One of the disadvantages of automobile ownership is that cars require maintenance and, sometimes, repairs to keep them operating. Automotive mechanics are workers who have the skills to provide repair and maintenance service for cars and light trucks, such as vans and pickups, with gasoline engines.
Mechanics' first task is to diagnose the vehicle's problem. They first discuss the symptoms with the owner or with the worker who wrote the repair order. Then they may test-drive the vehicle or use testing equipment such as engine analyzers, spark plug testers, or compression gauges to determine the problem.
Once mechanics have determined what the problem is, they make any repairs or adjustments that are necessary. They sometimes have to replace damaged parts.
Automotive mechanics also provide regular maintenance service. This includes inspecting, lubricating, and adjusting the engine and other parts and replacing parts that are damaged.
In large automotive repair shops, mechanics often specialize in the types of repairs they perform such as automatic transmissions, air conditioning, front-end alignment, brakes, and radiators.
Places of employment and working conditions
Automotive mechanics work for automotive dealers, independent automotive repair shops, and gasoline service stations. Other employers are automotive repair centers at department automotive, and home supply stores; taxicab and auto leasing companies; and federal, state, and local governments.
Automotive mechanics usually work indoors, and some repair shops are dirty and noisy. Mechanics often have to work with dirty, greasy parts in awkward positions. They are sometimes subject to minor injuries.
Mechanics usually work 40 hours a week, but self-employed mechanics may work more.
Qualifications, education, and training
While some automotive mechanics learn their skills on the job, the increasing complexity and sophistication of automotive technology is making it necessary for mechanics to complete a formal training program after graduating from high school.
Training programs are offered in high schools, community colleges, and public and private vocational and technical schools. Trade and technical school programs usually last six months to a year, and community college programs are spread out over two years. The course is made up of a combination of hands-on practice and classroom instruction.
Some automobile manufacturers and their participating dealers also offer training programs. They sponsor associate's degree programs at community colleges throughout the country. Because these programs combine classroom instruction with actual work experience, they usually take four years to complete.
Beginners usually start as trainee mechanics, helpers, lubrication workers, or service station attendants and develop and learn skills by working with experienced mechanics. It usually takes one to two years to become a journeyman service mechanic except for those who graduate from the better formal mechanic training programs; they often achieve this level after a few months. To become knowledgeable and experienced with all types of repairs takes another one to two years. Difficult specialties may take another one or two years of training and experience.
Automotive mechanics continue to receive training throughout their careers. They are sometimes sent by their employers to factory training centers to learn to repair new models or receive special training.
Potential and advancement
There are currently about 771,000 automotive mechanics. Employment opportunities should be good for graduates of formal training programs. Workers without formal training will face competition for entry-level jobs.
Experienced mechanics may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some mechanics advance by opening their own shops.
Income
The most skilled, experienced automotive mechanics earn hourly wages of $17.40; those who are less skilled and perform routine repairs, $12.40; and those who are only semiskilled, $8.70.
Additional sources of information
Automotive Service Association, Inc., Bedford, TX 76021-0929
Automotive Service Industry Association, Chicago, IL 60611
National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, Dulles Technology Drive Herndon, VA 22071-3415
