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What are Different Types of Auto Mechanic Jobs?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Auto mechanics perform maintenance and repairs on all different types of vehicles, from small passenger cars to motorcycles to diesel trucks and buses. Many mechanics specialize in certain types of repair jobs, such as engine work, auto body repair, and electronic systems. Since there is so much room for specialty, there are several different auto mechanic jobs available.

Many auto mechanics work in independent shops with other service technicians. General mechanics frequently perform preventative maintenance, such as replenishing various fluids, changing filters, rotating tires, and diagnosing engines. When an automobile is not running properly, they may follow troubleshooting guidelines to diagnose problems and repair or replace damaged parts.

A mechanic may work for a shop that does tune ups and general maintenance.
A mechanic may work for a shop that does tune ups and general maintenance.

Auto mechanic jobs often require that a person has an extensive knowledge about a certain aspect of vehicles. Transmission mechanics, for example, focus on the various parts of automatic and manual transmission systems, such as gears, drive shafts, bearings, and casings. Brake specialists diagnose problems with brake systems, replenish brake fluids, and change pads. Mechanics may also specialize in servicing complex electrical systems, which can differ greatly between certain types of vehicles. Other specialties may include front end repair, bodywork, and ignition systems maintenance.

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An experienced mechanic who has a background in auto history may find a job working for auction houses or museums that must maintain or certify classic vehicles.
An experienced mechanic who has a background in auto history may find a job working for auction houses or museums that must maintain or certify classic vehicles.

Diesel mechanics service diesel engines on passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, and buses. Diesel powered automobiles work differently than those powered by gasoline and often require very different maintenance and repair practices. As with other auto mechanic jobs, diesel mechanics frequently specialize in transmission work, brake repair, computer systems, or other areas. They may work for independent repair shops or companies with many diesel vehicles on hand which need regular maintenance checks.

There are various career options available for a trained auto mechanic.
There are various career options available for a trained auto mechanic.

To become an auto mechanic in any specialty, a person must typically have a high school diploma and a background in repair work. Many employers prefer to hire mechanics who have completed training programs offered by vocational schools and community colleges. Though specific certification is not always required, many beginning mechanics take a test offered by a nationally recognized institution to improve their credentials and increase their chances of finding auto mechanic jobs. In the United States, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offers certification for several different specialties, including brake repair, air conditioning and heating, and electronic systems.

Mechanics may become brake specialists and focus on jobs such as replacing brake pads.
Mechanics may become brake specialists and focus on jobs such as replacing brake pads.

As automotive technology advances and alternative fuel vehicles become more popular, the number of different auto mechanic jobs continues to rise. Specialists in computers and electronic systems are in great demand to service the complex systems installed on many modern vehicles. Cars that run on electricity, hydrogen, and biofuels require the skills of highly specialized maintenance and repair mechanics.

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Discussion Comments

summing

There are lots and lots of diesel mechanic jobs available and they pay well and offer a number of benefits. In spite of gas being so expensive and there being so much talk about global warming, trucking is a bigger industry than ever.

It takes a huge fleet of guys to keep all those trucks on the road. If you have training as a certified diesel mechanic you will have a job for the rest of your life.

ZsaZsa56

@Ivan83 - One of the best places for a person in your position to start is at and oil change and lube place like Jiffy Lube or Valvoline. You can get hired on with little to no experience and once you have worked there for a few months or years you will have a valuable new entry on your resume.

You can claim, without lying, that you have worked in a shop environment and you have had your hands on a lot of cars and you have a proven record of service. Even this modest amount of experience will give you an advantage when trying to get hired on at a full service shop.

Ivan83

I am pretty handy with cars but I have never been to school for it or anything. Is there any chance that I could get hired on as some kind of junior mechanic even if I do not have any formal training? I know that if a shop would just give me a chance I could prove to them that I have all the skills they are looking for. I just need to get my foot in the door which can be pretty tricky.

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    • A mechanic may work for a shop that does tune ups and general maintenance.
      By: Tyler Olson
      A mechanic may work for a shop that does tune ups and general maintenance.
    • An experienced mechanic who has a background in auto history may find a job working for auction houses or museums that must maintain or certify classic vehicles.
      By: AdrianEugen
      An experienced mechanic who has a background in auto history may find a job working for auction houses or museums that must maintain or certify classic vehicles.
    • There are various career options available for a trained auto mechanic.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      There are various career options available for a trained auto mechanic.
    • Mechanics may become brake specialists and focus on jobs such as replacing brake pads.
      By: Aliaksei Hintau
      Mechanics may become brake specialists and focus on jobs such as replacing brake pads.
    • Auto mechanics have to be able to recharge or replace a vehicle's battery.
      By: Željko Radojko
      Auto mechanics have to be able to recharge or replace a vehicle's battery.
    • A mechanic may perform routine vehicle maintenance, like rotating the tires.
      By: Kimsonal
      A mechanic may perform routine vehicle maintenance, like rotating the tires.
    • Auto mechanics often must have extensive knowledge about specific areas of a vehicle.
      By: Kadmy
      Auto mechanics often must have extensive knowledge about specific areas of a vehicle.
    • The ability to perform routine maintenance, such as an oil change, is an essential auto mechanic skill.
      By: uwimages
      The ability to perform routine maintenance, such as an oil change, is an essential auto mechanic skill.
    • Auto mechanics may add extra antifreeze or other fluids during an inspection.
      By: designsstock
      Auto mechanics may add extra antifreeze or other fluids during an inspection.
    • The service advisor is responsible for providing the mechanic with a description of a vehicle's problems.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      The service advisor is responsible for providing the mechanic with a description of a vehicle's problems.
    • Mechanics need to be able to interface with a car's onboard computer.
      By: Kurhan
      Mechanics need to be able to interface with a car's onboard computer.
    • ASE certified mechanics can specialize in specific systems in vehicles, including transmissions, electronics, heating and cooling systems, and more.
      By: ashadrov
      ASE certified mechanics can specialize in specific systems in vehicles, including transmissions, electronics, heating and cooling systems, and more.