The collision estimator: a unique automotive profession

This is a sponsored advertorial from The Otomotif College.

Automotive accidents can in many cases be more than just a nuisance – in severe cases, it can have life-changing effects on its victims, with pain, shock and trauma being very much part of the less than pleasant long-term association. Despite this negative perception, Teh Aik Thiam never dreamt that he would actually be making a living out of accidents, even if his love of cars eventually took him down that route after he graduated from The Otomotif College (TOC).

“Basically, my job is to appraise the damage done to the vehicle and determine the cost of repair for insurance claim settlements. First, I have to check the affected vehicles to determine the amount of structural, body, mechanical or interior damage. I then calculate the cost of labour and parts to fix or replace each affected item and estimate the salvage value of the total vehicle loss,” he said.

The 26-year-old, who is currently working at a reputable automotive company, went on to say that following the steps above, he reviews the cost effectiveness of repair versus replacement of parts and then determines the fees associated with repainting and repairing the vehicle. “The final procedure is the mundane part of the job; it involves filling out insurance claim forms to indicate repair or replacement cost estimates and recommendations,” he explained.

“I am in charge of appraising the vehicle damage to determine the cost of repair for insurance claim settlements. This includes inspecting and testing automobiles by using mechanical testing devices, questioning customers about the vehicle’s performance or by visual inspection of the vehicle,” continued Teh.

A good education prepares one for the ever-evolving needs of the automotive industry. “Most people would not think mathematics is important for people in the car industry. They think it’s all based on hands-on skills, but, I’m really thankful that the syllabus used a lot of English and mathematics,” Teh said. The need to prepare a list of itemised work orders and list down the cost of parts and labour associated with the repairs requires a basic understanding of mathematics skills as well as a good command of the language to prepare reports.

“My job routine is something that resembles a Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), but for cars”, he laughed. Indeed, vehicles today are very complex so it is necessary to understand the interaction of electrical and components within the total system. It is therefore, a thing of importance for the modern automotive technician to understand how the whole car system works and apply this knowledge across the spectrum of vehicles. It is with this state of mind that TOC prepares their students through many practical learning sessions to ensure a solid foundation.

“My education at TOC has been very useful in this job as a collision estimator, as it demands knowledge and experience in terms of repairing vehicles in order to identify and estimate the cost and degree of damage,” said Teh. “Thanks to my time spent in TOC, I am familiar with the latest models in the market and used to high technology electronics incorporated into well-known, high quality brands.”

Applying technology-based training, TOC has the capability and infrastructure to deliver the standards desired by the industry to meet rapid developments in automotive technology. TOC’s commitment to providing the best automotive education is reflected in the millions of Ringgit spent on the sophisticated software, high end branded equipment and state-of-the-art facilities.

“As a collision estimator, I come across many high technology tools that are needed to fix the computer equipment which operates everything from the engine to the radio in many cars. In fact, most automotive systems, such as braking, transmission, and steering systems, are controlled primarily by computers and electronic components. However, I learnt to use all these tools very quickly as most of them were already available in TOC during my time of study” Teh pointed out.

In addition, luxury vehicles often have integrated global positioning systems, accident-avoidance systems, and other new features which technicians will need to become familiar with. Besides the cutting-edge facilities within the campus, TOC also delivers an intensive training weaved together with a four-month Supervised Industrial Training and six-month Internship. This enables graduates to be exposed to an actual working environment in order to excel in the workforce.

“Today’s successful technician must possess an array of workplace skills and a unique blend of academic and technical skills. This combination includes the knowledge of integrated math, science and communications skills required of today’s automotive technician to effectively analyse, diagnose, service and or repair today’s technically sophisticated automobiles,” quipped Teh.

For example, the use of the Advanced Autotronics Laboratory in TOC trains automotive technicians in the maintenance and repair prospect of advanced components and complex systems found in modern vehicles. This purpose is achieved by operating a flexible modular approach training system, specifically designed to meet the requirements of a wide variety of curricula. Courses cover the advanced electronics components as well as extensive fault-finding exercises performed on realistic, computerised simulators. In conjunction with this, the fault insertion exercises on specially converted actual vehicles provide an authentic repair shop environment.

“New training facilities such as the Autotronics Lab are becoming increasingly important, as manufacturers install more electrical components in new vehicles to gain competitive advantage, increase safety and efficiency, and in some instances to make more environmentally friendly cars such as hybrids. I have come across so many new versions of cars today that use a large percentage of electronic and electrical systems, including onboard computers and GPS mapping. The number of such cars is likely to increase over time as vehicles have become more complex and the demand for skilled technicians increases,” Teh said.

Also found in TOC is the CAN-BUS Simulator, used to teach CAN-BUS operating principles, functions, diagnosis and servicing. Most modern cars nowadays are equipped with CAN-BUS technology. CAN is the short term for ‘Controller Area Network’ and was developed by Bosch. Most new vehicles use this system and it is becoming increasingly difficult to install aftermarket products without using a CAN-Bus Interface. CAN-BUS is a multiplex wiring system used to connect intelligent devices such as the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) onto vehicles, allowing data to be transferred in a low-cost and reliable manner. This system is used in vehicles to connect engine control unit and transmission, or (on a different bus) to connect the door locks, climate control, seat control, etc.

As a TOC student, Teh learnt the operating principles, function and diagnosis of the CAN-BUS system which most modern car nowadays are equipped. “A collision estimator who is not equipped with this specialised knowledge and experience will be at a loss trying to appraise a modern vehicle,” stated Teh, adding that he went to many institutions and academies in his search for the right college to further his studies.

Besides their main campus in Petaling Jaya, TOC has offices in Johor, Penang and Sabah to provide detailed information about automotive courses, careers, and our unique lifetime job placement. For the newly opened Johor office at Jalan Harimau Tarum, off Jalan Tebrau, call 07-333 9388. The Penang office is located at Kristal Suites, Bayan Lepas, and the contact number is call 04-640 2867. Sabahans can visit the office at Kompleks Asia City or call 088-488 950.

To ensure that students make well-informed decisions, TOC organises an OTTO Camp (Open Day) to show the usage of some of the sophisticated equipment and see first-hand how they work. Prospective students and parents will be able to catch a glimpse into the exciting automotive world at the upcoming OTTO Camp at the company’s Petaling Jaya campus on April 9, 2011 from 10am-4pm. Due to high demand, students must call 03-7955 2811 or visit TOC’s website to register for the limited seats.