Auto Mechanic Job Description: What mechanics do

Auto mechanic job description— Learn what auto mechanics do

An auto mechanic, also referred to as an automotive technician, plays a critical role in keeping vehicles safe, reliable, and functional. These skilled professionals work on a wide range of cars, trucks, and other motorized vehicles to diagnose, repair, and maintain them. Whether working for a dealership, independent repair shop, or service station, the work of an auto mechanic requires both technical knowledge and practical hands-on experience. This article dives into the auto mechanic job description, and overall job description of an auto mechanic.

Auto mechanic versus Auto Technicians: What’s the difference?

The difference between the two job descriptions isn’t just semantics. There is a difference. In the industry’s early days, all auto repair persons were referred to as mechanics because their jobs required just the ability to remove and repair mechanical parts. For example, replacing worn brakes or rebuilding an engine or transmission used to involve only mechanical skills. However, as vehicles became more technically advanced with the addition of computers and sensors, the job changed, requiring the repair person to diagnose the root cause of the problem before performing the repair.

It’s this specialized training and the ability to diagnose complex computerized mechanical systems that differentiate an auto mechanic from an auto technician. There isn’t a single system in a modern car that doesn’t involve some level of electronic integration. Even oil change and tire “mechanics” have to undergo special training to reset the oil change monitoring system or the tire pressure monitoring system.

Learn the day-to-day duties of an auto technician

• Diagnose the problem—Read the customer’s complaint. Verify the problem by operating the vehicle until it reoccurs. Utilize computerized diagnostic equipment to test sensors, actuators, valves, etc., to identify the root cause of the problem.
• Recommend an appropriate repair— Determine which parts must be repaired or replaced and prepare a proposed repair plan to be presented to the customer for approval.
• Plan the Work Procedure— Use charts, technical manuals, and experience to plan the repair and order repair parts.
• Conduct the repair—Remove components and fasteners in a logical order, keeping track of where each part goes so it can be reinstalled properly. Reassemble components following the carmaker’s recommended procedures, including proper alignment and tightening specifications. Adherence to specifications and procedures is critical
• Confirm the repair—Test drive the vehicle to confirm that the repair was performed properly, that it fixed the problem, and that it is operating as intended.
• Perform basic care and maintenance— Conduct routine maintenance such as oil changes, fluid level checks, and tire rotations.
• Communication and documentation— Listen to the customer’s explanation of the problem. Explain the diagnostic approach and findings to the customer or service writer. Interact and communicate with internal parts specialists or outside parts vendors to obtain the correct parts. Document the findings and repair procedures using the shop’s manual or computerized accounting/billing systems.
• Maintain an orderly workspace— Clean and return tools to their proper place so they can be located quickly. Clean the workspace to maintain safe working conditions.
• Follow all shop operating procedures and safety policies.

Auto technician knowledge requirements

Complete understanding of automotive systems— Engines, transmissions, suspension, steering, cooling, HVAC, electrical, hydraulic, body, glass, computerized systems, tires, brakes, and Advances Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Complete knowledge and understanding of electronics, including the ability to read complicated wiring diagrams, understand electronic symbols, conduct resistance, current, and voltage drop testing.

Complete knowledge of hydraulics, including the ability to troubleshoot fluid systems like brake lines, fuel lines, cooling systems, and pressurized air suspension systems.

Complete knowledge of physics, including the ability to understand steering and suspension systems, especially steering angles and settings, and how they affect vehicle performance and tire wear.

Chemistry knowledge of combustion, including the ability to decipher the results of emission gas testing and use that information to diagnose irregularities in the combustion process.

Continuing education for Auto mechanics

Auto mechanics must attend seminars, webinars, and in-shop training programs at least annually to remain proficient and keep up with rapidly advancing technology.

The auto mechanic work environment

It’s a standing, stooping, squatting job

Auto technicians stand on concrete most of the day, typically working in well-ventilated and well-lit repair shops. Although technicians often identify and fix automotive problems with computers, they commonly work with greasy parts and tools, sometimes in uncomfortable positions.

It’s hot in summer and cold and wet in winter

Most auto repair shops are not air-conditioned, and the

You can clean off the car before you bring it into the shop, but you’ll still be dealing with the dripping from this snowpack

vehicles are often hot, adding to the workplace heat. Mechanics must be able to work the full day in hot, humid conditions. Although most shops are heated in the winter, the doors are routinely opened as vehicles enter and leave the shop, causing interior temperatures to remain somewhat cold. In addition, incoming vehicles often contain snow and ice accumulations that will melt once inside the shop, causing slippery floors and dripping working conditions.

Shop floors are often slippery

There’s no way to avoid spilling automotive fluids on the floor.

This is a typical oil spill on a shop floor

So auto mechanics must routinely navigate around puddles of coolant, motor oil, power steering, or brake fluid. Mechanics must wear work boots with fluid-resistant soles to avoid slipping.

©, 2024 Rick Muscoplat