Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Working Schedule

• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics typically hold full-time jobs
• Schedules may involve working weekends and nights
• Many workers are employed to maintain private vehicle fleets for large organizations whose requirements dictate work schedules

Typical Duties

• Use computerized diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot certain issues
• Refer to standardized procedures, checklists, and technical manuals
• Conduct repairs and routine maintenance in accordance with specifications
• Test, repair, order, and replace parts for numerous makes and models of vehicles
• Safely use hand tools such as wrenches, sockets, ratchets, pliers, as well as larger equipment such as jacks, hoists, welding devices, and lathes
• Work with mechanical systems, such as engines and transmissions
• Work with electronic systems tied to vehicle functions such as braking, transmission, steering
• Potentially work with modern automotive sensor equipment
• Potentially work with vehicles running on electric power or alternative fuels

Additional Responsibilities

• Communicate recommendations and explain all work performed to customers
• Depending on the employer, some sales experience may be helpful
• Many workers specialize in areas such as air-conditioning, brakes and front-ends, diagnostics, and transmissions
• Others are trained to work on ATVs, motorcycles, diesel trucks and buses, or heavy equipment used on farms or in construction

Soft Skills

• Ability to work independently
• Patience and vigilance 
• Strong commitment to quality and safety on the job
• Ability to closely follow instructions 
• Analytical; able to troubleshoot problems
• Precision work
• Good organizational skills for keeping tools secure and in the right place
• Resilience and composure 
• Sound judgment, sometimes under pressure
• Customer service skills
• Very detail-oriented

Technical Skills

• General familiarity with using computerized equipment to look up vehicle histories and run diagnostics
• Operating payment systems 
• Physical skills, such as strength, stamina, dexterity, and hand-eye coordination 
• Good near vision and color vision
• Deep knowledge of mechanics

• Garages or auto care shops for general needs
• Repair centers
• Specialty shops focusing on specific areas
• Foreign-made automobile shops
• Car dealerships
• Large companies with vehicle fleets
• Governmental agencies
• Military units

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics have jobs that demand compliance with factory standards as well as state and federal standards. They’re expected to work efficiently, often while customers are waiting for their vehicle. Many work independently and should be able to troubleshoot problems and reference written guidance, as needed. Often there can be minimal interaction with co-workers as they focus on tasks at hand. 
 
Vehicle repairs and maintenance are typically done indoors, or at least in open bays. Work centers are noisy and there is exposure to vehicle exhaust throughout the day. There is not much in terms of privacy, and there can be pressure to work quickly in order to get through as many jobs as possible in some cases. For those working with private fleets, hours can be impacted by requirements. For example, during holiday periods, extra delivery vans may be needed for package delivery services. This can extend work hours, therefore flexibility may be needed. Working overtime or on weekends and holidays can be challenging for employees taking college classes or who have family commitments. 

The job outlook is fairly stable. There isn’t a projected increase or decrease in job opportunities over the coming decade. Vehicle usage is predicted to climb, however, it may also change as consumers alter their shopping patterns. Online sales are booming while retail stores are facing difficulty, suggesting fewer people driving to physical stores but more deliveries being made by truck or van.  
 
Entry-level service techs may face limited opportunities unless they stay up-to-speed on the latest technologies. This includes electric vehicles, which may have less maintenance requirements. According to CleanTechnica, 97% of mechanics cannot work on electric cars. This is a major factor to consider if you’re looking into additional training and education to stay competitive. 

As you might expect, enthusiasm for cars and vehicles can be an early sign of a budding mechanic. Many workers enjoyed playing with Hot Wheels, assembling LEGO cars, or gluing and painting traditional model kits. For some, a passion for vehicles is a trait passed on from their families. Unlike many other professions, working on cars is something a lot of people do in their own garages. This can provide early exposure to vehicle repair for kids, who might even be asked to lend a hand. 
 
For a lot of workers in this field, cars aren’t simply a job, but a hobby. They may have enjoyed watching NASCAR races or spending weekends fixing up an old classic they bought from an ad. Several car enthusiasts love to attend events where owners show off their custom work. From vintage hotrods to modified imports, there are dozens of magazines and YouTube video channels devoted to every automobile niche you can think of.