Automotive Mechanic's Job Profile
An auto mechanic needs to take care of all the technical aspects of vehicles. Routine maintenance tasks are also performed by the automotive mechanics so that the further breakdowns in the vehicle can be avoided. Take a look at some duties of an auto mechanic:
- Preparing a vehicle for service
- Performing a check to ensure if the vehicle is working fine
- Diagnosing the vehicles to check faults
- Repairing and replacing faulty auto parts
- Coordinating with parts manager
- Checking the vehicle performance
- Taking test drive to check for faults
- Attending training sessions
- Complying to the company's service guidelines
- Taking feedback for the customers
- Performing any other tasks assigned by the auto service manager
There are some auto mechanics that specialize in a particular repair such as problems with transmissions are handled or the other electrical problems that take place with the car are handled by these specialized mechanics. These mechanics work with the servicing centers offering specialized services to the vehicle owners.
The auto mechanics are also required for performing vehicle inspections. While performing the inspection task, it is considered essential to lubricate and test the parts for checking that they are not worm out. Welding tools, machine tools, power tools and many others are used for performing all these tasks and duties.
When any vehicle owner visits the auto workshop, the auto mechanic checks the problem and fixes it suitably. Earlier the work that has to be performed by the auto mechanics involved tools and also had to do some manual work for repairing the vehicles. These days making auto mechanics make use of the computerized equipments for diagnosing the problems that occur in the vehicles so that the required repairs can be performed easily and conveniently.
Set Skills Required
An automotive mechanic has to be skilled so that they can perform all the necessary functions that are associated with the vehicle. They must be skilled to diagnose the vehicle problem and repair the electrical, mechanical and other defects of the automotive vehicles that includes realigning as well as adjusting of the brakes, replacement of the tires, wheel balancing, minor repairs in the car body, steering gears and many others.
The mechanic also has to discuss the problems faced by the car with the supervisor and operator, must also know how to maintain records of which the repairs are made and the time for they have worked.
Diagnosing the problem that is faced by the vehicle quickly and resolving them immediately requires good analytical ability that has to be possessed by the automotive mechanic. For all these it is essential that the mechanic has a thorough knowledge of electronic and mechanical systems in the car. Competence with the electronic tools that are used by the mechanics is also one of the essential requirements for being a successful automotive mechanic.
Training and Qualifications
The employers prefer hiring the applicants that are at least high school graduates. Having knowledge of mechanical drawing, mathematics, automobile maintenance, science and mental work are considered to be useful while applying for an automotive mechanic's job. There is a growth in the number of automotive mechanics that are required for maintenance of the vehicles.
There are training programs offered by numerous vocational and community colleges where the training program can be as short as six months and also there are two year programs that can provide the aspiring mechanics with the in hand practical experience so that it can become easy for them to get the maximum output when they move on for working.
Job Prospects and Salary
The requirement for the experienced and aspiring mechanics in the big shops might be advanced to the various supervisory positions. With the automobile industry expanding, there are larger chances of the automotive mechanics to be employed so that the mechanics having the knowledge of the various car parts can put their knowledge to use.
The salary for the automotive mechanics may vary widely that largely depends upon the experience possessed by the mechanic and the location where the mechanic is working. On an hourly basis, the mechanics are paid $15.60 while the experienced ones can also get $26.33. This keeps on increasing with experience.
