The AutoReportCard’s Quality Breakdown

• The AutoReportCard’s Quality Breakdown
• Introduction
• Performance
• Mechanical Performance
• Live Performance
• Dependability
• Reliability/Durability
• Serviceability
• Conformance
• Economical
• Convenience
• The Mission of AutoReportCard

Introduction

The AutoReportCard distinguishes itself from the vast competition. Most of the competition is vaguely subjective, often having no basis of facts to include in the reasons presented. This makes most of the competition weak because the data and information presented is usually regurgitated, leaving this section of competition to battle for publicity with special marketing tactics. There is a minority of the competition that has objectified the car industry (and even fewer that have done a fantastic job straying away from opinions). The industry needs more objective information about automobiles. This selected bunch is the reason that AutoReportCard dove deep into the industry. Although the master formula is not finalized yet, the variables have been set. The main objective is simple: every automobile is dependent on quality.

Automotive quality is defining specific variables that quantify quality. The difference between the eight dimensions of quality and the automotive quality system is the specified use; the eight dimensions of quality pertain to a general product and its general characteristics, while the automotive quality system is specified to work for the automobile industry only. The automotive quality system originated from the eight dimensions of quality but is geared towards automobiles. Breaking down the system is easier for any car enthusiast but still can get tricky.

The automotive quality system can be broken down into three separate sections: performance, dependability, and conformance. Each section is broken down into smaller subsections. Listed below are the automotive quality system’s variables and sub-variables:

Performance

The performance of a vehicle is the power and speed of an automobile. For any automobile to have higher performance, the accomplishments of a said vehicle have to set better records than the next. The performance of an automobile depends on two given factors:

Mechanical Performance

The production numbers of a vehicle’s mechanical parts. The numbers of the parts are usually dominated by the engine, followed by the transmission, and followed by the drivetrain. Other factors play into a vehicle’s given speed; however, a heavy majority of the mechanical performance numbers are derived from the engine. Mechanical performance is three metrics: horsepower (HP), torque (lb/ft), and weight (lb). Sure, the vehicle can produce all of its horsepower and torque by the engine, but we are focusing on the raw power of a vehicle (which will allow for the weight to affect the vehicle’s power output). All three of these numbers create a figure known as performance points (PP). Performance points are known to equate the three mechanical performance numbers, putting them on a scale. Although the formula is similar to the power-to-weight ratio, the performance points allow for the torque to be equated while setting a range for the figures.

Live Performance

The overall figures of a vehicle’s performance based on live events. The live events dictate live performance numbers. These events have a lot more variables than mechanical performance numbers. The events would include all linear performance figures. There is the 0-60mph, 0-100mph, the quarter-mile (and quarter-mile time), the half-mile (and half-mile time), and the top speed. Although every vehicle’s performance has more calculations than just straight-line performance, the live performance numbers pertain to the most important aspect of the vehicle’s performance- the straight line. Think of it in terms of getting from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’. The fastest way to the said point is to travel in a straight line.

Dependability

A vehicle’s quality is ultimately measured by its contingency to stay on the road. Some cars can drive more miles and age older than other cars. Certain brands live up to perceived quality, but every vehicle is ranked objectively according to two factors. These include:

Reliability/Durability

Similar to the eight dimensions of quality, a vehicle’s dependability is quantified by its reliability figures. The difference between the eight dimensions of quality and the AutoReportCard is that the AutoReportCard groups the reliability and durability together. As a refresher, reliability is the quality of being trustworthy and performing consistently well, while durability is the ability to withstand wear and damage over time. Even though both reliability and durability are different, they still serve the same purpose- focusing on longevity.

Serviceability

An automobile that is quick, easy, and effective to put in repairs is subject to good serviceability. Good serviceability pertains to both the vehicle and the mechanic’s knowledge because automation in the automotive industry has not come full circle quite yet. When a vehicle is a quick fix, it is of good serviceability because of its low maintenance. When a vehicle is easy to fix, it also lowers the maintenance’s difficulties. Last, when the vehicle’s maintenance is effective (meaning it doesn’t require any more attention until its next service date), the vehicle’s upkeep is lower. All three of these factors play into serviceability, which ultimately objectifies serviceability.

Conformance

When an automobile upholds the regulations set by specified governing bodies, it is of higher quality than an automobile that doesn’t comply. Typically, cars that follow specific rules are considered more desirable because of the noticed needs of said drivers. Listed below are two of the factors that play into the role of conformance:

Economical

A valuable vehicle is a vehicle that is inexpensive to drive. From cheap auto-parts to low gas bills (if any), to cheap regulation fees, the vehicles that are of low cost are of higher quality than those vehicles that are more expensive. Regulation fees can include insurance, registration, and inspection. Several factors can play into a vehicle’s long-term cost.

Convenience

A vehicle that is beneficial to drive, with no distractions and surprises, is of great conformance. Convenience can include an easy to drive vehicle, accessories/features that make the automobile more desirable, and an overall enjoyable, smooth drive. These vehicles are of great quality.

The Mission of AutoReportCard

Here at the AutoReportCard, the information presented strays away from the typical bias seen on a majority of automotive pieces (specifically articles, blogs, reviews, and even some automotive company websites). The information is quantitative in quality standards. Ultimately, the information from the AutoReportCard is important to the automotive industry because of its honesty.

The AutoReportCard’s mission is simple- strive for quality evaluation, while objectifying everything to separate the best and the worst qualities of an automobile.