Automotive technicians are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were about 338,000 automobile service technicians working in the U.S. as of May 2018 — and that number is expected to grow by 6% between 2018 and 2028. The BLS also reports that jobs for automotive service technicians offer some of the highest average wages of any occupation: more than $40 per hour on average across all industries.
Work with your hands.
The ability to work with your hands is an important skill for any automotive technician. You need to be able to use tools and troubleshoot problems, so it’s a good idea to learn the correct way to use them.
In addition, working with your hands will help you develop an understanding of how things are put together, which will help when diagnosing problems and figuring out what needs replacing or repairing.
Stay organized and keep track of what you do and when.
It’s important to stay organized and keep track of what you do and when.
- Keep a log of your work, so that if there is ever a question about what was done on a vehicle, it can easily be found in the technician’s notebook. The technician should also make sure that his or her notes are legible for future reference.
- Use a calendar to schedule appointments with customers and set deadlines for tasks such as ordering parts or ordering tools needed for repairs.
- Use checklists to make sure that nothing gets left out during any given repair process–for example, checking whether all fluids have been topped off before returning vehicles to their owners after servicing them at an auto shop (or even just doing regular maintenance).
Understand the physical properties of materials and how they respond to heat, cold and other changing conditions.
- Understand the physical properties of materials and how they respond to heat, cold and other changing conditions.
- Identify materials by their color, texture, smell and sound.
- Recognize what happens when a material changes state (from solid to liquid or gas).
Learn about the different systems that cars use for fuel, air intake, exhaust and engine management.
To be a good automotive technician, you’ll need to know the basics of how cars work. It’s important to understand
the different systems that cars use for fuel, air intake, exhaust and engine management.
You should also learn about the various fluids in your vehicle (like coolant or oil) as well as what each does for your car’s operation.
Perform diagnostics on vehicles, including computers and sensors, to locate problems and make repairs.
In order to perform the job effectively, an automotive technician must be able to diagnose and fix problems in vehicles. This requires a thorough understanding of how they work, as well as the tools needed to repair them.
A vehicle’s computer system is responsible for monitoring many functions including engine performance, fuel economy and emissions levels. Sensors provide information on speedometer readings or other aspects of your car’s performance such as airbag deployment during an accident or tire pressure readings when you’re driving at high speeds on the highway (which can cause damage if not corrected).
Use tools such as digital multimeters (DMM) to check electrical systems and test various parts of a vehicle’s engine.
A digital multimeter (DMM) is a device that measures voltage, current, and resistance. It can be used to test electrical systems and various parts of a vehicle’s engine. To use a DMM:
- Set the range selector switch on your meter to the appropriate setting for what you are measuring. For example, if you’re checking battery voltage, set it at DC volts; if you’re testing an electrical system wire with 12 volts running through it, select AC volts; if you want to measure how much current is flowing through an object (such as an outlet or light bulb), select milliamperes (mA).
- Check any instructions specific to your type of DMM–some DMMs require additional settings before use!
Keep up with current developments in automotive technology by attending seminars, reading journals or taking online courses.
- Read trade journals and magazines.
- Attend seminars, conferences and training events.
- Take online courses from reputable institutions that offer automotive technician training programs such as community colleges or vocational schools in your area. You can also learn about new developments by joining a professional organization such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
- Keep up with social media news feeds from manufacturers like General Motors or Ford Motor Company, which often post photos of new products that will be coming soon to market along with updates about current models being produced at their assembly plants around the country.
Automotive technician skills can help you find a fulfilling career in this growing field
The automotive technician field is a good choice for people who enjoy working with their hands, have an interest in cars and trucks and want a career that offers good pay and benefits. An automotive technician can earn between $50,000 and $70,000 per year depending on his qualifications and experience. Auto technicians must complete several years of training before they are able to work on vehicles independently; however, there are many opportunities for apprenticeships at local dealerships or auto shops if you do not want to go back to school right away.
- Be prepared for extensive training requirements: Automotive technicians must complete at least two years of schooling before being able to work independently as an automotive technician at an auto shop or dealership; however some schools offer programs lasting up to four years.*
If you have an interest in cars and are looking for a career that’s both challenging and rewarding, then an automotive technician may be the perfect choice for you. With proper training and certification from a reputable school or organization, you can get started on this exciting career path today!
