What does an auto garage mechanic do?
Auto garage mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real auto garage mechanic resumes:
- Diagnose, repair and replace hydraulic controls, engine components, loader attachments, brakes and bearings using cranes and hoists.
- Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
- Install, repair, and service many kinds of garage doors and door openers.
Auto garage mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 35% of Auto Garage Mechanics are proficient in CDL, Hand Tools, and Hoists. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Mechanical skills, and Organizational skills.
We break down the percentage of Auto Garage Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CDL, 35%
General Transit Mechanic D CDL Licensed
- Hand Tools, 29%
Replaced both mechanical and electrical/electronic components using hand tools.
- Hoists, 12%
Dismantled and re-assembled equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
- Diesel Engines, 6%
Diagnosed malfunction and performed and supervised corrective maintenance on diesel engines and power generating units.
- Diesel Trucks, 5%
Assisted in unloading/loading diesel trucks with shipments and deliveries* Certified to operate forklift and bobcat
- Electrical Systems, 4%
Serviced air conditioning, heating, enginecooling, and electrical systems.
Most auto garage mechanics use their skills in "cdl," "hand tools," and "hoists" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential auto garage mechanic responsibilities here:
Detail oriented. The most essential soft skill for an auto garage mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is detail oriented. This skill is important for the role because "service technicians must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing vehicle systems, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignments or other easy-to-miss causes." Additionally, an auto garage mechanic resume shows how their duties depend on detail oriented: "provided minor auto repair and detail as well. "
Mechanical skills. Many auto garage mechanic duties rely on mechanical skills. "service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other," so an auto garage mechanic will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways auto garage mechanic responsibilities rely on mechanical skills: "work on garbage trucks plow trucks dumpsters fire trucks do light mechanical check fluids"
Organizational skills. This is an important skill for auto garage mechanics to perform their duties. For an example of how auto garage mechanic responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "service technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and ensure accountability of parts." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an auto garage mechanic: "performed organizational maintenance services on wheeled vehicles, trailers, generators, and pumping units. ".
Physical strength. A big part of what auto garage mechanics do relies on "physical strength." You can see how essential it is to auto garage mechanic responsibilities because "service technicians must sometimes lift and maneuver heavy parts such as engines and body panels." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical auto garage mechanic tasks: "required to maintain class a license and dot physical according to federal regulations. "
Customer-service skills. Another common skill required for auto garage mechanic responsibilities is "customer-service skills." This skill comes up in the duties of auto garage mechanics all the time, as "service technicians discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers." An excerpt from a real auto garage mechanic resume shows how this skill is central to what an auto garage mechanic does: "repaired transmissions, air conditioning systems/troubleshot electrical problems * replaced customers' tires and batteries"
Dexterity. Another skill commonly found on auto garage mechanic job descriptions is "dexterity." It can come up quite often in auto garage mechanic duties, since "service technicians perform many tasks that require steady hands and good hand–eye coordination, such as assembling or attaching components and subassemblies." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day auto garage mechanic responsibilities: "salvage yard taking apart cars and rebuilding motors, forklift operator, customer service, maintenance. "
The three companies that hire the most auto garage mechanics are:
- Bimbo Bakeries8 auto garage mechanics jobs
- ABM Industries6 auto garage mechanics jobs
- Mountaire Farms5 auto garage mechanics jobs
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Compare different auto garage mechanics
Auto garage mechanic vs. Instrument technician apprentice
An instrument technician apprentice is responsible for performing installation and repairs on various electrical equipment and instruments such as control panels and motors, all while under the supervision and directives of a senior or master technician. Typically, their tasks revolve around conducting regular maintenance checks, coordinating with other technicians, organizing supplies, operating electrical tools, and understanding various electronic principles. Furthermore, there are also instances where one may liaise with clients to discuss the extent of damage or repairs, building positive relationships in the process to secure a client base.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an auto garage mechanic are more likely to require skills like "cdl," "diesel trucks," "loaders," and "cranes." On the other hand, a job as an instrument technician apprentice requires skills like "customer satisfaction," "diagnosis," "osha," and "cleanliness." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Instrument technician apprentices tend to reach similar levels of education than auto garage mechanics. In fact, instrument technician apprentices are 2.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Auto garage mechanic vs. Oil burner technician
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real auto garage mechanic resumes. While auto garage mechanic responsibilities can utilize skills like "cdl," "hand tools," "hoists," and "diesel engines," oil burner technicians use skills like "customer vehicles," "oil changes," "customer service," and "tire pressure."
Average education levels between the two professions vary. Oil burner technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than auto garage mechanics. In fact, they're 1.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Auto garage mechanic vs. Technician
Certified technicians are technical professionals who perform technical tasks in the fields of applied science or engineering technology. These technicians are required to demonstrate their customer service skills and problem-solving abilities by resolving issues of customers immediately and efficiently. They must follow the dealership standards when performing work specified to maintenance and repair orders. They are required to work directly with customers to maximize equitable profitability for both the organization and their customers. Certified technicians must also possess detailed knowledge and experience in automobile mechanical works.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from auto garage mechanic resumes include skills like "cdl," "diesel engines," "diesel trucks," and "loaders," whereas a technician is more likely to list skills in "patients," "customer service," "patient care," and "diagnosis. "
When it comes to education, technicians tend to earn similar degree levels compared to auto garage mechanics. In fact, they're 3.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Auto garage mechanic vs. Certified technician
Types of auto garage mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
