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Find the right string trimmer parts with Repair Clinic. To find the right tune-up kit for your string trimmer engine, as well as replacement parts for both the engine and the string trimmer itself, enter the full model number of your product in the Repair Clinic website search bar. Apr 17, 2019 Going to a mechanic is sort of like going to the doctor. You don’t like to do it, your doctor probably knows that, but you both suck it up because to stay healthy you have to get a regular check-up. The same goes for your car. A car needs to visit the mechanic fairly frequently in order for it to continue running smoothly.
Vehicle owners are usually very particular with who they trust to work on their cars and trucks. Some vehicle owners will find one repair shop and keep using it for years. Meanwhile, others feel more comfortable taking their vehicles to an automotive dealership. Whichever option is selected, most owners refer to the person who works on their car as their mechanic and not their automotive technician. At one point in time, there was a distinct difference between the two, although times have changed.
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Changing Times in Auto Repair
Some people use the terms auto mechanic and automotive technician separately while others lump the two together. So what is the difference? It may only be a matter of mere semantics in this day and age. The traditional point of view is that auto mechanics described the individuals who take apart your vehicle and make the actual repairs.
The conventional view of automotive technicians portrays them as individuals who deal with more of the computerized side of vehicles. This became popularized as cars started to become more computerized, which presented a need to deal with the onboard diagnostics. However, that does not mean an auto mechanic cannot be skilled in this area. Many mechanics have adapted a wide array of skills that has enabled them to become capable of servicing vehicles of all makes and models.
Auto Mechanic Role
One glimpse at the word auto mechanic reveals the nature of the job as it involves the mechanical aspects that come with repairing vehicles. Historically, that involved the basics of auto repair and developed the stereotypical image of a mechanic working in a garage while being stained with grease. However, that is not the case in the present day.
Vehicles have been advancing at an extremely rapid pace. It no longer takes a wrench and socket set to fix engine problems. Computerized systems have become so integrated with engine systems that there is a higher level of sophistication in the way vehicles function. All repair shops must now be equipped with diagnostic tools that are specific to auto repair. That means anyone working on a vehicle will need to know how to use these advanced tools, thus diminishing the old image of a traditional mechanic.
No longer does auto repair simply require the physical act of fixing a problem. In every situation, there is a need to identify the problem while critical thinking and quantitative analysis are also vital parts of the job. Mechanics cannot simply repair a problem without skipping those other steps. Therefore, the new age of the auto mechanic has required individuals to know the technical aspects of the job as well.
Auto Technician Role
The mere title of auto technician implies that the job is comprised of technical components. There is no denying that there are a lot of diagnostics involved with repairing newer vehicles, which makes it essential to understand how all of those parts work cohesively. Auto technicians are skilled in diagnosing engine problems and also use the latest diagnostic tools in the process. However, their work does not end there.
Repair shops are not going to hire an automotive technician to simply diagnose problems and then hand off the second part of the job to someone who is labeled as an auto mechanic. Auto technicians typically take care of the diagnosis and repair. Otherwise, it would cost a repair shop much more in terms of paying its employees.
The term technician seems to carry more respectability, although it may be a case of mere semantics. In many repair shops, auto technicians perform the same duties as auto mechanics. In some instances, auto technicians have a bit more experience. Entry-level mechanics may attend to simpler tasks, such as oil changes and tire rotations. However, auto technicians may be more suited to provide more in-depth diagnosis and repair. A lot still depends on the level of certification as that is a telling sign of how skilled an auto technician may be.
Automotive Technician Certifications
An automotive technician is considered to be someone who has been trained and certified by ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) and the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers). These organizations use the term automotive technician as opposed to auto mechanic. However, neither organization has made a clear distinction as to the exact difference between an auto mechanic and an auto technician. The most common ASE certification is awarded by earning a passing score on 8 exams which cover the following areas:
- Engine Repair
- Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
- Manual Drive Train and Axles
- Suspension and Steering
- Brakes
- Electrical/Electronic Systems
- Heating and Air Conditioning
- Engine Performance
- Light Vehicle Diesel Engines
These areas are ones that are typically covered by an auto mechanic on a daily basis. Showing a proficiency in all these areas by passing the respective exams can earn the status of master technician. There is no master mechanic status. Mechanic is a term that is no longer used by organizations like the ASE. On paper, the term technician is widely used, although most people do not speak the term as frequently as they use the word mechanic. Auto technicians are the title given when earning a certification, although they do a great deal of mechanical work inside a repair shop.
Many Associate Degrees issued in automotive technology. Automotive Technician Certificates are also distributed upon the completion of a Career Training Program. It remains difficult to find many Auto Mechanic degree or certificate programs, although what a mechanic does is taught within these respective curriculums. It is simply called something else.
Auto Mechanic and Technician Differences
An auto mechanic is sometimes referred to as a journeyman wrench, grease monkey, lube tech, oil changer, or a tire and brake repairman. The one commonality in all those terms is that the mechanic has no specialized training. The truth is that there remains a fair ratio of skilled technicians to basic mechanics in the dealer network. Auto mechanics with less skills or formal training are necessary in private auto repair shops because they are paid lower labor rates. This allows repair shops to keep their labor rates low, which enables them to compete with larger repair and service centers. Once a mechanic elevates his/her status with a certification, that can all change.
There are also other tests that can enhance an automotive technician’s status. For instance, a master diagnostic test is taken by someone that wants to be a repair shop leader. There is also a hybrid special systems test that is manufacturer specific. This test is often taken by those who work as manufacturer specific auto technicians. Meanwhile, these advanced technicians may lead a team of mechanics that perform more routine tasks.
Similarities of Auto Mechanics and Technicians
As previously mentioned, many mechanics do the same job duties of a technician. In many of those instances, a technician is nothing more than a formal title given to a mechanic. Both are expected to uphold professional codes of conduct and practice regular safety procedures. Both are also entrusted with the diagnosis and repair of vehicles.
When compiling data for annual jobs and salaries, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics places auto mechanics and technicians in the same category. The annual salaries of each are added together in order to calculate a mean and median nationwide pay rate. Many auto repair shops use one term or the other when referring to those who service and repair vehicles. And in the present day, the line between an auto mechanic and auto technician has become blurred. The mechanic is required to complete technical tasks while the technician is expected to complete mechanical repair tasks.
Auto Repair Duties
When it comes down to it, the exact duties of someone who provides auto repair are generally what defines their pay rates. Also, those with ASE certifications can expect to earn more than those who are not certified. This is because the level of complexity within their daily job tasks are much higher. Some job listings use the term auto mechanic mechanic while others use auto technician. However, it really comes down to the specific duties that define the job. Repairing newer automobiles now requires the use of diagnostic tools and the interpretation of data. The tasks are not as easy to sort into simple and complex, as there is more of a gray area.
In the end, all technicians are mechanics, but not all mechanics are technicians. The term technician implies that a more advanced skillset has been acquired while a mechanic can still represent those who conduct basic auto repair. That does not diminish the importance or skill level of mechanics. It is more or less a matter of semantics and a lot of other areas are more revealing when determining the quality of an auto repair shop. Some of those areas are as follows:
- Levels of certification among staff
- Overall quality of work
- Cleanliness of repair shop
- Volume of business
Occupation | |
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Occupation type | Vocational |
Automobile | |
Description | |
Education required | Apprenticeship, in addition to training once hired; some mechanics may take vocational or community college or university courses in certain areas such as heating and air conditioning, engine and transmission maintenance, and collision repair; further education and training could lead to becoming a supervisor or manager, or with a baccalaureate or graduate degree, an automotive engineer or design specialist. |
Bike mechanic |
An auto mechanic (automotive technician in most of North America, light vehicle technician in British English, and motor mechanic in Australian English) is a mechanic with a variety of automobilemakes or either in a specific area or in a specific make of automobile. In repairing cars, their main role is to diagnose the problem accurately and quickly. They often have to quote prices for their customers before commencing work or after partial disassembly for inspection. Their job may involve the repair of a specific part or the replacement of one or more parts as assemblies.
Basic vehicle maintenance is a fundamental part of a mechanic's work in modern industrialized countries while in others they are only consulted when a vehicle is already showing signs of malfunction. Preventive maintenance is also a fundamental part of a mechanic's job, but this is not possible in the case of vehicles that are not regularly maintained by a mechanic. One misunderstood aspect of preventive maintenance is scheduled replacement of various parts, which occurs before failure to avoid far more expensive damage. Because this means that parts are replaced before any problem is observed, many vehicle owners will not understand why the expense is necessary.[1]
With the rapid advancement in technology, the mechanic's job has evolved from purely mechanical, to include electronic technology. Because vehicles today possess complex computer and electronic systems, mechanics need to have a broader base of knowledge than in the past.
Due to the increasingly labyrinthine nature of the technology that is now incorporated into automobiles, most automobile dealerships and independent workshops now provide sophisticated diagnostic computers to each technician, without which they would be unable to diagnose or repair a vehicle.
Education[edit]
United States[edit]
Auto Mechanic School
In the United States, many programs and schools offer training for those interested in pursuing competencies as automotive mechanics or technicians. Areas of training include automobile repair and maintenance, collision repair, painting and restoring, electronics, air-conditioning and heating systems, and truck and diesel mechanics. The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) is responsible for evaluating technician training programs against standards developed by the automotive industry. NATEF accredits programs in four different categories: automotive, collision, trucks (diesel technology) and alternative fuels. NATEF lists secondary and post secondary schools with accredited programs on their website.
Some mechanics are ASE certified, which is a standardized method of testing skill and knowledge level. While it's not required by law for a mechanic to be certified, some companies only hire or promote employees who have passed ASE tests. The technology used in automobiles changes very rapidly and the mechanic must be prepared to learn these new technologies and systems. The auto mechanic has a physically demanding job, often exposed to extreme temperatures, lifting heavy objects and staying in uncomfortable positions for extended periods. They also may deal with exposure to toxic chemicals.
Auto Feed The Mechanic Equipment
The internet is being applied to the field increasingly often, with mechanics providing advice on-line. Mechanics themselves now regularly use the internet for information to help them in diagnosing and/or repairing vehicles. A popular resource for this type of research is the video website YouTube, where professional and DIY mechanics alike film and share their experiences on vehicle diagnostics and repair. Well-known YouTube car mechanic channels include Scotty Kilmer, Chrisfix and EricTheCarGuy among others. Paper based service manuals for vehicles have become significantly less prevalent with computers that are connected to the Internet taking their position, giving quick access to a plethora of technical manuals and information.In addition online appointment platforms have surged allowing customers to schedule vehicle repairs by making appointments. A newer method of mobile mechanic services has emerged where the online appointment made by a person seeking repairs turns into a dispatch call and the mechanics travel to the customers location to perform the services.
Related careers[edit]
A mechanic usually works from the workshop in which the (well equipped) mechanic has access to a vehicle lift to access areas that are difficult to reach when the car is on the ground. Beside the workshop bound mechanic, there are mobile mechanics like those of the UK Automobile Association (the AA) which allow the car owner to receive assistance without the car necessarily having to be brought to a garage.[2]
A mechanic may opt to engage in other careers related to his or her field. Teaching of automotive trade courses, for example, is almost entirely carried out by qualified mechanics in many countries.
There are several other trade qualifications for working on motor vehicles, including panel beater, spray painter, body builder and motorcycle mechanic. In most developed countries, these are separate trade courses, but a qualified tradesperson from one can change to working as another. This usually requires that they work under another tradesperson in much the same way as an apprentice.
Auto body repair involves less work with oily and greasy parts of vehicles, but involves exposure to particulate dust from sanding bodywork and potentially toxic chemical fumes from paint and related products. Salespeople and dealers often also need to acquire an in-depth knowledge of cars, and some mechanics are successful in these roles because of their knowledge. Auto mechanics also need to stay updated with all the leading car companies as well as new launching cars. One has to study continuously on new technology engines and their work systems.
Pit crews[edit]
Auto Feed The Mechanic Near Me
Pit crews for motor racing are a specialized form of work undertaken by some mechanics. It is sometimes portrayed as glamorous in movies and television and is considered prestigious in some parts of the automotive industry. Working in a pit crew in professional racing circuits is potentially dangerous and very stressful work due to the tight margins for error, and the potential financial losses and gains by the racing teams, but a pit crew mechanics pay is usually high to reflect the extra skill/stress levels.[3]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^'Auto Repair Guide'. Thursday, 26 November 2020
- ^www.theaa.com/about The AA. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^'Expenses of a Formula 1 Team in 2015'. TSM PLAY. Retrieved 2016-02-25.
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