Automotive Service Mechanic
Car repair
Duties
- Test parts and systems to ensure that they are working properly
- Identify mechanical problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment
- Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined
- Test and lubricate the vehicle’s engine and other major components
- Perform basic care and maintenance, including oil changes, tuneups, and tire rotations
- Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads and wheel bearings
- Disassemble and reassemble parts
- Use testing equipment to ensure that repairs and maintenance are effective
- Explain to clients their automotive problems and the repairs done on their vehicle
Average hours, salary and working location
- Most service technicians work full time, and many work evenings or weekends. Overtime is common.
- $35,790 per year
$17.21 per hour - Most automotive service technicians and mechanics work in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops
Education Needed
High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, mathematics, and English provide a good background for prospective service technicians. Also some employers prefer service technicians who have completed a formal training program in a postsecondary institutions.
Skills and job outlook
Skills:
Service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They must often take apart major parts for repairs and be able to put them back together properly. Also identifying and fixing problems, steady hand and eye coordination.
Job Outlook:
Employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to grow 17 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations
Job similarities
- Automotive body and glass repairers
- Diesel service technician and mechanics
- Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians
- Small engine mechanics