Career Path
The career path of the automotive service technician has changed drastically over the years from simple mechanical repair work to the application of sophisticated technology to diagnose problems and achieve solutions. Electronics and computer systems play a major role in the performance of automobiles today so it is important that employees be knowledgeable about these intricate systems.
Automotive technicians can choose from several different work environments. Large repair shops frequently hire technicians who are specialized in one or multiple areas. Specialization is achieved either by experience in the field or through an educational program. Areas of specialization include:
- transmission technicians who work on gear trains and transmission systems using computer controls
- tuneup technicians who make the appropriate adjustments to for optimal ignition timing, spark plug performance, and emissions systems
- air-conditioning repairers who do both installation and service on air-conditioning systems
- front end technicians are responsible for wheel and steering functioning as well as suspension
- brake technicians specialize in brake performance and equipment
Automotive technicians can be involved in every step of the repair process from meeting with owners about problems or talking with a repair coordinator in a larger business to finding the root of the problem using a variety of methods to repairing or reconstructing an entire automobile. Daily tasks can also include doing routine maintenance or inspection in order to prevent future problems. Technicians typically approach problems by checking each system within the automobile. To check these systems, technicians use tools ranging from the traditional hand tools to high tech diagnostic systems.
