Judging by the speed at which new vehicles hit the American market every year, auto mechanics can rest assured there will constantly be a demand for their services. And if you deem the seemingly endless new technology that maintains the global auto industry on its toes, an automotive technician can also look forward to a thrilling career path paved with state-of-the-art machines, computerised tools and equipment, and opportunities to make a decent living. Here is how to begin your engine down a job as an automotive technician.
What Does an Automotive Technician Do?
An automotive technician diagnosis restores and maintains vehicles. Though traditional automobile service duties will always be the base of a car mechanic’s role, improved technology is now commonplace in road vehicles. Technicians must therefore keep updated on the latest in the automotive industry.
If you plan to establish a career path as in auto repairing, here are the positions you will most likely play:
- Perform fundamental preventive maintenance tasks on vehicles. This may comprise engine tune-ups, oil changes, and changes, wheel balancing, and repairing filters.
- Ensure auto body repair of vehicles and also ensure that they are in good condition by performing corrective jobs such as repairing faults in engines, addressing automatic and electrical systems malfunctions, restoring parts and components, and fixing any damage to the vehicle’s body.
- Verify vehicle serviceability by performing test drives, and regulating controls and systems accordingly.
- Comply with government vehicle regulations by testing engine, protection, and combustion control standards.
- Maintain vehicle looks by cleaning, washing, and painting.
- Maintaining accurate records by chronicling service and repairs on each automobile
- Contain expenses by using warranties, and evaluating service and parts options.
- Keep stocks ready by inventorying stock, making orders, and verifying receipts.
- Update skills frequently by participating in educational opportunities and reading technical journals.
Salary Range
Most auto body technicians struggle as full-time employees. Salaries may vary according to factors such as location, level of education, experience, and the extent of the employing organisation. But abilities and skills may be the biggest consideration, as newer automobile technology demands expanded specialisation in areas like hybrid cars and integrated electrical technology.
What Does the Career Path Look like?
- Junior Level with 1-3 years experience
Automotive Technician
- Mid Level with 4-8 years of experience
Automotive Supervisor
Automotive Technology Instructor
- Senior level with 8 years
Assistant Store Manager
Store Manager
Workshop Owner or an Entrepreneur
Automotive Technician Requirements
These specialists require a certain amount of education and exercise to become qualified for automotive and mechanical jobs.
Education
Most employers in the United States need to have a high school diploma. After high school, vocational colleges may offer 2-year associate’s degrees that include classroom schooling and practical training where you learn maintenance and repair abilities. After the 2-year program, some students transfer to a 4-year university to finish a bachelor’s degree.
Training
Some technical high schools and colleges may have tie-ups with car manufacturers to arrange for specialized training or apprenticeships with car dealerships during school. This experience could lead to a job recommendation immediately following graduation. Most employers need from 1 to 5 years of training on the job before promotion to a senior post. You may conduct the same task many times with supervision before learning something new.
Certifications
After having experience in the field, you can give tests for certification conducted by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, which offers certificates in over forty areas of auto repair expertise, comprising such specialities as collision repair, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering.
Skills
Many people attain repair and diagnostic skills through entry-level mechanic duties and mentoring by more skilled technicians. Some skills and qualities include:
Efficiency
Automotive labour is generally billed by the hour, so many customers admire mechanics who work efficiently and return the repaired car shortly. Shop owners make additional money by moving vehicles through promptly, so your work improves in value when it is done efficiently.
Problem-Solving
Some functions of technician automotive are hypothesising and testing that hypothesis to deduce the cause of vehicle trouble. Computer tools help with high-level diagnosis, but formulating your problem-solving skills will aid in productivity and success.
Diverse Manufacturing Knowledge
In many shops, every vehicle that requires service may present a different problem and a distinct level of maintenance and care. The more diverse your mastery of all kinds of vehicles, the more clients you can help.
Technical Proficiency
You have to learn to use a specialized computer diagnostic tool to specify the cause of a check engine light, for example, for performing a government-mandated vehicle emissions analysis. You will need to learn how to adapt to new systems, as new cars are furnished with sophisticated electronic devices and sensors.
Mechanical Expertise
It will be significant to know how to perform a diversity of repairs on many vehicles and have a promising sense of how mechanical parts fit and work together.
