When mechanical or electrical troubles occur, mechanics first get a description of the symptoms from the owner or the repair service estimator. To locate the problem, the mechanic may have to test drive the vehicle or use a variety of test equipment, such as diagnostic computers and compression gauges. Once the cause of the problem is found, mechanics make adjustments or repairs.

During routine service, mechanics inspect and lubricate engines and other components. They also repair or replace parts before they cause breakdowns. Mechanics usually follow a checklist to ensure they examine important parts, such as belts, hoses, plugs, brake and fuel systems, and other potentially troublesome items.

Automotive mechanics, often called automotive service technicians, inspect, maintain or repair automobiles and light trucks with gasoline engines, such as vans and pickups.

Diesel mechanics work on diesel-powered trucks, buses and heavy equipment.

Small-engine mechanics repair and service motorcycles, mopeds, small all-terrain vehicles, boat engines and other small combustion engines.

Aviation mechanics adjust, align and calibrate aircraft systems. To keep aircraft in peak operating condition, aircraft mechanics and engine specialists perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and complete inspections required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They examine and inspect engines or other components for cracks, leaks or breaks, and test engine and system operations to detect and diagnose malfunctions. They may also repair and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components and parts, such as wings and fuselage, rigging and hydraulic units. This career is defined as an evolving occupation in Texas, which means that substantial growth opportunities exist, because airports in Texas handle over 10% of the airline traffic in the United States. Although aviation mechanics require specialized training in aircraft engines and systems, a background in automotive mechanics is a good start for this career.

In the most modern shops, service technicians use electronic service equipment, such as infrared engine analyzers and computerized diagnostic devices. These devices diagnose problems and make precision adjustments with calculations downloaded from large computer databases. These computerized systems can automatically update technical manuals, and allow technicians access to current manufacturers' service information. Automotive mechanics have become increasingly specialized. For example:

Automatic transmission mechanics work on gear trains, couplings, hydraulic pumps, and other parts of automatic transmissions.

Tune-up mechanics adjust the ignition timing and valves, and adjust or replace spark plugs and other parts to ensure efficient engine performance. They often use electronic test equipment to locate and adjust malfunctions in fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems.

Automotive air-conditioning mechanics install and repair air conditioners, and service components such as compressors, condensers, and controls. They require special training in Federal and State regulations governing the handling and disposal of refrigerants.

Automotive-radiator mechanics clean radiators with caustic solutions, locate and solder leaks, and install new radiator cores or replacement radiators. They also may repair heaters and air-conditioners, and solder leaks in gasoline tanks.

Front-end mechanics align and balance wheels, and repair steering mechanisms and suspension systems. They frequently use special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.

Brake repairers adjust brakes, replace brake linings and pads, and make other repairs on brake systems. Some mechanics specialize in both brake and front-end work.

Automotive electricians work exclusively with vehicle electrical and electronic systems (see also Electronics/Microcomputer Technology).

Automotive body repairers use special equipment to restore damaged metal frames and body sections. They chain or clamp the frames and sections to alignment machines that use hydraulic pressure to align damaged components. "Unibody" vehicles, designs built without frames, must be restored to precise factory specifications for the vehicle to operate correctly. To do so, repairers use bench systems to make accurate measurements of how much each section is out of alignment and hydraulic machinery to return the vehicle back to its original shape.

Mechanics use power tools such as pneumatic wrenches to remove bolts quickly, machine tools like lathes and grinding machines to rebuild brakes, welding and flame-cutting equipment to remove and repair exhaust systems, and jacks and hoists to lift cars and engines. They also use common hand tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches.

The most important possessions of mechanics are their hand tools. Mechanics usually provide their own tools and many experienced mechanics have thousands of dollars invested in them. Employers typically furnish expensive power tools, engine analyzers, and other diagnostic equipment, but hand tools are accumulated with experience.

 

Most automotive mechanics work a standard 40-hour week, but many self-employed mechanics work longer hours. To satisfy customer service needs, many mechanics provide evening and weekend service. Generally, mechanics work indoors in well- ventilated and lighted repair shops. However, some shops are drafty and noisy. Mechanics frequently work with dirty and greasy parts, and in awkward positions. They often lift heavy parts and tools. Minor cuts, burns, and bruises are common, but serious accidents are avoided when the shop is kept clean and orderly and safety practices are observed. Some problems can be fixed with simple computerized adjustments avoiding the need to get dirty.

Successful mechanics require good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of automobiles. Many mechanics consider diagnosing "hard to find" troubles one of their most challenging and satisfying duties. For trainee mechanic jobs, employers look for people with strong communication and analytical skills. Mathematics and computer skills are needed to study technical manuals and keep abreast of new technology. People who have a desire to learn new service and repair procedures and specifications are excellent candidates for trainee mechanic jobs. Trainees also must possess mechanical aptitude and knowledge of how automobiles work.

All automotive mechanics must be familiar with at least the basic principles of electronics. There are more computers aboard a car today than aboard the first spaceship. A new car has from 10 to 15 on-board computers operating everything from the engine to the radio. In the past, a specialist usually handled any problems involving electrical systems or electronics, but electronics are now commonplace. Engine controls and dashboard instruments were among the first components to use electronics, but now electronics are used in brakes, transmissions, steering systems, and a variety of other components. Automotive mechanics must be able to recognize when an electronic malfunction may be responsible for a problem as well as test and replace electronic components.

Because of the complexity of new vehicles, completion of high school is required by almost all employers. Courses in automotive repair, electronics, physics, chemistry, English, computers, and mathematics provide a good educational background for a career as an automotive mechanic. Automotive technology is rapidly increasing in sophistication and most training authorities strongly recommend that persons seeking automotive mechanic jobs complete a formal training program after graduating from high school. While some high school programs equip graduates with enough skills to get a job as a mechanic's helper or trainee mechanic after graduation, most employers regard the successful completion of a vocational training program in automotive mechanics at a post-secondary institution as the best preparation for trainee positions.

Tech Prep post-secondary automotive mechanic training programs provide intensive career preparation through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Some trade and technical school programs provide concentrated training for 6 months to a year, depending on how many hours the student must attend each week. Community college programs normally spread the training out over 2 years, supplementing automotive training with instruction in English, basic mathematics, computers, and other subjects, and award an associate degree or certificate.

The standard achievement for automotive mechanics is voluntary certification by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Certification in one or more of eight different service areas, such as electrical systems, engine repair, brake systems, suspension and steering, and heating and air conditioning is awarded to mechanics. To be certified as a master automotive mechanic, mechanics must be certified in all eight areas. For certification in each area, mechanics must have at least 2 years of experience and pass a written examination. Completion of an automotive mechanic program in high school, vocational or trade school, or community or junior college may be substituted for 1 year of experience. Mechanics must retake the examination at least every 5 years to maintain their certification.

The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), an affiliate of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), certifies automobile mechanic, collision specialist, and diesel and medium/heavy truck mechanic training programs offered by high schools, post-secondary trade schools, technical institutes, and community colleges. While NATEF certification is voluntary, certification does signify that the program meets uniform standards for instructional facilities, equipment, staff credentials, and curriculum.

The various automobile manufacturers and their participating dealers sponsor 2-year associate degree programs at 213 post-secondary schools across the Nation. The manufacturers provide ASE certified instruction, service equipment and current model cars on which students practice new skills, and learn the latest automotive technology. Curriculums are updated frequently to reflect changing technology and equipment. Students in these programs typically spend alternate 6- to 12-week periods attending classes full time and working full time in the service departments of sponsoring dealers. While working in the dealerships, they are assigned an experienced mechanic to relate experiences and provide hands-on instruction. Also, some sponsoring dealers provide students with financial assistance for tuition or the purchase of tools.

In addition, employers usually send experienced automotive mechanics to manufacturer training centers to learn to repair new models or to receive special training in the repair of components such as electronic fuel injection or air-conditioning systems. Motor vehicle dealers may also send promising beginners to manufacturer sponsored mechanic training programs. Factory representatives come to many shops to conduct short training sessions. This additional training is typically provided by the employer, in order to maintain or upgrade employee skills, and thus increase their value to the dealership.

Beginners perform many routine service tasks and make simple repairs with a few months' experience. It usually takes 2 to 5 years of experience to acquire adequate proficiency to become a journey-level service mechanic and quickly perform the more difficult types of routine service and repairs. However, graduates of the better post-secondary mechanic training programs are often able to earn promotion to the journey level after only a few months on the job. An additional 1 to 2 years experience familiarizes the mechanic with all types of repairs. Difficult specialties, such as transmission repair, require another year or two of training and experience. In contrast, automotive radiator mechanics and brake specialists, who do not need an all-around knowledge of automotive repair, may learn their jobs in considerably less time.

Experienced mechanics possessing leadership ability may advance to shop supervisor or service manager. Mechanics who work well with customers may become automotive repair service estimators. Some with sufficient funds open independent repair shops.

National median weekly earnings of automotive mechanics who were wage and salary workers were $478 in 1996. The middle 50 percent earned between $333 and $667 a week. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $250 a week, and the top 10 percent earned more than $850 a week.

Many experienced mechanics employed by automotive dealers and independent repair shops receive a commission related to the labor cost charged to the customer. Under this method, weekly earnings depend on the amount of work completed by the mechanic. Employers frequently guarantee commissioned mechanics a minimum weekly salary. Many master mechanics earn from $70,000 to $100,000 annually.

Automotive mechanics held about 775,000 jobs in 1996. The majority worked for retail and wholesale automotive dealers and independent automotive repair shops, and gasoline service stations. Others found employment in automotive service facilities at department, automotive, and home supply stores. A small number maintained automobile fleets for taxicab and automobile leasing companies; Federal, State and local governments, and other organizations. Motor vehicle manufacturers employed some mechanics to test, adjust, and repair cars at the end of assembly lines. About 20 percent of automotive mechanics were self-employed.

Employment opportunities for automotive mechanics are expected to increase about as fast as the national average for all occupations through the year 2006. Employment growth will continue to be concentrated in automobile dealerships, independent automotive repair shops, and specialty car care chains. Employment of automotive mechanics in gasoline service stations will continue to decline as fewer stations offer repair services.

Job opportunities in this occupation are expected to be good for persons who complete automotive training programs in high school, vocational and technical schools, or community colleges. Persons whose training includes basic electronics skills should have the best opportunities. Persons without formal mechanic training are likely to face competition for entry-level jobs. Mechanic careers are attractive to many because they afford the opportunity for good pay and the satisfaction of highly skilled work with one's hands.

The number of mechanics will increase because expansion of the driving age population will increase the number of motor vehicles on the road. The growing complexity of automotive technology necessitates that cars be serviced by skilled workers, contributing to the growth in demand for highly trained mechanics. With more young people entering the job market not interested in mechanic and repairer careers, automotive mechanics presents an excellent opportunity for bright, motivated people who have a technical background and desire to make a good living.

Most persons who enter the occupation can expect steady work because changes in economic conditions have little effect on the automotive repair business. During a downturn, however, some employers may be more reluctant to hire inexperienced workers.