A Mechanic has to have sufficient knowledge in mechanics, electricity and automotive electronics to have enough knowledge to adapt to the technological, rapid and continuous evolutions of the sector. First, you will have to diagnose faulty, worn or damaged systems or components and determine the cause of the failure or problem by testing with specialized equipment. You will have to dismantle, repair and reassemble parts and components requiring repair or replacement.

A mechanic’s interpersonal skills will allow him to listen to the client, understand his expectations and advise him. A mechanic has to be gifted with skills in observation, analysis, and reflection. Skilled and precise in his gestures, he is rigorous and methodical in his interventions. A certain physical strength is necessary to support the work in the workshop, in positions that are sometimes uncomfortable. The activity also requires handling of solvents.

The beginning of Your Career

At the beginning of your career as a mechanic, you will be in a position to put into practice general maintenance and to repair minor defects, and assist a companion in other repairs. Only after you have completed the required number of hours will you have the skills that will allow you to perform most of the general mechanic duties. After you have acquired a few years of experience, you may even be called upon to supervise a mechanics workshop, become a Vehicle maintenance and repair technical advisor or even start a business.

Competition in the sector is very harsh, with independent garages becoming increasingly scarce. To find a job, it is better to turn to dealers of major brands or automotive centers offering a wide range of services. You may also be able to perform inspections on various motor vehicles or be a certified vehicle inspector.

When he becomes the owner of a garage, the mechanic can have a higher income which varies according to the importance of his activity. The mechanic also carries out all the vehicle inspection and maintenance work. The mechanic has to adapt to new activities: rapid interventions (24-hour support), technical pre-testing, revision-maintenance packages, etc.

As an automotive mechanic, you will be responsible for maintaining, developing, inspecting, repairing and adjusting the various systems and components of various types of motor vehicles, including light trucks and light vans. With experience and additional training, you will be able to become a specialist mechanic to perform audits, inspections, and repairs on complex vehicle systems such as electrical and electronic systems, injection systems, electronic ignition systems, emission control systems, handling systems, engines, etc.

The mechanic will list all the necessary interventions: repair, replacement of defective parts, adjustments, etc. He submits a quote to the customer, and if accepted, repairs are made. When handing over the vehicle, the mechanic explains the work performed and details the invoice. Several years of work can allow the automotive technician to be promoted as a team leader or workshop leader. Some employees, with a background in management and accounting, can also set up their own business.

Today’s cars contain many electronic components. This has profoundly changed the mechanic’s work. The mechanic is often helped by a diagnostic case supplied by the manufacturer to test different elements. The mechanic listens to the customer’s explanations and examines the vehicle to identify the cause of an outage.

A mechanic will have to perform road tests that are the final part of the analysis of the automobile, hence rendering it likely that you can put into practice the final specialized alterations. A mechanic will verify and inspect the proper set up as well as the functioning of all vehicle components and systems, and accompany and advise the customer throughout the repair process on the efficient and optimal use and maintenance of the vehicle. After analyzing the information given by the driver, the mechanic will examine the vehicle.

This phase allows him to make a first hypothesis about the origin of the malfunction or the breakdown. Using electronic diagnostic equipment, a mechanic will conduct more precise and detailed checks on the mechanical, electrical or electronic components involved. The interpretation of the results of the tests carried out will enable him to identify the origin of the failure.

From this diagnosis, he will be able to list the work to be done and the parts to be changed. A mechanic then schedules an intervention, after acceptance of the estimate by the customer. Then a mechanic makes the necessary adjustments according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. The mechanic supplies his workstation with parts, dismantles the defective parts, and replaces or restores the damaged parts.

It is imperative to satisfy the customer to keep them loyal. An automobile mechanic undertakes the highway diagnostic tests and carries out the final adjustments. After the intervention, he returns the vehicle to his driver, explains in detail the work carried out and comments on the invoice.

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