What You'll Do

  • Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
  • Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
  • Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
  • Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
  • Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
  • Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
  • Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
  • Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
  • Align vehicles' front ends.
  • Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.

Essential Skills

Repairing 3.75/5
Troubleshooting 3.62/5
Critical Thinking 3.5/5
Operations Monitoring 3.5/5
Equipment Maintenance 3.38/5
Active Listening 3.25/5
Monitoring 3.25/5
Operation and Control 3.25/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.25/5
Speaking 3.12/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.12/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.12/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Integrity, Analytical Thinking, Independence

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Deductive Reasoning 3.88/5
Manual Dexterity 3.88/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.75/5
Inductive Reasoning 3.75/5
Finger Dexterity 3.75/5
Near Vision 3.75/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.62/5
Control Precision 3.62/5

Technologies & Tools

Alliance Automotive Shop Controller Amcom AUTOS2000 Apple Safari AutoZone ALLDATA Blue Streak Electronics Buell Diagnostic CODA Engine Analysis System Computer aided manufacturing CAM software Database software Estimating software Genisys Fast Fixes Hunter WinAlign IBM Notes Internet browser software Mainsaver Asset Management Microsoft Edge Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.26/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.15/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 3.83/5)
  • Analytical Thinking (High importance: 3.77/5)
  • Independence (High importance: 3.75/5)

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How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician) AC Mechanic (Air Conditioning Mechanic) Alternative Fuel Vehicle Maintenance Technician (AFV Maintenance Tech) Alternative Fuel Vehicle Repair Technician (AFV Repair Tech) Ambulance Mechanic Antenna Installer Antenna Specialist ASE Master Mechanic (Automotive Service Excellence Master Mechanic) Audio Installer Auto A/C Installer (Automotive Air Conditioning Installer) Auto A/C Mechanic (Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic) Auto Bench Mechanic (Automotive Bench Mechanic) Auto Brake Mechanic (Automotive Brake Mechanic) Auto Clutch Rebuilder (Automotive Clutch Rebuilder) Auto Clutch Specialist (Automotive Clutch Specialist) Auto Engine Mechanic (Automotive Engine Mechanic) Auto Garage Mechanic (Automotive Garage Mechanic) Auto Glass Tech (Automotive Glass Technician) Auto Headlight Mechanic (Automotive Headlight Mechanic) Auto Heater Mechanic (Automotive Heater Mechanic) Auto Motor Mechanic (Automotive Motor Mechanic) Auto Overhauler (Automotive Overhauler) Auto Radiator Mechanic (Automotive Radiator Mechanic) Auto Radiator Specialist (Automotive Radiator Specialist) Auto Rebuilder (Automotive Rebuilder) Auto Service Mechanic (Automotive Service Mechanic) Auto Services Break Repairer (Automotive Services Brake Repairer) Auto Suspension and Steering Mechanic (Automotive Suspension and Steering Mechanic) Auto Tech Specialist (Automotive Technician Specialist) Auto Tire Tech (Automotive Tire Technician) Auto Tune Up Mechanic (Automotive Tune Up Mechanic) Auto Wheel Alignment Specialist (Automotive Wheel Alignment Specialist) Automatic Top Lift Repairer Automatic Transmission Mechanic (Auto Transmission Mechanic) Automatic Window Seat Repairer Automobile Mechanic (Auto Mechanic) Automobile Radiator Mechanic (Auto Radiator Mechanic) Automobile Service Advisor (Auto Service Advisor) Automobile Service Station Mechanic (Auto Service Station Mechanic) Automobile Technician (Auto Tech) Automotive Accessories Installer (Auto Accessory Installer) Automotive Alignment Specialist (Auto Alignment Specialist) Automotive Brake Adjuster (Auto Braker Adjuster) Automotive Brake Specialist (Auto Brake Specialist) Automotive Brake Technician (Auto Brake Tech) Automotive Consultant (Auto Consultant) Automotive Cooling System Diagnostic Technician (Auto Cooling System Diagnostic Tech) Automotive Customer Advisor (Auto Customer Advisor) Automotive Drivability Technician (Auto Drivability Tech) Automotive Fuel Injection Servicer (Auto Fuel Injection Servicer) Automotive Fuel Systems Converter (Auto Fuel Systems Converter) Automotive Mechanic (Auto Mechanic) Automotive Mechanical Restorer Automotive Repair Technician (Auto Repair Tech) Automotive Service Advisor (Auto Service Advisor) Automotive Service Technician (Auto Service Tech) Automotive Specialty Technician (Auto Specialty Tech) Automotive Technician (Auto Tech) Body Wirer Brake Adjuster Brake Drum Lathe Operator Brake Liner Brake Reliner Brake Repairer Brake Shoe Rebuilder Brake Specialist Brakeman Car Mechanic Carburetor Expert Carburetor Mechanic Carburetor Rebuilder Carburetor Specialist Certified ASE Master Auto Tech (Certified Automotive Service Excellence Master Automotive Technician) Certified Technician Chassis Mechanic Chassis Wirer Clutch Mechanic Clutch Rebuilder Clutch Specialist Cylinder Block Mechanic Detailer Diagnostic Technician (Diagnostic Tech) Diesel Lube Tech (Diesel Lubrication Technician) Diesel Retrofit Installer Drivability Technician Electric Vehicle Electrician (EV Electrician) Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Technician Emission Technician (Emission Tech) Emissions Repair Technician (Emissions Repair Tech) Engine Mechanic Experimental Mechanic Frameman Framer Front End Alignment Specialist Front End Mechanic Front End Specialist Fuel Conversion Technician (Fuel Conversion Tech) Fuel Injection Servicer Fuel Retrofitting Technician General Service Tech (General Service Technician) Hand Spring Repairer Headlight Adjuster Heater Installer Heavy Duty Mechanic Heavy Line Technician (Heavy Line Tech) Heavy Repairer Hybrid Car Mechanic Hydramatic Mechanic Hydramatic Specialist Hydraulic Mechanic Hydraulic Specialist Ignition Expert Ignition Mechanic Ignition Specialist Instrument Repairer Leak Repairer Level Auto Tech (Level Automotive Technician) Light Adjuster Line Mechanic Lube Tech (Lubrication Technician) Magneto Specialist Make Ready Mechanic Mechanic Mechanical Car Checker Motor Block Mechanic Motor Electrician Motor Tune-Up Specialist Muffler Installer Muffler Mechanic New Car Get-Ready Mechanic New Car Make Ready Mechanic Oil Bay Technician Power Brake Rebuilder Quick Lube Tech (Quick Lubrication Technician) Quick Service Technician (Quick Service Tech) Race Car Mechanic Racing Mechanic Radiator Cleaner Radiator Mechanic Radiator Specialist Radiator Tester Radio Aerial Installer Radio Antenna Installer Radio Installer Rattle Repairer Remote Control Mirror Installer Repair Technician (Repair Tech) Safety Belt Installer Service Advisor Service Technician (Service Tech) Shop Technician (Shop Tech) Speedometer Mechanic Spring Floor Service Worker Spring Repairer Squeak Repairer Tear Down Man Tear Down Worker Tire Technician (Tire Tech) Transmission Mechanic Transmission Rebuilder Transmission Specialist Trim Technician (Trim Tech) Tune-Up Mechanic Undercar Specialist Used Car Make Ready Mechanic Vehicle Fuel Systems Converter Vehicle Mechanic Wheel Adjuster Wheel Aligner Wheel Alignment Mechanic Wheel Alignment Technician (Wheel Alignment Tech) Wheel Tuner Wheelwright