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Becoming an Automotive Technician involves much more than just tinkering on cars with tools. Sure, automotive technicians work with their hands and fix cars, but they also use the latest technology to diagnose computer issues and work with customers to identify needed maintenance and make a plan for the future.
With millions of cars on the road, there is a great need for skilled automotive technicians who know how to troubleshoot and fix automobiles. If you are interested in a career as an automotive technician but want to know exactly what that entails, this article can help you out!
Also, if you're interested in becoming an automotive technician, consider enrolling in Florida Career College's Automotive Technician Program. The program is short-term, allowing you to earn an Automotive Technician Diploma in as few as 10 Months.
What Does An Automotive Technician Do?
Automotive Technicians inspect, repair, and perform basic maintenance on automobiles, such as cars and trucks.
Inspecting Automobiles.
Often when people bring their vehicles to an automotive technician, they have no idea what is wrong with them. It’s a technician’s job to fully inspect the vehicle and diagnose the problem. They may do this by just looking and examining common problem areas or taking the vehicle for a test drive, but for the best answers, they use special equipment that tells them the vehicle’s error codes. These codes tell the technician exactly what is wrong. With no error codes, technicians may also check the vehicle’s mileage and other factors to determine any maintenance that needs to be completed.
The terms Automotive technician and automotive mechanic are often used interchangeably but some will argue that mechanics are trained simply to do the fixing while a technician is the one to identify the issue.
Repairs
Both automotive technicians and mechanics are skilled at performing repairs. They are tasked with understanding how each system in a vehicle works and how to switch out parts and equipment as needed. These systems include engine operation, brake systems, fuel systems, and steering systems. Fixing these issues may call for using specialized tools or equipment. Some technicians may choose to specialize in one system and become the expert on it for more difficult cases.
Maintenance
Every car requires regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently. With proper maintenance, a vehicle can continue performing well for decades. This includes tire rotations, oil changes, fluid checks, and replacing parts like brake pads and belts. An automotive technician not only performs this routine maintenance on a vehicle but should also be aware of what preventative maintenance needs to be done based on mileage to be able to share that information with customers.
Carrying out these duties requires using tools and specialized electronic equipment and may involve hoisting the vehicle up to reach components underneath the body.
What Are the Responsibilities of Auto Technicians?
The daily responsibilities of an automotive technician may include the following:
- Use diagnostic equipment to identify issues in a car’s electrical system
- Test driving a vehicle for noticeable issues
- Discussing issues and solutions with clients and providing excellent customer service
- Performing repairs on a vehicle by replacing worn or broken parts
- Performing routine maintenance on a vehicle, including replacing fluids, cleaning filters, and rotating tires
- Test drive vehicles to ensure an issue has been fixed
- Making a note of needed preventative maintenance
- Ordering parts and equipment
- Help keep the shop clean and safe for all mechanics
No client is the same, no vehicle is the same, and no issue is exactly the same, so each day will bring new challenges for an automotive technician. Today your responsibility may be performing routine maintenance, but tomorrow you may spend hours replacing complex parts with new equipment. The main responsibility of any automotive technician is to help a customer fix their vehicle’s problems and get back on the road safely.
What Makes a Good Automotive Technician?
There is no one secret ingredient or personality trait that makes the best Automotive Technician. What makes a good automotive technician depends on the issue and the customer, but there are a few traits that may be important to develop if you are considering a career as an automotive technician.
Excellent communication.
Automotive technicians work mostly independently, but that does not mean they never encounter other people. Most technicians work in shops with other technicians, sharing the same tools and equipment. It’s important to be able to communicate professionally with all of these people so that safety is maintained. An automotive technician also communicates directly with customers. They may be the ones to explain a vehicle’s diagnosis, possible solutions, and the cost of the service. Technicians need to present this information professionally to build trust with clients.
Patient.
Some problems take more work to fix than others. This can be frustrating for the customer and you as the technician. Having the ability to take a deep breath, search for new solutions, and move forward is a great skill to have.
Hard-working.
In this industry, a good work ethic is everything. The work is often done at your own pace, but if your pace is not fast, people notice. Individuals who can keep working until the job is done will do well in this career.
Willing to learn new things.
Going through an automotive technician training program will give you the skills and knowledge you need for an entry-level career as an automotive technician. To advance in the field, you should always strive to learn new things. Those who are eager for new challenges and open to learning new ways to do things will enjoy being an automotive technician.
Passion for cars.
To be honest, a true passion for cars is not completely necessary to becoming an automotive technician, but it makes working in the field much more enjoyable. If you have grown up with a fascination for vehicles and enjoy tinkering around in a garage, why wouldn’t you want to make it a career?
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How To Become an Automotive Technician?
Becoming an automotive technician takes training and experience, but it’s easier than you may think. You can become an automotive technician in just four steps:
- Earn your high school diploma or equivalent. You do not need a college degree to become an automotive technician, but most employers require a high school diploma. You can earn your high school diploma while you receive automotive training at Florida Career College. Give us a call to learn more about this program.
- Enroll in a training program. A hands-on training program is important to give you the knowledge and skills you need to enter the field quickly and confidently.
- Get certified. It’s possible to find an entry-level position without certifications, but certifications will make it possible to advance in the field and specialize in certain areas.
- Find a job. Once you have the skills and knowledge, you are ready for an entry-level position. With training from Florida Career College, you have access to our Career Services Department to help you in your job search.
Consider Enrolling in Florida Career College’s Automotive Technician Program
If you love working on cars and are serious about pursuing a career in this field, Florida Career College has the resources and support to help you prepare for an entry-level position as an automotive technician.
Enroll today, and you can be ready for a new career in less than ten months. Give us a call today to learn more about the Automotive Technician Program.
