How To Become Automotive Technician

How To Become Automotive Technician

Automotive technicians work on a variety of vehicles, from cars and trucks to motorcycles, forklifts and lawn mowers. They inspect and repair vehicles and often are responsible for diagnosing problems with the vehicle’s engine, transmission or other parts. They may also help the mechanic diagnose problems. Automotive technicians work on gasoline-powered vehicles as well as diesel-powered ones. The job requires attention to detail and a good working knowledge of auto mechanics.

Educational Requirements

Most employers require an associate’s degree in automotive technology or mechanical engineering technology as well as extensive training on-the-job. An apprenticeship program might be available in some areas. Apprentices often start out making less money than experienced professionals but gain experience over time that can lead to higher pay later on.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for automotive service technicians are expected to grow by 12 percent between 2016 and 2026, which is faster than average growth rate (www.bls.gov). The BLS predicts that there will be an increasing need for qualified workers as more people buy new cars that require more complex repairs than older models.

How To Become Automotive Technician

Automotive technicians diagnose, repair and maintain gasoline or diesel cars and trucks. They typically work in the service department of a car dealership, at a local independent repair shop or for a shop that focuses on one type of service, such as oil changes. They also may work for a more specialized organization, like a race car team.

The day-to-day responsibilities of an automotive technician usually include:

  • Diagnosing vehicle problems using experience, test driving and working with specialized computers that communicate with vehicle electronics
  • Interpreting vehicle diagnostic codes to assess errors and causes of vehicle breakdown and planning how to proceed with the repair
  • Working with specialized tools and equipment to repair or replace broken parts. They may use a lift to raise the vehicle to work underneath it, pneumatic air tools for loosening and tightening of parts, a lathe for brake rotors and hand wrenches to remove parts.
  • Performing required inspections and manufacturer-recommended preventative maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, tune-ups, fluid level checks and following a service checklist at specified mileage intervals. 
  • Specializing and working in just one area of expertise such as a brake work technician, a front-end technician or a race car mechanic for a team

Average salary

Salaries for automotive technicians depend on the level of experience, type of body shop and scope of responsibilities. It may also vary depending on employer size and geographical location. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the salary link.

  • Common salary in the U.S.: $21.05 per hour
  • Salaries range from $7.25 to $46.05 per hour.

Automotive technician requirements

These professionals require a certain amount of education and training to become qualified for automotive and mechanical work.

Education

Most employers in the U.S. require a high school diploma or a GED. After high school, vocational or community colleges may offer two-year associate’s degrees that include classroom education and practical training where you learn maintenance and repair skills. After the two-year program, some students transfer to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Training

Some technical high schools and colleges may partner with car manufacturers to arrange for specialized training or internships with car dealerships during school. This experience could lead to a job offer immediately following graduation. Most employers require from one to five years of training on the job before promotion to a senior technician. You may perform the same task many times with supervision before learning another skill.

Certifications

After some experience in the field, you can take tests for certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which offers certificates in over 40 areas of auto repair expertise, including such specialties as collision repair, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering and alternate fuels.

Skills

Many people gain repair and diagnostic skills through entry-level mechanic jobs and mentoring by more experienced technicians. Some skills and qualities include:

Efficiency

Automotive labor is typically billed by the hour, so many customers appreciate mechanics who work efficiently and return the repaired car quickly. Shop owners make more money by moving vehicles through promptly, so your work increases in value when it’s done efficiently.

Problem-solving

Some work of automobile technicians is hypothesizing and testing that hypothesis to determine the cause of vehicle trouble. Computer equipment helps with high-level diagnosis, but developing your own problem-solving abilities will aid in productivity and success.

Diverse manufacturing knowledge

In some shops, every vehicle that needs service may present a different problem and a different level of maintenance and care. The more diverse your knowledge of all kinds of vehicles and systems, the more customers you can help.

Technical proficiency

You will need to learn to use specialized computer diagnostic equipment to determine the cause of a check engine light, for example, or perform a government-mandated vehicle emissions inspection. You’ll need to learn how to adapt to new systems, as modern cars are equipped with sophisticated electronic equipment and sensors.

Mechanical expertise

It will be important to know how to perform a variety of repairs on many vehicles and a good sense of how mechanical parts fit and function together.

Automotive technician work environment

There are some aspects of automotive repair work that are very similar from shop to shop. Others will vary depending on if the shop specializes or has irregular hours. Here are some characteristics you can expect in most automotive work environments:

  • Working inside a garage or shop with concrete floors and a high ceiling to accommodate vehicle lifts 
  • A 40-hour workweek is common in the industry, with most shops open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some have extended weekend hours where you may receive overtime pay
  • Access to power tools, air tools and hand tools like wrenches, along with the various fluids that make an engine work, like motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, brake fluid and gasoline
  • Observance of deadlines and labor times to accurately reflect estimates given to customers
  • Compliance with strict safety regulations enforced by local laws and shop management
  • Working near other mechanics
  • Repetition of similar tasks

How to become an automotive technician

If you enjoy learning about mechanical objects and working with your hands, automotive repair may be a good match for you. Here are some steps to take to become an automotive technician:

1. Study automotive repair in high school.

If your high school offers auto shop classes, sign up for them along with your traditional academic studies. Take advantage of computer classes to prepare you for technical advancements in modern vehicles.

2. Graduate with a high school diploma.

Most employers will require this proof of education at a minimum. An equivalent such as a GED certificate may also be acceptable.

3. Seek post-secondary or vocational training.

Vocational schools can provide specialized training in as little as six months, with the rest of your training completed on the job. An associate’s degree in automotive technology may offer classes in a wide range of systems education, such as engine repair, suspension or power trains. Applying for a job with a degree on your resume will help set you apart from other candidates.

4. Take advantage of certifications or car manufacturer internships. 

Education programs are often designed to lead to a job after completion. Wherever possible, accept internships or certification training. This can help you know the shop or dealership where work upon completion of your certificate or degree.

5. Acquire a set of tools.

Though some shops provide tools, some places you may work will require you to use your own tools. You should learn how to use and take care of specialized automotive tools and always have what you will need to complete your work. Some tool manufacturers provide discounts or payment plans for students or entry-level automotive technicians.

6. Show enthusiasm in job training.

No matter what task you are assigned during an internship or training period, be positive and willing to learn and perfect the skills you are asked to do.

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