Auto Repair Careers | Auto Mechanic Jobs | Automotive Repair
Auto Technician Jobs - What is the Job of a Automotive Technician? What do Automotive Service Jobs Involve?
Auto mechanics, also known as automotive technicians or motor vehicle service technicians, are responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining cars and trucks. Automotive technicians job can range from simple repairs such as changing spark plugs to high tech automotive work repairing computerized automotive systems.
Most people don’t realize the amount of computer technology that regulates vehicle systems and maintains their performance. Auto mechanic jobs are becoming increasingly specialized and an auto technician will use a wide variety of electronic diagnostic equipment and reference materials in order to diagnose and fix a car problem.
When a motor vehicle operator experiences electrical problems or mechanical issues with their automobile, a automotive technician will first ask the car owner for a description of the problem, and the auto mechanic will use a diagnostic system in order to try to identify where the error is occurring. A standard approach to take is to identify which automotive systems are working properly, and then to narrow down the car components that can be the source of the problem.
Automotive technicians may test drive the vehicle or use diagnostic computers in order to determine whether electronic components can be salvaged or whether they must be replaced entirely.
Auto repair workers may also offer simple service inspections, so that motor vehicle owners can get their car licensing renewed every year. An auto technician will check the engines, belts, hoses, plugs, fuel system, brakes, and other vehicle systems in order to make sure that they are functioning properly, and then the auto repair mechanic will fix any damaged parts or simply pass the inspected car.
The tools that a automotive service technician can use include pneumatic wrenches in order to tighten bolts, lathes and grinding machines in order to fix brakes, torches in order to repair car exhaust systems, and tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers. Most automotive repair shops have tens of thousands of dollars within equipment, most of which is provided to automotive technicians by the auto shop owner.
Computers are one of the most important tools available in modern repair shops, and service technicians will use computer diagnosis in order to identify problems with car alignment, brakes, air bags, engines, carburetors, or a variety of other motor vehicle systems. The Internet is also frequently used in order to receive updates to car manuals, in addition to recalls and manufacturer service information.
In fact, most major car systems are now controlled by electronic components to some degree, and more expensive vehicles will often have integrated GPS Systems and digital displays that automotive service jobs will be able to repair.
Most auto mechanics will specialize in a particular area of motor vehicle repair, such as rebuilding transmissions, couplings, or hydraulic pumps, while other auto technician jobs may specialize exclusively in computer systems in order to diagnose electrical problems and repair GPS navigational systems. Tuneup technicians have the responsibility of adjusting timing bells and valves as well as replacing spark plugs and ensuring proper engine performance.
Repairing air conditioning systems in motor vehicles is the job of an automotive air conditioning repair worker in front and mechanics are responsible for balancing wheels and aligning steering. Break repair workers will adjust braks and repair them, and many auto technicians may specialize in multiple areas of expertise.
Working Conditions for Auto Technician Jobs - How is the Working Environment for Automotive Technician Jobs?
In 2006, more than 2/3 of auto technicians worked 40 hours a week, while about 30% worked overtime. Automotive mechanics will frequently work indoors although a motor vehicle shop can be noisy. Since automotive mechanic work is becoming increasingly computerized, much heavy lifting has now been made easier, however, the auto repair job itself can still be dirty and greasy at times.
The risk of serious accident as an auto repair shop job is fairly low, although minor burns and cuts are frequent.
Auto Mechanic School Training - How to Become a Auto Mechanic - How to Receive Auto Repair Training
Most automotive technician training now takes place in educational schools or community colleges, due to the increased sophistication of automotive components and computerized car systems. Some technical school programs will provide automotive mechanic training which lasts a year, although more thorough programs will last two years. Auto repair programs will typically include on the job experience with tool manufacturers
For more basic automotive repair tasks, an automotive technician can start out as a service trainee or a technician helper, gradually learning skills on the job although it is still common to receive formal auto mechanic training. After graduating from a community college or vocational program, it will usually take 2 to 5 years in order to become a qualified auto service technician as more advanced automotive repair tasks take extended amounts of training.
Automotive dealers are increasingly hiring college educated automotive mechanics in order to provide professional levels of repair service for car warranties, and car dealerships may send their automotive technicians to specialized training centers in order to learn how to repair new models of vehicles or to receive special training.
Automotive Mechanic Jobs - How to Obtain Auto Mechanic Certification
Auto mechanics must have a thorough knowledge of motor vehicles, and for many of these individuals fixing cars is their passion. Automotive technicians should have good mechanical skills and training in electronics to fix electrical components in automobiles.
The ASE certification is the standard credential for automotive service jobs. The ASE offers certification in eight different areas of automotive repair which can include engine repair, electronic systems, suspension, and air conditioning, among others. In order to receive auto repair certification, it is necessary to have two years of on the job experience and the ability to pass a car repair examination.
In order to receive advance certification as a master automobile technician, it is necessary to gain expertise in all eight areas of auto repair offered by the ASE. Over time, a car technician may decide to open up their own independent repair shop or they can become an automotive repair estimator for an insurance company.
Automotive Repair Employment - What are the Future Employment Prospects for Auto Mechanic Jobs?
Over the next decade, automotive mechanic jobs should experience employment growth of about 14%, due to an increasing population and a growth in the number of cars per family. Automotive dealerships and automotive repair shops should be the major areas for car repair career growth.
Job prospects for auto repair workers who are ASE certified are excellent due to the difficulties in maintaining and finding qualified automotive repair workers who can specialize in sophisticated motor vehicle systems. During economic downturn such as a recession, it is more common to repair a motor vehicle then to purchase a new one.
Auto Mechanic Salary Pay Scale - How Much Do Automotive Repair Jobs Earn?
In 2006, automotive service technicians and auto mechanics had median hourly earnings of $16.24, with those auto technician jobs working for local government having the highest rate of pay at $19.07, and those automotive repair workers in automotive parts stores having the lowest rate of pay at $14.38.
Most automotive repair shops payout on commission, so earnings will vary depending on how motivated an individual auto repair technician is. Some auto technicians are represented by labor unions such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the sheet Metal Workers International Association and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.