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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an automotive technician. Feel free to use our automotive technician job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an automotive technician.

 

Who is an Automotive Technician?

An automotive technician is a professional who fixes, inspects, and helps maintain vehicles. Except for bicycles, baby carriages, and wheelbarrows, automotive technicians work with anything that has wheels. Automotive technicians, unlike traditional mechanics, are in charge of the electronic and computer systems that have become standard in contemporary automobiles, as well as the traditional gears and pistons.

 

An automotive technician diagnoses customer vehicles for problems by test driving them and interacting with the vehicle using diagnostic tools on the vehicle electronics. For customers who only require a brief car inspection, they also do standard maintenance jobs such as tire rotations and oil changes.

Automotive technicians normally work in a mechanic’s garage with a variety of tools, both electronic and manual, some of which require training to use. It is also a physically demanding profession that demands lifting, squatting, long periods in awkward positions, and exposure to dangerous chemicals. They think quickly and precisely, work well with their hands, and have a broad understanding of various automotive types and models.

Sometimes, they use hoists to raise the vehicle to expose its underside and use pneumatic air machinery for loosening and tightening parts. Using tools like lathes for brake rotors, and hand wrenches to remove parts is a part of a technician’s work. Each automotive technician profile has its own set of responsibilities, wages, educational requirements, and training programs.

An Automotive Technician, also known as an Automotive Service Technician, works on automobiles, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles for drivers. Their key responsibilities include using tools to locate any potential faults with a person’s vehicle, explaining difficulties to the driver, and performing maintenance on the vehicle to repair or avoid future breakdowns or troubles. Customer service and manufacturer-recommended preventative maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, tune-ups, fluid level checks, emissions checks, and completion of service checklists at prescribed mileage intervals, are all part of technician jobs.

 

Automotive technicians who work in larger shops normally report to an Automotive Mechanic Supervisor. The Automotive Mechanic Supervisor is usually in charge of overseeing a team of automotive technicians to ensure that they are providing excellent service to consumers and working efficiently. To keep the shop running efficiently, several of them do big-picture tasks. They’re also in charge of arranging shifts, dealing with any client complaints or concerns regarding the Technicians, and guiding Automotive Technicians who are having trouble solving difficult car repair issues.

In smaller repair shops, Automotive Technicians may report directly to the shop owner with any queries or concerns.

However, there are many levels of automotive technicians; the Mid-level technicians, diagnose and repair issues with the engine, transmission, electrical, steering, suspension, brakes, and other systems. You may also be expected to evaluate and test new automobiles to prepare reports outlining the necessary repairs.

Finally, master-level technicians have all of their colleagues’ obligations plus a few extra. It is their responsibility to ensure that automobiles satisfy manufacturer maintenance and safety criteria. These technicians must also test drive automobiles and use several technical gears such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices to examine automotive systems. If you work at a dealership, you’ll be required to do warranty repairs to keep the vehicle’s quality and condition.

 

Types of Automotive Technicians

1. Brake technicians: They troubleshoot brake problems, adjust brakes, replace brake rotors and pads, and perform other brake system repairs. Some mechanics are experts in both brake and front-end repair.
2. Air conditioners and parts, including pressors, condensers, and controls, are installed and repaired by automotive air conditioning technicians. Workers handling refrigerants must be trained and certified.
3. Drivability technicians, often known as diagnostic technicians, identify problems with engines by applying their considerable understanding of engine management, fuel, electrical, ignition, and emissions systems. To locate the problem, they frequently employ a car’s onboard diagnostic system as well as electronic testing equipment such as scan tools and multimeters.
4. Front-end technicians look for problems with the ride, handling, and tire wear. They usually employ specific alignment equipment and wheel-balancing tools to remedy these issues.
5. Rebuilders and transmission technicians work on transmission gear trains, couplings, hydraulic pumps, and other components. Working on these complicated components necessitates a thorough understanding of computer controls as well as the ability to detect electrical and hydraulic issues.

 

Automotive Technician Job Description

Below are the automotive technician job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an automotive technician job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The duties and responsibilities of an automotive technician include the following:

• Maintain a sanitary and secure work environment.
• Perform car maintenance and repairs for customers.
• Produce legible and correct paperwork that accurately reflects the task done.
• Conduct emissions inspections, safety inspections, and other state-mandated vehicle inspections.
• Utilize diagnostic instruments to identify car problems.
• Maintenance of brake and steering system.
• Inspect electric and electronic systems.
• Service transmission and fuel components when necessary.
• Repair cooling components and systems, such as air conditioners and engine cooling.
• Lift things weighing up to 50 Ibs
• Fix brake pads, wheel bearings, and sensors.
• Instruct customers on how to enhance their car maintenance.
• keep expenses down, use warranties, replacement components, and personal experience.
• Provide customers with a general estimate and write it down.
• Create a trustworthy relationship with clients by utilizing customer satisfaction skills.
• Maintain inventory and order supplies as needed to ensure a consistent supply of parts.
• Ability to use any tools, including power tools, that are required for repairs.
• Implement strict checklists to guarantee that every component of the vehicle is examined.

 

Qualifications

• A university degree preferably in mechanical engineering, mechatronics engineering, or a similar field.
• An associate’s degree in applied science (AAS) in Automotive Maintenance or Automotive Technology.
• Experience with automobiles and engines, as well as auto mechanic training, is necessary.
• Experience as a lube technician or willingness to learn on the job.
• Experience with heavy equipment and as a diesel mechanic, as well as knowledge of diesel engines, is required, or be willing to undergo on-the-job training.
• 2–5 years of experience are required.
• Possess a current driver’s license.
• Ability to keep a professional demeanor while providing friendly customer service.
• Working knowledge of state inspection guidelines, particularly those concerning emissions and safety, is advantageous.

 

Essential Skills

• Skills in customer service: Customers and service technicians must discuss car issues, as well as repair options. Workers must be friendly, good listeners, and ready to answer customers’ queries because they may rely on repeat customers for revenue.
• Detail-oriented: When examining or repairing car systems, service professionals must be attentive to minute details because mechanical and electronic problems are frequently caused by misalignments or other easy-to-miss causes.
• Dexterity: Many jobs that need stable hands and good hand-eye coordination are performed by service technicians, such as assembling or installing components and subassemblies.
• Problem-solving abilities. Service personnel must be able to diagnose and repair faults in increasingly complex mechanical and electronic systems using diagnostic tools on engine systems and components. They must be knowledgeable about electronic control systems as well as the tools required to repair and maintain them.
• Organizational skill: To preserve the safety and assure part accountability, service technicians must keep their workspaces clean and orderly.
• Mechanical aptitudes: Engine components and systems, as well as how they interact with one another, must be acquainted with service personnel. They frequently have to disassemble significant components for maintenance and then reassemble them correctly.
• Physical power: Heavy pieces, including engines and body panels, must occasionally be lifted and maneuvered by service professionals.
• Ability to Communicate Verbally – A technician must be able to translate complex mechanical leadership skills phrases into layman’s terms for the ordinary consumer, which goes hand in hand with customer service.
• Work Ethic – Have the defer leadership skills they shift, particularly when business is brisk.
• Analytical skills: These can aid in the conduct of tests and inspections, as well as the diagnosis of elusive automotive problems.
• Leadership skills: You may be asked to manage or instruct others.

 

How to Become an Automotive Technician

• Automotive Technician Programs: If the targeted university offers auto shop programs, high school students should take them to become familiar with the categories, laws, characteristics/qualities, brands, and business phrases. Make the most of your computer classes to help you comprehend the basic computer controls required in current vehicles if you want to be a professional automotive technician.
• Graduation Certificates: Many employers want proof of education as a prerequisite before hiring you. Your high school diploma, for example, can serve as proof that you completed an educational program; however, some automotive technician jobs also accept a GED certificate.
• Vocational Mentoring: Vocational schools can provide you with hands-on experience and help you advance more quickly because they offer specialized training that can be completed in six months and the rest can be learned on the job. This method yields a speedy outcome. You can learn about engine repair, suspension, and power trains by earning an associate’s degree in automotive technology.
• Strong Resume: Take advantage of internship programs at car dealerships; the hands-on experience and expert assistance will enhance your knowledge. Accept internships or certification training whenever possible. This can address any questions you have about becoming a full-time automotive technician while also giving you significant work experience.
• Willingness to complete responsibilities: In job training, always be excited about testing equipment and dealing with clients. A problem-solving attitude, as well as a diverse skill set and the capacity to execute many activities, can help you succeed in this profession.
• Use the Fewest Resources: While some repair businesses will provide hand tools, others will require you to transport and care for your tool collection. Learning how to deal with specialist automotive tools is just as important as knowing how to work with computer technology. Many auto tool makers offer discounts to students and entry-level automobile technicians.
• Registrations, certifications, and licenses: The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is the industry standard for automotive technicians. Certification establishes expertise and, in most cases, leads to greater remuneration. Many employers demand that their automotive technicians obtain certification. Automatic transmission/transaxle, brakes, light vehicle diesel engines, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, heating and air-conditioning, manual drive train and axles, suspension, and steering are among the nine automotive specialty areas where ASE certification is available.

Technicians must have at least two years of experience (or related schooling and one year of experience) and pass an exam to get certified. Technicians who obtain certification in all of the aforementioned areas (light vehicle diesel engine certification is not required) are eligible to become an ASE Master Technician.

 

Where to Work as an Automotive Technician

Automotive technicians can work in a variety of settings, including;

1. vehicle dealerships and servicing companies
2. agricultural equipment servicing companies
3. heavy equipment servicing companies that deal with machines like forklifts, excavators, and earthmoving equipment
4. road transport (heavy trucking) companies.
5. passenger transport (bus) companies.
6. workshops that specialize in repairing farm vehicles like quad bikes.

 

Automotive Technician Salary Scale

The average annual salary for entry-level automotive technicians with no experience is $38,000. Earning potential increases dramatically after two years of work and the completion of certification. An automotive technician’s average yearly compensation is around $66,000, with the highest earners in the industry earning around $120,000.

Salary for Automotive Technicians also varies depending on the industry. Automotive Technicians are paid significantly more in the retail, automotive, and manufacturing industries, according to data. Automotive Technicians, for example, earn a stunning $43,448 on average when working for retail organizations. Others in this sector, meanwhile, earn $40,675 at Automotive firms and $40,250 at Manufacturing companies. Agricultural sectors pay the least, with an average salary of $39,666.

Based on 19 salaries in the UK, an entry-level Automotive Technician with less than 1 year of experience can expect to earn an average total salary of £17,949 (including tips, bonus, and overtime pay). Based on 346 salaries, the average total salary for an early career Automotive Technician with 1-4 years of experience is £20,074. Based on 292 salaries, the average total income for a mid-career Automotive Technician with 5-9 years of experience is £23,297. Based on 326 salaries, the average total salary for an experienced Automotive Technician with 10-19 years of experience is £26,038. Employees with a long career (20 years or more) earn an average total remuneration of £27,721.

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