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Automotive service technicians repair and maintain cars, SUVs, vans, and light trucks. They work in dealerships, repair shops, gas stations, and auto parts stores. They use computerized diagnostic tools and other tools to identify and fix problems. Some learn on the job, while others attend vocational programs or earn degrees.
An automotive service technician, commonly called an auto mechanic, repairs and performs routine maintenance on cars, SUVs, vans, and light trucks. These technicians work in dealerships, repair shops, gas stations and auto parts stores. In smaller businesses, an individual automotive service technician can perform a full range of maintenance and repair services. Automotive service technicians at large companies often specialize in specific areas such as transmissions, air conditioning systems or brakes. Automotive service technicians service gasoline, electric, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.
Automotive service technicians are experts at understanding the mechanical, electrical, and electronic workings of cars and other vehicles. They do everything from adjusting the weather to fixing problems with the onboard computer systems. Routine maintenance performed by auto service technicians includes changing oil and oil filters, as well as changing air, cabin, and fuel filters. Checking and topping brake and transmission fluids and engine coolant are services performed by automotive service technicians. Changing spark plugs, inspecting wires and coils, and installing new distributor caps are also common tasks.
When something is wrong with a vehicle, the automotive service technician receives a description of the problem from the vehicle’s owner or other workers in the shop. Using his knowledge of cars and sometimes aided by computerized diagnostic tools, the technician checks and tests various vehicle systems and components to isolate the problem. Once the problem is identified, the auto service technician provides repair estimates to the owners before proceeding with the job of fixing the car.
In addition to computerized diagnostic tools, automotive service technicians use a variety of other tools to help them in their day-to-day lives. Pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers and other basic hand tools are commonly used. They also use welding equipment, machining lathes, pneumatic wrenches and other bigger, more powerful tools. Car lifting systems, jacks and engine winches are also used by automotive service technicians.
The job of the automotive service technician can be a physical one. Lifting, lifting, bending and contorting to get to hard-to-reach areas of vehicles comes with the work. Shops can be noisy and some technicians may wear earplugs. Grease and dirt are also common parts of the job for many automotive service technicians.
Some automotive service technicians learn the job as they work. Others attend vocational programs in automotive service technology or earn two-year degrees from community colleges. Some university programs are sponsored by car manufacturers and dealers. Field certification is available in the US through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
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