1. Home
  2. Careers
  3. Automotive Service Technicians And Mechanics
  4. Required Skills Responsibilities Activities

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Occupation Detailed Description

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics career

General Job Description and Education/Training Levels for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

The main tasks and work activities of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics are to inspect vehicles to determine overall condition, operate transportation equipment to demonstrate function or malfunction, replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts, adjust vehicle components according to specifications. In general, for the Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, repairing, equipment Maintenance, operation Monitoring, troubleshooting and other 16 skills are required.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Job Description
EducationMost occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Related ExperiencePrevious work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job TrainingEmployees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
ExampleThese occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
The following chart shows the education/training levels for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics jobs. 28.79% of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics have High School Diploma (or the equivalent) and 48.69% of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics have Post-Secondary Certificate.
Less than a High School Diploma
14.24%
High School Diploma (or the equivalent)
28.79%
Post-Secondary Certificate
48.69%
Some College Courses
2.26%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
6.02%
Bachelor's Degree and Above
0.00%

Tasks and Work Activities of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

  • Examine vehicles to determine extent of damage or malfunctions.
  • Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
  • Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
  • Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
  • Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
  • Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.
  • Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
  • Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
  • Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
  • Disassemble units and inspect parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
  • Overhaul or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps.
  • Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
  • Repair or replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings.
  • Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
  • Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
  • Repair radiator leaks.
  • Install and repair accessories, such as radios, heaters, mirrors, and windshield wipers.
  • Repair manual and automatic transmissions.
  • Repair or replace shock absorbers.
  • Align vehicles' front ends.
  • Getting InformationObserving, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeKeeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentRunning, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsAnalyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsIdentifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialInspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Interacting With ComputersUsing computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUsing relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
  • Inspect vehicles to determine overall condition.
  • Operate transportation equipment to demonstrate function or malfunction.
  • Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
  • Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
  • Repair non-engine automotive or vehicle components.
  • Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
  • Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
  • Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.
  • Plan work procedures.
  • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
  • Service vehicles to maintain functionality.
  • Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies.
  • Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
  • Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
  • Service heating, ventilation or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or components.
  • Reassemble equipment after repair.
  • Rewire electrical or electronic systems.
  • Install vehicle parts or accessories.

Skills and Abilities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

  • RepairingRepairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  • Equipment MaintenancePerforming routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • Operation MonitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • TroubleshootingDetermining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Operation and ControlControlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Quality Control AnalysisConducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
  • Equipment SelectionDetermining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  • Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Active LearningUnderstanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
  • CoordinationAdjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Service OrientationActively looking for ways to help people.
  • Time ManagementManaging one's own time and the time of others.
  • Social PerceptivenessBeing aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • MonitoringMonitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Finger DexterityThe ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessThe ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
  • Near VisionThe ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Control PrecisionThe ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Deductive ReasoningThe ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Manual DexterityThe ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Hearing SensitivityThe ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
  • Multilimb CoordinationThe ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
  • Inductive ReasoningThe ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Problem SensitivityThe ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Extent FlexibilityThe ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  • Information OrderingThe ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
  • Flexibility of ClosureThe ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
  • VisualizationThe ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
  • Visual Color DiscriminationThe ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
  • Oral ComprehensionThe ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Reaction TimeThe ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
  • Oral ExpressionThe ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Written ComprehensionThe ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Selective AttentionThe ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
  • Multimeterse.g. 2-channel lab scopes
  • Hammerse.g. 3 pound sledge hammers
  • Hammerse.g. 5 pound sledge hammers
  • Multi gas monitorse.g. 5-gas emissions analyzers
  • Adjustable wrenchese.g. Adjustable wrenches
  • Air compressorse.g. Air compressors
  • Refrigerant compressorse.g. Air conditioner chargers
  • Pneumatic drille.g. Air drills
  • Pneumatic sanding machinese.g. Air sanders
  • Specialty wrenchese.g. Alignment wrenches
  • Hex keyse.g. Allen wrenches
  • Voltage or current meterse.g. Alternating current/direct current AC/DC inductive current clamps
  • Organic light emitting displayse.g. Anti-lock braking system ABS/air bag scan tools
  • Vacuum pumpse.g. Antifreeze recovery equipment
  • Anvilse.g. Anvils
  • Organic light emitting displayse.g. Auto scanners
  • Organic light emitting displayse.g. Automotive on-board diagnostics scanners
  • Awlse.g. Awls
  • Pullerse.g. Ball joint separators
  • Ball peen hammere.g. Ball peen hammers
  • MechanicalKnowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Computers and ElectronicsKnowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Engineering and TechnologyKnowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  • Administration and ManagementKnowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  • MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.