Auto mechanics maintain and repair motor vehicles, specializing in areas such as engines, brakes, electrical systems, or emissions equipment. They can work in car dealerships, body shops, service stations, car leasing companies, and auto factories. They rely on knowledge and experience, as well as electronic equipment and specialized software to diagnose automotive problems. Good communication and analytical skills are required, along with a high school diploma or equivalent and often completion of an automotive repair training program.
An auto mechanic is a service professional who maintains and repairs motor vehicles. He or she can work on cars and trucks that run on a traditional fuel such as gasoline or a non-traditional fuel such as ethanol or electricity. This type of mechanic job may require experience in all parts and components of a vehicle, or the mechanic may specialize in a specific area, such as engines, brakes, electrical systems, or emissions equipment.
Automotive mechanics can be employed by many different types of businesses. Car dealerships usually have a repair and maintenance department that employs mechanics. An auto mechanic can also find work in body shops, service stations and car leasing companies. Jobs of this type can also be obtained at auto factories, where new cars require inspection before being shipped to dealerships. A significant number of auto mechanics are self-employed.
Before the advent of high-tech automotive diagnostic equipment, an auto mechanic often had to rely heavily on knowledge and experience to isolate automotive problems and fix them. Customers would typically describe the problem to the mechanic, and the mechanic would run the car through a series of manual tests until the source of the problem was determined. After talking with the customer about repair and replacement cost options, the car mechanic set to work to resolve the issue.
While today an auto mechanic still benefits from hands-on experience, he also often needs to know how to use electronic equipment and specialized software that help diagnose automotive problems. This sophisticated equipment can be used to measure pressurized systems, analyze electrical system problems, and diagnose engine and carburetor faults. One of the first and most widely used electronic diagnostic systems analyzes automobile emissions to determine whether they meet standards imposed by environmental protection agencies.
Success as an auto mechanic typically requires good communication skills and good analytical skills. Non-professionals often lack the language skills to clearly describe automotive problems; therefore, it takes a mechanic to interpret your descriptions of the car’s defects.
A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required for prospective auto mechanics. Computer operations, math, mechanical analysis, and science classes are strongly preferred for aspiring automotive technicians. A considerable and growing number of employers require applicants for this position to complete an automotive repair training program at a local college or vocational school. Sometimes professional certification is also required for hiring an auto mechanic.
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