Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Auto Drivability Tech (Automotive Drivability Technician); Auto Mechanic (Automobile Mechanic); Auto Mechanic (Automotive Mechanic); Auto Service Tech (Automotive Service Technician); Auto Tech (Automobile Technician); Auto Tech (Automotive Technician); Automatic Transmission Technician (Auto Transmission Tech); Heavy Line Technician (Heavy Line Tech); Lube Technician (Lube Tech); Service Technician (Service Tech)

Tasks

• 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.
• Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
• Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
• Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
• Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
• Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
• Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.
• Align vehicles' front ends.
• Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
• Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
• Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
• Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
• Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
• Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
• Maintain cleanliness of work area.

Knowledge

• Mechanical
• Engineering and Technology
• Computers and Electronics
• Customer and Personal Service
• English Language
• Mathematics

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Active Learning

Abilities

• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Near Vision
• Manual Dexterity
• Finger Dexterity
• Inductive Reasoning
• Control Precision
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Extent Flexibility
• Information Ordering
• Visualization
• Oral Comprehension
• Flexibility of Closure
• Perceptual Speed
• Written Comprehension
• Multilimb Coordination
• Trunk Strength
• Oral Expression
• Fluency of Ideas
• Category Flexibility
• Static Strength
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Auditory Attention
• Speech Recognition