How to become An Auto Mechanic

• Automotive Service Mechanic
• Automotive Service Technician
• Service Technician
• Service Tech
• Car Mechanic

What do Auto Mechanics do?

An Auto Mechanic would typically need to:

• Run diagnostic tests, conduct inspections, perform necessary maintenance and carry out crucial repairs to cars and light trucks
• Use computerised diagnostic equipment or manual tools to identify issues; take the vehicle for an initial test drive to determine the critical areas of concern
• Make use of charts, technical manuals, and hard-won experience to develop a viable action plan and come up with efficient work procedures 
• Test parts and systems to make sure they are functioning at an optimal level; follow checklists to ensure the examination of all critical parts
• Carry out scheduled servicing and preventive maintenance, such as changing oil, checking fluid levels, replacing filters, engine tune-ups, and rotating tyres
• Repair or replace worn/faulty parts, including brake pads, wheel bearings, drive belts, and sensors, as per manufacturer and customer specifications
• Fit the vehicle with accessories, such as stereos, speakers, and alarms; wash, clean, and paint the vehicle, if required
• Explain automotive problems and requisite repairs to clients; give realistic time and cost estimates to complete the job
• Undertake repairs to manufacturer and customer specifications; road test the vehicle to check repairs
• Check inventory of stock and frequently required spare parts and tools
•  Maintain work logs to keep track of repairs made, expenses incurred, and bills to be claimed
• Be familiar with traditional and electronic mechanical systems; work on vehicles that use electricity or alternative fuels, such as ethanol

Your typical vehicle repair garage, car dealership garage, or repair shop would be well-ventilated and well-lit. However, there will be instances where an Auto Mechanic would need to work outdoors.

The work environment is bound to be noisy, dirty and filled with strenuous activity involving greasy and heavy tools and vehicle parts. Frequent interaction with colleagues and clients is standard.

Most Auto Mechanics work full-time in shifts that may involve evenings and weekends. Overtime is common, although a typical full-time work week may involve 38 to 45 hours. You may also arrive at a more flexible work schedule with the cooperation of your colleagues and employer.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Auto Mechanics can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Self-employment, part-time work, and freelancing are viable options.

Auto Mechanics are generally employed by:

• Automobile Dealers
• Automotive Mechanical/Electrical Repair & Maintenance Firms
• Automotive Parts, Accessories, & Tyre Stores

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Automotive Technicians Network (IATN), are crucial for Auto Mechanics interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• The physically demanding nature of the job requires being on one’s feet for most of the work day and working with heavy tools and parts, sometimes in uncomfortable positions
• High likelihood of unsociable work hours and overtime which may affect work-life balance
• Substantial probability of workplace injuries, such as minor cuts, sprains, and bruises; increased chance of heavier injuries in the absence of safety clothing and equipment
• The need to remain focused and pay attention to detail in a noisy and often bustling work environment to avoid severe injuries
• Messy nature of work that requires checking underneath vehicles and use of specific lubricants, such as oil that can dirty one’s hands and cloths

Any academic programme that a potential Auto Mechanic takes up typically requires intensive career preparation through a hefty dose of practical experience.

Students in associate degree programmes often alternate between working full time in service shops under the mentorship of a seasoned professional and attending full-time classes.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

After picking up general knowledge about the career and specific educational qualifications, aspiring Auto Mechanics should seek apprenticeships that help enhance their occupational expertise and enable them to stand out in a competitive job market. A few offer to pay the apprentices as they progress through different levels of mechanic certification.

Reach out to your local institute of the motor industry for more information about the apprenticeship process and an extensive list of apprenticeship certifications, or search online for open positions.

Keep in mind that only those individuals with two years of experience or relevant schooling and one year of experience are eligible to sit for the exam that will earn them the accredited certification in automotive service excellence.

Applicants who have not completed postsecondary education may begin as trainee technicians, technicians’ helpers, or lubrication workers and gain the requisite knowledge and experience under the tutelage of more experienced mechanics.

You can also search for opportunities to volunteer with organisations and charities that need individuals with the requisite skills to help them assess and repair donated cars or trucks. You may meet expert mechanics who can help you develop relevant experience and vital occupational skills to jump-start your career as an Auto Mechanic.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in automotive service to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Auto Mechanics who complete a six-month to one-year-long vocational or another postsecondary education programme in automotive service technology are perfect for entry-level positions. 

Quite a few automobile manufacturers and dealers sponsor associate degree programmes with particular emphasis on maths, electronics and automotive repair. An ideal program would include classes in customer service.

There are also three- to four-year-long college courses that help prospective Auto Mechanics acquire in-depth knowledge, training, and diplomas in light vehicle maintenance and repair competence, vehicle technology, or maintenance, installation, and repair for engineering and manufacturing. The entry requirements may vary based on a particular programme.

Short-term certificate programmes in brake maintenance or engine performance will strengthen your resume.

High school courses in science, automotive repair, electronics, computers, English, and maths serve to prepare you for desirable post-secondary qualifications. Research different mechanic courses and apprenticeships to learn more about the specific prerequisites before preparing for the high school exit examination.

Certification in automotive service excellence from an objective and reputed organisation is a standard prerequisite which demonstrates competence and carries a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent.

The certification may cover nine automobile speciality areas, such as automatic transmission/transaxle, brakes, light vehicle diesel engines, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, heating and air-conditioning, manual drivetrain and axles, and suspension and steering.

Look for paid apprenticeships that may enable you to progress through different levels of mechanic certification in vehicle maintenance, light vehicle maintenance and repair, vehicle technology, and accident repair.

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

In addition, Auto Mechanics who buy or work with refrigerants must be certified in handling them properly. Trade schools, unions, and employer associations offer training programmes designed for an authorised environmental protection agency exam.

Most often, employers expect applicants to own a driving licence. Typically, licensure requires an application, processing fees, an examination, and relevant education and experience.

You may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Auto Mechanics who could become Senior Auto Mechanics, Workshop Supervisors, or Garage Managers if employed in a garage or car dealership.

It is also possible to specialise in motorsport engineering or tuning and modifying vehicles for higher performance or focus on electric and hybrid cars. You could move into roles such as Breakdown Engineer or MOT (Ministry of Transport) Tester.

Some Auto Mechanics may choose to train apprentices, teach in a higher education college or vocational institution, or set up their own garage.

Candidates with requisite postsecondary education accredited certification in automotive service excellence and relevant work experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Auto Mechanic build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning.

Candidates who have graduated from postsecondary programmes in automotive service technology rarely require on-the-job training; however, they must acquire industry certification once they enter a job.

Career progression to supervisory and managerial roles would require increased familiarity with a computer and relevant software packages. You will need to invest in further studies if your career advancement as a teacher or a specialist depends on it.

The field is becoming increasingly complex with blending a vehicle’s mechanical and electronic components and the regular introduction of new makes and models into the market.

Auto Mechanics must not only master more concepts than were earlier necessary but also constantly update their knowledge base to keep up with the continuously evolving technology.

Which One Sparks Your Interest?

An Auto Mechanic can be a Jack-of-all-trades or focus their skills on becoming an expert brake technician, drivability technician, front-end technician, or transmission technician and rebuilder.

Brake technicians diagnose brake system problems, adjust brakes, replace brake motors and pads, and undertake other repairs on brake systems. Drivability or diagnostic technicians put their comprehensive knowledge of engine management and fuel, electrical, ignition, and emissions systems to diagnose and identify malfunctions in the engine.

Front-end technicians diagnose ride, handling, and tire wear issues and set them right with the help of special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines. Most like to take on the job of a brake technician as well.

Transmission technicians and rebuilders need in-depth knowledge of computer controls and the ability to diagnose electrical and hydraulic issues to repair gear trains, couplings, hydraulic pumps, and other transmission parts.

The Current Scenario

The increasing number of vehicles in use heightens the need for Auto Mechanics who can perform the preventive maintenance and repair tasks and replace the workers who transfer to other occupations or retire from active service.

However, the growing prevalence of vehicles built with interconnected sensors, cameras, and instruments that allow for predictive maintenance and remote diagnosis translates into fewer maintenance work hours.

Also, the current penchant for electric vehicles, which require less maintenance and repair, may reduce future demand for Auto Mechanics.

At Your Service

Auto Mechanics use standard hand tools, such as wrenches, pliers, sockets, and ratchets and power tools, such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding torches, hoists, and jacks.

Most mechanics have their own set of hand tools and depend on the employer to provide them with the power tools. However, quite a few invest vast sums of money in their personal tool collections, including a much-coveted set of pneumatic tools powered by compressed air.

At Their Service

Successful Auto Mechanics possess and constantly hone traits such as physical fitness, stamina, attention to detail, manual dexterity, heightened understanding of vehicles’ mechanical and electronic components, teamwork, and strong work ethic.

Their mechanical, customer service, organisational, negotiation, sales, and troubleshooting skills help them be more proactive in dispensing their duties.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Auto Mechanics have more flexible work schedules and locations. They fully own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Auto Mechanic has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Henry Ford was a successful mechanic before he struck out on his own to become an ingenuous automobile magnate and one of the world’s wealthiest men.

It is messy, back-breaking at times and may bring you to your knees at least once a day, but a job as an Auto Mechanic will leave you with the incredible satisfaction that you’ve helped your client get the best value for money from their car.

Develop an ultra-thorough diagnostic behaviour, so you are sure the costly spare part will resolve the issue before you put in an order and waste the client’s money.