of windshield damage is chips.

Chips can often be repaired. While there are many different kinds, affecting the layers of the windshield differently, chips refer to any small damage to a windshield. Cracks are larger, describing streaks of damage across the glass. It is less common for cracks to be repaired, but sometimes, if they are less than 14 inches long and not in the driver’s sightline, repair is possible. Otherwise, it’s better to replace the entire windshield.

Factors that can Crack a Windshield

There are many different events and conditions that can damage a windshield. For example, dirt and other debris, when it gets between the layers of glass and plastic of a windshield, and further pry the seal apart. Here are the most common causes of cracks and chips:

Pressure

The biggest offender when it comes to windshield damage is pressure. Most cracks and chips are created on impact from rocks or other road debris that is kicked up by the tires of other vehicles. When it comes down to it, it is astonishing that such little hazards can crack a windshield, considering that windshields are made of layers of plastic and laminated glass.

In order to crack a windshield, a projectile has to exert approximately 20,000 to 24,000 psi of pressure, roughly 60 pounds of force. In such cases, physics works against drivers because smaller objects can deliver less force and still achieve the same result.

More manual pressure can also cause damage to a windshield. Dry windshield wipers can scrape the glass, and the jolting movement of hitting bumps or dips in the road can put stress on a windshield and worsen any cracks. If your windshield is damaged, be mindful of the pressure you apply when you clean it.

Heat

It would be very impractical if windshields cracked every time it got a little too chilly outside. However, while windshields are designed to hold up in all kinds of weather, there are two things to look out for. The center of laminated glass can soften under intense heat. In such a state, breakage is more likely.

You are more likely to crack a windshield during rapid temperature changes, such as when you hit a winter windshield with water or turn the heat on in your car too rapidly. Always allow your windshield to adjust to new temperatures gradually.

Moisture

Moisture is more likely to affect windshields that already have damage. If water gets in between the layer of the windshield, it can weaken the seal, especially if temperatures dip below freezing. Be mindful of car washes, which can force detergents between the layers too.

Can a Cracked Windshield Shatter?

As mentioned above, windshields are made of laminated glass. This means that each windshield is a little like a sandwich, with two layers of glass encasing a thin layer of plastic film. When it comes to answering the question “can a cracked windshield shatter,” the bottom line is yes.

Windshield damage is cumulative. Any compromise to the windshield’s structural integrity weakens the entire surface, making it vulnerable to more damage. Windshield glass naturally expands and contracts at least slightly as temperatures rise and fall throughout the day. If the glass is damaged, such fluctuations can exacerbate the issue.

Any of the other factors on this list can further worsen windshield damage to the point of shattering. Fortunately, the likelihood of the windshield collapsing into the vehicle or out onto the hood is low. Windshields are held in place with strong urethane adhesives which are designed to minimize exterior noise, leaking, and windshield shifting.

Even if you are not concerned about your windshield shattering, if you have damage to your windshield, the smart thing to do is to get it checked out. Again, any aberrations make windshields more vulnerable to damage, and that puts your safety at risk. Repairing rock chips early on can also save you money if you don’t have to replace the entire windshield.

Summer is a common time to take care of vehicle repairs and regular maintenance. When you don’t have to venture out into the snow or brave the ice, taking care of your vehicle’s tire rotation and wheel alignment seems very manageable. These valuable services go a long way toward keeping your tires in good condition and improving your vehicle’s safety overall. 

But what is the difference between tire rotation and wheel alignment? Are they both necessary? When should each service be completed? We explore all of these questions below. In the meantime it is vital to understand that learning the difference between these two services can protect and preserve you and your vehicle.

Tire Rotation and Wheel Alignment: What’s the Difference?

Both tire rotation and wheel alignment are essential for extending the longevity of your tires and improving the overall performance of your vehicle. Both can save you a bundle on costly repairs, including the cost to your personal safety and the safety of others on the road. So what’s the difference between the two?

The bottom line is this: tire rotation rearranges the tires on a vehicle to even out the wear, and wheel alignment corrects the angles of the tires to keep them properly aligned. Let’s look at each service in a little more detail.

The Details on Tire Rotation

Tires don’t wear evenly on the road. It’s just a fact, a matter of physics and vehicle design. Some of that uneven wear is determined by the kind of vehicle you have. Vehicles with rear-wheel drive (RWD), for example, transfer the power in the engine to the rear tires, so the back treads tend to break down more quickly.

On the other hand, front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicles have the opposite problem, with forward engine power wearing down the front tire treads more quickly. Front tires also usually take more damage when braking because they feel the brunt of the vehicle’s weight as it comes to a stop. All this uneven wear can cause you to burn through two of your tires faster than the other two. It can also lead to unequal weight distribution and, consequently, poor gas mileage. 

Regularly rotating your tires can mitigate all of these problems. The service is relatively inexpensive, certainly less expensive than replacing your tires. The process is simple. A mechanic repositions the tires on your vehicle, switching the back tires to the front of the vehicle and vice versa. 

Understanding Alignment

Wheel alignment has to do with the position of each tire relative to the road to the other tires. When a mechanic services alignment, he or she makes sure that the tires are perpendicular to the road and parallel to each other. This sometimes involves adjusting the angles of the axles within the suspension, finely attuning the whole system.

An alignment ensures that your tires are in line with your vehicle’s steering wheel. When the vehicle is out of alignment, the steering may pull to the right or left, instead of defaulting to straight ahead. This too leads to uneven and premature wear on the tires and increased difficulty in handling the car. A good alignment will correct these issues. 

In Case of Accident

When your vehicle is involved in an accident, a lot of things can shift out of place, no matter how small the accident may be. That is why it is always important to take your vehicle in to be serviced if it has been involved in any kind of collision. Usually you won’t need both tire rotation and wheel alignment to be checked after an accident, often only an alignment is needed.

After a crash, tires and axles can shift out of alignment. A good mechanic will test to see that each tire’s rim, hub, and spokes all line up as they should in connection with the entire suspension system. Don’t hesitate to have your alignment checked out if your vehicle has been in an accident. 

When Should You Have Tire Rotation and Wheel Alignment Performed?

Your tire rotation and wheel alignment should be conducted regularly if you want to extend the life of your tires and have your vehicle perform optimally. However, “regular” doesn’t always mean the same interval for tire rotation as it does for alignment.

Tire rotation should be taken care of every few months or so. This is because the daily wear of driving can really make vehicle performance uneven without regularly adjusting where each tire is placed. Most manufacturers agree that you should have your tires rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. It is common for people to have their tires rotated when they have their oil changed. 

Alignments don’t need to be performed as frequently. If you notice that your vehicle isn’t handling the way it should, go in for an alignment adjustment. Otherwise, you should have an alignment performed approximately once every two years or when your car undergoes major repairs.