How to Become an Automotive Technician

Technicians in automotive service maintain, restore, and inspect automobiles, light trucks, and other equipment. Other names for them include service technician, car mechanic, car technician, car technologist, or service technician.

duties include ensuring the success of emission tests, vehicle diagnostic testing, and replacement of worn parts. On brakes, engines, steering, and electrical systems, the auto mechanic will operate.

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Knowledge of machines is significant, and prior automotive experience can be helpful. See this article for information on how to become an automotive technician! 

How to Become an Automotive Technician
Image Source: Imagine America Foundation

Overview Of The Job

Job titles for automotive technicians can differ between companies. For this position, alternate job titles include auto mechanic and service technician.

When you build an automotive technician job description, consider adding some of the above-mentioned job titles to make it easier for applicants to locate your listing.

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An automotive technician does the following tasks.

  • Maintenance and repair of consumer vehicles.
  • Identify concerns with the use of diagnostic equipment in cars.
  • Explain and provide excellent customer support for vehicle maintenance and problems.
  • Using visual guides and expertise to prepare maintenance procedures.
  • Check the modules and systems functionality.
  • Perform simple auto care and repair tasks such as oil adjustments, tests of fluid level, and rotation of tires.
  • Brake pads, tire bearings, sensors, and other components are repaired and replaced.
  • Perform routine maintenance and general vehicle mechanical tasks.

Education And Training

Most employers expect a high school diploma or a GED in the United States. After high school, technical or community colleges can offer two-year associate degrees that provide classroom education and practical training where you learn maintenance and repair skills.

Some students move to a four-year university after the two-year program to complete a bachelor’s degree. Some technical high schools and colleges can partner with car producers to arrange for specialized training or internships with car dealerships during school.

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Immediately after graduation, this experience may lead to a job offer. Until promotion to a senior technician, most employers need from one to five years of training on the job. Before learning another skill, you can perform the same task many times with supervision.

Certifications

After some field experience, you can take the qualification exams from the National Institute for Excellence in Automotive Service (ASE), which provides qualifications in more than 40 fields of expertise in auto repair, including specialities such as collision repair, heating, and air conditioning, suspension and steering, and alternative fuels.

How To Harness Your Skills

Acquire a tool kit. While some stores have the equipment, you may be forced to use your own equipment in some places you will work in.

You should learn how to use advanced automotive equipment and take care of them and always have everything you need to complete your job.

For students or entry-level automotive technicians, certain tool manufacturers have discounts or payment schedules.

Show passion for job preparation. Be confident and ready to learn and perfect the skills you are asked to do, no matter what job you are given during an internship or training time.

Average Salary

Automotive technician wages depend on the level of experience, the form of the body shop, and the variety of duties. Furthermore, it could change depending on the location and size of the employer.

Popular pay in the United States: $21.05 per hour and salaries range from $7.25 per hour to $46.05.

Working Environment

There are some elements of the work of automotive repair that are very comparable from shop to shop. Depending on whether the shop specializes or has odd hours, some may differ. In most automotive work environments, here are some characteristics you might expect.

  • Working with concrete floors and a high ceiling inside a garage or shop to accommodate car lifts.
  • A workweek of 40 hours is normal in the industry, with most shops open between 7 a.m. up to 7 p.m. Some have extended hours on weekends where you can earn overtime pay.
  • Compliance with deadlines and working times to accurately represent forecasts offered to customers.
  • Compliance with strict safety regulations imposed by local legislation and shop management.
  • Operating near other mechanics.
  • Repetition of identical assignments.

How To Get A Job

You may want to try out these job portals if you seek the position.

How to Become an Automotive Technician
Image Source: Imagine America Foundation

Conclusion

Overall, you have access to power tools, air tools, and hand tools such as wrenches, along with the different fluids that make an engine run, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, brake fluid, and gasoline.

If you want to launch a career in the automotive industry, try out these tips now!