How to become a car mechanic?

How to become a car mechanic?

A few years ago, cars usually had manual transmissions and contained only necessary features. At that time, car users used to solve the manageable problems by themselves. In the last two decades, automatic cars have considerably substituted the manual ones. Manufacturers are adding more and more features to the cars. Recent cars very commonly contain add-ons like sensors, navigation systems and protection systems. It is making automotive systems too complex to be diagnosed by regular users.  

Due to the complexity of today's automotive technology, most employers need qualified car mechanics. It has opened new opportunities for young people. Many are targeting to become ar Mechanics. Particularly for those who love to be around cars, becoming a car mechanic could be a dream job.  

If you are passionate about it and do not complain about working in a greasy environment, you must consider starting a career as a car mechanic. Just like with any other job, you have to prepare yourself for this career path by gaining relevant knowledge and experience. Get an education, develop a skill set, and get licensed and certified to become a car mechanic. Soon, you will be on your way to starting a career you are passionate about. 

Car mechanic 

A car mechanic (also known as Motor Mechanic or Auto Mechanic) is qualified to examine, troubleshoot, and repair engines, and mechanical parts of motor vehicles. This may include identifying faults and maintaining smooth functions of transmissions, suspension, steering, and brakes. He can also fix or replace the electrical parts including the sensors, cameras, entertainment systems, navigation systems and hybrid power systems of vehicles.  

Essential skills and qualities 

To solve these problems, a car mechanic must have strong knowledge about a wide range of automotive parts of different kinds of vehicles. He is an expert to use different types of diagnostic tools, such as lathes, torches, jacks and other devices. He has the technical ability to use computer diagnostic and testing equipment.  

Apart from technical knowledge, a car mechanic should have a range of soft-skills as well. He needs to be detail-oriented, to examine critical parts and follow detailed checklists. He needs to have strong customer service and communication skills. He has to be able to explain what he is doing in layman’s terms so that anyone can understand the problem and how it will be fixed.

The following skills and qualities are essential to become a successful car mechanic.

1.       Mechanical skills: If you want to be a good mechanic, you should have good knowledge about every part of the vehicles. You must able to take apart and put back together again the working parts of a machine.

2.       Computer skills: Modern cars usually contain electronic devices like entertainment systems, navigation systems, and sensors. To fix problems in these devices, a car mechanic needs to have good computer knowledge. Also, current diagnostic tools often require mechanics to apply their computer skills.  

3.       Troubleshooting ability: A good car mechanic can find out and solve the problems. He can quickly narrow down to a root cause of a problem. Usually, when a car has faults, there would be some kind of smell or sound. Car mechanic must become familiar with these factors, and solve those by using diagnosis tools. 

4.       Customer service ability: Most car mechanic will be in contact with customers. They have to explain problems, what would be the solutions and how much it will charge. If a customer gets good service from a car mechanic, he will come back again. 

5.       Physical strength: A car mechanic often have to stand all day long, have to lift heavy parts, fix the problems by standing or lying under the vehicles. By doing gym (bench presses, deadlifts, and squats are most effective exercise) or going for a long walk in your surrounding areas in the morning may help you to be fit for doing heavy tasks in your workplace. 

How to be prepared? 

Understanding and solving faults in vehicles is a technical puzzle. A car mechanic has to be educated and qualified enough to figure out the puzzle. It requires formal education and in-depth training to become a car mechanic.   

Automotive technology training programs are available at a few different levels of study. Some mechanics complete a vocational training program during high school, and others attend a technical school or community college after high school graduation. It varies depending on the education systems of different countries. 

However, the following steps of becoming a car mechanic are usually same irrespective of countries and education systems:  

1.       Get a high school education: You will need complete high school education or at least a high school diploma to enroll in a certificate or degree program. While in high school, you should take any classes that are relevant to auto mechanic work. If there are automobile-specific classes at your school, then you should make room in your schedule for them. If not, classes focusing on mathematics, physics and electronics will give you a strong foundation of knowledge. 

2.       Complete a certification or vocational program: These programs will educate you about the theories behind operations of vehicles and their systems. They will usually provide lectures and hands-on training on engines, suspensions, transmissions, brakes, and air conditioning and heating. The hands-on experience achieved in these programs boosts the confidence level. Employers prefer to recruit those who have completed certification or vocational degrees.  

3.       Get an associate degree: Similar to certification and vocational programs, you will learn both automotive service technology in associate degrees. But it may take a little longer than a certificate course and may also cost more. However, you will learn about much more about vehicles. You will get lessons on computer and technology. These courses may also focus on business and management. Having an associate degree thus boosts your chances of getting a job. 

Gather experiences and hands-on skills

Although formal education provides knowledge and training, it is very important to have the work-place experience to become a successful car mechanic. On-the-job training gives the opportunity to implement the acquired knowledge in the real world. By working in an entry-level position, you may get a chance to prove your competencies.

In these pieces of training, you will work with experts like lubricant workers, trainee technicians, or automotive helpers. You must learn to work independently and as part of a team during the training. 

The length and intensity of that training depend upon many factors, including how specialized the work is. Once you gather practical experience by working with seniors, then you can apply for a full-time job.

Final words

A car mechanic is a challenging but rewarding career path. The demand for expert car mechanics is growing with the advancement of automotive industries. Mechanics with sound mechanical knowledge, as well as, modern diagnostic skill sets are assets for any employer. 

Technologies are changing at a rapid pace. It is important to keep up with the latest techniques and engine features. Car mechanics have to upgrade themselves with the latest trend of technologies used in modern cars. Continuous skill upgrade and awareness of current technologies are thus crucial for a mechanic.