Auto Maintenance and Light Repair

Alternative Job Titles for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

• Automotive Drivability Technician (Auto Drivability Tech)
• Automotive Mechanic (Auto Mechanic)
• Automotive Service Technician (Auto Service Tech)
• Automotive Technician (Auto Tech)
• Diagnostic Technician (Diagnostic Tech)
• Heavy Line Technician (Heavy Line Tech)
• Lube Tech (Lubrication Technician)
• Mechanic
• Quick Service Technician (Quick Service Tech)
• Service Technician (Service Tech)

Job Tasks and Activities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

• Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
• Align equipment or machinery.
• Align vehicles' front ends.
• Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
• Change spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles.
• Clean work areas.
• Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems.
• Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
• Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
• Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
• Diagnose and replace or repair engine management systems or related sensors for flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) with ignition timing, fuel rate, alcohol concentration, or air-to-fuel ratio malfunctions.
• Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
• Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies.
• Disassemble units and inspect parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
• Estimate costs for labor or materials.
• Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
• Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
• Inspect gas systems or components to identify leaks or other potential hazards.
• Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.
• Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
• Inspect vehicles to determine overall condition.
• Install vehicle parts or accessories.
• Install, adjust, or repair hydraulic or electromagnetic automatic lift mechanisms used to raise and lower automobile windows, seats, and tops.
• Maintain cleanliness of work area.
• Operate transportation equipment to demonstrate function or malfunction.
• Overhaul or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps.
• Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
• Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.
• Plan work procedures.
• Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
• Reassemble equipment after repair.
• Rebuild parts or components.
• Rebuild parts, such as crankshafts and cylinder blocks.
• Record information about parts, materials or repair procedures.
• Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
• Repair defective engines or engine components.
• Repair non-engine automotive or vehicle components.
• Repair or replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings.
• Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
• Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
• Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.
• Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
• Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
• Rewire electrical or electronic systems.
• Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
• Service green vehicles to make repairs or maintain good working order.
• Service heating, ventilation or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or components.
• Service vehicles to maintain functionality.
• Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
• Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
• Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
• Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
• Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
• Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
• Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
• Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning.

Interests for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

• Realistic
  Designing, building, or repairing equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors.
• Conventional
  Following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting.
• Investigative
  Studying and researching scientific subjects and human behavior.

Skills for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

In order of importance

• Repairing
  Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
  Importance: 69/100
• Troubleshooting
  Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
  Importance: 66/100
• Critical Thinking
  Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
  Importance: 63/100
• Operations Monitoring
  Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
  Importance: 63/100
• Equipment Maintenance
  Planning and doing the basic maintenance on equipment.
  Importance: 60/100
• Monitoring
  Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
  Importance: 56/100
• Operation and Control
  Using equipment or systems.
  Importance: 56/100
• Judgment and Decision Making
  Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
  Importance: 56/100
• Active Listening
  Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
  Importance: 56/100
• Quality Control Analysis
  Testing how well a product or service works.
  Importance: 53/100
• Speaking
  Talking to others.
  Importance: 53/100
• Complex Problem Solving
  Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
  Importance: 53/100
• Systems Analysis
  Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
  Importance: 50/100
• Social Perceptiveness
  Understanding people's reactions.
  Importance: 50/100
• Systems Evaluation
  Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
  Importance: 50/100
• Equipment Selection
  Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
  Importance: 50/100
• Time Management
  Managing your time and the time of other people.
  Importance: 50/100
• Coordination
  Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
  Importance: 47/100
• Reading Comprehension
  Reading work-related information.
  Importance: 47/100
• Service Orientation
  Looking for ways to help people.
  Importance: 47/100
• Installation
  Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.
  Importance: 44/100
• Writing
  Writing things for co-workers or customers.
  Importance: 44/100
• Active Learning
  Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
  Importance: 44/100
• Persuasion
  Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
  Importance: 41/100
• Learning Strategies
  Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
  Importance: 41/100
• Instructing
  Teaching people how to do something.
  Importance: 38/100
• Negotiation
  Bringing people together to solve differences.
  Importance: 31/100
• Mathematics
  Using math to solve problems.
  Importance: 31/100
• Management of Personnel Resources
  Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
  Importance: 31/100
• Management of Financial Resources
  Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
  Importance: 22/100
• Management of Material Resources
  Managing equipment and materials.
  Importance: 19/100
• Technology Design
  Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
  Importance: 19/100
• Programming
  Writing computer programs.
  Importance: 16/100
• Science
  Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
  Importance: 13/100
• Operations Analysis
  Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
  Importance: 10/100

Knowledge for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

In order of importance

• Mechanical
  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  Importance: 95/100
• Customer and Personal Service
  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  Importance: 57/100
• Computers and Electronics
  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  Importance: 57/100
• Engineering and Technology
  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
  Importance: 51/100
• English Language
  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  Importance: 49/100
• Transportation
  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
  Importance: 45/100
• Education and Training
  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  Importance: 45/100
• Public Safety and Security
  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
  Importance: 44/100
• Mathematics
  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  Importance: 41/100
• Physics
  Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
  Importance: 38/100
• Design
  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  Importance: 34/100
• Production and Processing
  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
  Importance: 34/100
• Administration and Management
  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  Importance: 33/100
• Chemistry
  Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
  Importance: 32/100
• Administrative
  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
  Importance: 29/100
• Sales and Marketing
  Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
  Importance: 28/100
• Telecommunications
  Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
  Importance: 26/100
• Law and Government
  Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
  Importance: 25/100
• Building and Construction
  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  Importance: 21/100
• Personnel and Human Resources
  Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
  Importance: 17/100
• Economics and Accounting
  Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
  Importance: 14/100
• Communications and Media
  Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
  Importance: 12/100
• Geography
  Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
  Importance: 9/100
• Psychology
  Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
  Importance: 7/100
• Medicine and Dentistry
  Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
  Importance: 5/100
• Foreign Language
  Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
  Importance: 5/100
• Therapy and Counseling
  Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
  Importance: 5/100
• Biology
  Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
  Importance: 3/100
• Sociology and Anthropology
  Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
  Importance: 3/100
• History and Archeology
  Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
  Importance: 2/100
• Food Production
  Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
  Importance: 2/100
• Fine Arts
  Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
  Importance: 1/100
• Philosophy and Theology
  Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
  Importance: 1/100

Physical Abilities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

In order of importance

• Manual Dexterity
  Holding or moving items with your hands.
  Importance: 72/100
• Deductive Reasoning
  Using rules to solve problems.
  Importance: 72/100
• Near Vision
  Seeing details up close.
  Importance: 69/100
• Finger Dexterity
  Putting together small parts with your fingers.
  Importance: 69/100
• Problem Sensitivity
  Noticing when problems happen.
  Importance: 69/100
• Inductive Reasoning
  Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
  Importance: 69/100
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
  Keeping your arm or hand steady.
  Importance: 66/100
• Control Precision
  Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
  Importance: 66/100
• Visualization
  Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
  Importance: 60/100
• Information Ordering
  Ordering or arranging things.
  Importance: 60/100
• Oral Comprehension
  Listening and understanding what people say.
  Importance: 60/100
• Extent Flexibility
  Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Importance: 60/100
• Multilimb Coordination
  Using your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down.
  Importance: 56/100
• Selective Attention
  Paying attention to something without being distracted.
  Importance: 56/100
• Flexibility of Closure
  Seeing hidden patterns.
  Importance: 56/100
• Written Comprehension
  Reading and understanding what is written.
  Importance: 56/100
• Perceptual Speed
  Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
  Importance: 56/100
• Time Sharing
  Doing two or more things at the same time.
  Importance: 53/100
• Oral Expression
  Communicating by speaking.
  Importance: 53/100
• Response Orientation
  Quickly deciding if you should move your hand, foot, or other body part.
  Importance: 50/100
• Auditory Attention
  Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
  Importance: 50/100
• Trunk Strength
  Using your lower back and stomach.
  Importance: 50/100
• Visual Color Discrimination
  Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
  Importance: 50/100
• Category Flexibility
  Grouping things in different ways.
  Importance: 50/100
• Memorization
  Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
  Importance: 47/100
• Speech Clarity
  Speaking clearly.
  Importance: 47/100
• Static Strength
  Lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying.
  Importance: 47/100
• Speech Recognition
  Recognizing spoken words.
  Importance: 47/100
• Speed of Closure
  Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
  Importance: 47/100
• Hearing Sensitivity
  Telling the difference between sounds.
  Importance: 47/100
• Fluency of Ideas
  Coming up with lots of ideas.
  Importance: 47/100
• Wrist-Finger Speed
  Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
  Importance: 44/100
• Depth Perception
  Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
  Importance: 44/100
• Reaction Time
  Quickly moving your hand, finger, or foot based on a sound, light, picture or other command.
  Importance: 44/100
• Dynamic Strength
  Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
  Importance: 44/100
• Far Vision
  Seeing details that are far away.
  Importance: 44/100
• Written Expression
  Communicating by writing.
  Importance: 41/100
• Originality
  Creating new and original ideas.
  Importance: 41/100
• Rate Control
  Changing when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
  Importance: 38/100
• Stamina
  Exercising for a long time without getting out of breath.
  Importance: 38/100
• Explosive Strength
  Jumping, sprinting, or throwing something.
  Importance: 38/100
• Sound Localization
  Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
  Importance: 35/100
• Spatial Orientation
  Knowing where things are around you.
  Importance: 35/100
• Number Facility
  Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
  Importance: 31/100
• Gross Body Equilibrium
  Keeping your balance or staying upright.
  Importance: 28/100
• Peripheral Vision
  Seeing something to your side when your are looking ahead.
  Importance: 28/100
• Gross Body Coordination
  Moving your arms, legs, and mid-section together while your whole body is moving.
  Importance: 28/100
• Mathematical Reasoning
  Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
  Importance: 28/100
• Glare Sensitivity
  Seeing something even if there is a glare or very bright light.
  Importance: 25/100
• Dynamic Flexibility
  Quickly and repeatedly bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Importance: 22/100
• Night Vision
  Seeing at night or under low light.
  Importance: 22/100
• Speed of Limb Movement
  Quickly moving your arms and legs.
  Importance: 13/100

Tools and Technology used by Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

• Specialty wrenches
• Pullers
• Organic light emitting displays
• Hammers
• Voltage or current meters
• Pressure indicators
• Punches or nail sets or drifts
• Pneumatic vacuum equipment
• Brake repair kits
• Leak testing equipment
• Pipe or tube cutter
• Trim or molding tools
• Automotive exhaust emission analyzers
• Pneumatic impact wrenches
• Wheel alignment equipment
• Circuit tester
• Engine or vehicle stands
• Automotive honing machine
• Pneumatic sanding machines
• Multi gas monitors
• Retaining ring pliers
• Dial indicator or dial gauge
• Multimeters
• Screwdrivers
• Wheel balancing equipment
• Drill press or radial drill
• Speed sensors
• Heat tracing equipment
• Compressed air gun
• Vacuum pumps
• Compression testers
• Power buffers
• Liquid leak detectors
• Socket sets
• Power drills
• Pneumatic hammer
• Integrated circuit testers
• Brake drum lathe
• Pneumatic drill
• Pressure or steam cleaners
• Locking pliers
• Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus
• Digital testers
• Power saws
• Battery testers
• Remote reading thermometers
• Stripping tools
• Hex keys
• C clamps
• Spark plug wrench
• Mill saw file
• Steering wheel puller
• Hydraulic press brake
• Pipe bending tools
• Bar code reader equipment
• Growler tester
• Motor starter controls
• Calipers
• Bench vises
• Battery acid hydrometers
• Rivet tools
• Hydraulic press frames
• Hoists
• Blow torch
• Levels
• Cutting die
• Tachometers
• Acoustic ear muffs or defenders
• Jacks
• Welding or soldering kit
• Valve seat cutter
• Cleaning scrapers
• Hand clamps
• Dollies
• Anvils
• Soldering iron
• Hose cutter
• Gas detectors
• Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe
• Plasma arc welding machine
• Capacitance meters
• Battery chargers
• Sockets
• Power grinders
• Ultrasonic examination equipment
• Rasps
• Diagonal cut pliers
• Inspection mirror
• Spark plug tester
• Longnose pliers
• Tube bending machine
• Box end wrenches
• Taps
• Portable data input terminals
• Power riveter
• Tire pressure gauge
• Drill bit set
• Linemans pliers
• Open end wrenches
• Ball peen hammer
• Wire or cable cutter
• Borescope inspection equipment
• Torx keys
• Deburring tool
• Adjustable widemouth pliers
• Refrigerant compressors
• Feeler gauges
• Hand reamer
• Hole gauge
• Metal inert gas welding machine
• Paint sprayers
• Oil gun
• Claw hammer
• Engine ignition systems
• Power flaring tool
• Automotive cleaners
• Magnetic tools
• Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine
• Metal band sawing machine
• Screw extractors
• Wheel nut or lug wrench
• Flat hand file
• Acoustic sensors
• Hacksaw
• Two way radios
• Workshop cranes
• Dynamometers
• Micrometers
• Air compressors
• Ammeters
• Tape measures
• Cold chisels
• Grease guns
• Wire cutters
• Ratchets
• Nibblers
• Ohmmeters
• Catalytic combustion analyzers
• Awls
• Razor knives
• Pry bars
• Nut drivers
• Safety glasses
• Tongue and groove pliers
• Bolt cutters
• Scribers
• Utility knives
• Forklifts
• Welding masks
• Tire changing machines
• Combination wrenches
• Impact wrenches
• Protective gloves
• Oxygen sensors
• Laser printers
• Picks
• Safety shoes
• Torque wrenches
• Vacuum gauges
• Shears
• Desktop computers
• Adjustable wrenches
• Wire brushes
• Heat guns
• Strap wrenches
• Needlenose pliers
• Personal computers
• Winches
• Pipe wrenches
• Power sanders
• Oscilloscopes
• Combination pliers
• Electronic mail software
  • IBM Notes
  • Microsoft Outlook
• Video creation and editing software
  • YouTube
• Facilities management software
  • Alliance Automotive Shop Controller
  • Amcom AUTOS2000
  • Mainsaver Asset Management
  • Mitchell OnDemand5 Manager
  • Scott Systems MaxxTraxx Pro
  • Snap-On ShopKey
• Analytical or scientific software
  • Blue Streak Electronics Buell Diagnostic
  • CODA Engine Analysis System
  • Hunter WinAlign
  • Nexiq Tech HDS Suite for Palm
  • SPX/OTC Genisys ConnecTech PC
• Data base user interface and query software
  • AutoZone ALLDATA
  • Database software
  • Recordkeeping software
  • Vehicle management software
  • Work order management software
• Information retrieval or search software
  • Online service manual database software
  • Technical manual database software
• Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel
• Accounting software
  • Mitchell Manager Invoicing System
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • SAP software
• Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software
  • Microsoft Windows
• Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word
• Data base reporting software
  • Genisys Fast Fixes
• Project management software
  • Estimating software
• Calendar and scheduling software
  • Scheduling software
• Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
  • Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
• Internet browser software
  • Internet browser software

Employment Industries for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

• Automobile dealers
  252,500 employed
• Automotive mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance
  202,800 employed
• Automotive parts, accessories, and tire retailers
  51,700 employed
• Other automotive repair and maintenance
  26,600 employed
• Local government, excluding education and hospitals
  16,600 employed