Even though many use them interchangeably, auto mechanics and technicians are not the same. Here are their differences: automotive technician vs. mechanic.
what does an automotive technician do
So, here we will take a deep dive into the following 4 basic job duties of an auto mechanic:
Although there are some situations where a customer comes in, tells you the problem, you pop the hood and know with one glance what the issue is, this does not always happen. In fact, that is quite rare. Therefore, one of the most essential basic job duties of an auto mechanic is problem solving and diagnostics. Part of this comes from committing to your education and learning as much as you can about automotive technology and the way cars work in general. Along with that, it will help to familiarize yourself with the diagnostic tools your shop has for you to use. Know your tools and your subject and you will have a great foundation! This is just the start of the answer to the question of the moment, “what does an automotive technician do?”
On top of making your job easier and quicker, being able to communicate clearly and efficiently with your customers will keep them coming back to your shop. With almost 250,000 auto shops across the nation (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics), competition is high. You need to be doing all that you can to encourage your customers to come back. Treating them with respect and care on top of high quality service can help ensure that. So, as you enter your training don’t forget to practice your personal skills as it plays a big part in our question, “What does an automotive technician do?”
Doing repairs can be complex as there isn’t always a clear answer to a problem. A customer may come in saying they heard a weird rattling or they noticed a liquid leaking from the engine. It will be up to you to first diagnose it, figure out which part needs cleaned or replaced, decide whether there are any other parts contributing to the problem, and put it all together. This takes enormous amounts of work and knowledge, do not be afraid to ask for help! This is probably the step that people think of most when they ask, “What does an automotive technician do?” Even though, this step works best when applied with all the others as well.
Whether it is a regular oil change or a transmission fluid flush, each car and product will have different timelines. Although it is ultimately up to the customer to make a decision on these, it is up to the mechanic to educate and encourage a healthy maintenance schedule. If all of your returning customers only come in for maintenance such as new brake pads or tires, they will be much happier. Being able to plan out when you will need maintenance rather than breaking down on the side of the road is essential for a happy customer.
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