What Do Auto Technicians Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Auto Technicians repair only one system or component on a vehicle, such as brakes, suspension, or radiator. They also inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.

Other tasks include:

• Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
• Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
• Repair, overhaul, or adjust automobile brake systems.
• Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
• Repair or replace defective ball joint suspensions, brake shoes, or wheel bearings.
• Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.

We asked Auto Technicians how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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67% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 52% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Auto Technicians estimate costs of vehicle repair. They inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.

A typical day for an Automotive Specialty Technician will also include:

• Repair, overhaul, or adjust automobile brake systems.
• Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems.
• Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
• Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
• Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning.

We asked some Auto Technicians a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	48% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	22% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	79% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	9% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	7% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	64% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Auto Technicians also replace hydraulically assisted systems with electric-powered systems, such as power steering pumps or air conditioning compressors, to improve fuel economy. They may also service internal combustion engine systems for hybrid electric vehicles.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Auto Technicians Install, adjust, or repair hydraulic or electromagnetic automatic lift mechanisms used to raise and lower automobile windows, seats, and tops. They might also Repair or replace defective ball joint suspensions, brake shoes, or wheel bearings.

In addition, they Change spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.

To some Auto Technicians, it is also their responsibility to Repair or rebuild clutch systems.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as an Automotive Specialty Technician, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm

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