Automotive Service & Repair
An auto mechanic or technician examines, maintains, and repairs automobiles and light trucks. They perform routine care maintenance and may also diagnose and resolve more complex problems.
Mechanics and technicians may work in dealerships, independent service shops, or as self-employed individuals. Most are full-time employees. They earn weekly earnings based on the labor cost charged to customers, and some receive a commission for each job completed.
Some automotive technicians specialize in particular areas of repair, such as engine repair or front-end repair. They often have additional training in these specialty areas.
Employers frequently send promising beginners and experienced technicians to manufacturer training centers to learn new vehicle or component repairs or upgrade their skills. They can also get short-term training from factory representatives who visit many repair shops.
Career Development & Advancement
After a few years in the job, some technicians advance to shop supervisor or service manager. Others who have good administrative skills, such as the ability to plan and organize repairs, open their own automotive service or repair business.
Certification for Automotive Service Technicians
Most automotive technicians choose to become ASE certified, which stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. The certification is based on an examination of eight different areas of car repair and is a valuable credential for technicians.
The automotive service industry is constantly changing, and new technology is added to vehicles all the time. To stay competitive, technicians must be skilled in all aspects of the repair process. This includes diagnostic skills, the ability to handle specialized equipment, and the knowledge to handle computerized systems.