What does an auto mechanic do?
An auto mechanic's role is to repair and maintain automotive vehicles, ensuring that they function efficiently and safely. They are primarily responsible for discussing issues with clients, inspecting vehicles to identify the root of problems, performing test drives, and conducting corrective measures. Sometimes this is done in collaboration with other mechanics to ensure accuracy and speed. They can also replace oil, brakes, and even other fluids. Moreover, an auto mechanic must inform the extent of repairs to clients, letting them know which parts need replacement or fixes.
Auto mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real auto mechanic resumes:
- Help with CDL training for qualify drivers.
- Preform all dot and pm service paperwork and records.
- Update material safety data sheets in accordance with OSHA standards.
- Regulate the safety test on locomotives by the air brake tests.
- Certify ASE technician in front-end suspensions and alignment and hydraulic brake systems.
- Used electronic engine-testing equipment, drill presses, hydraulic hoists, pulleys, jacks and other power tools.
- Preform automotive maintenance and diagnosis on customer's vehicles.
- Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
- Perform diagnostic and repair of engine, transmission, differential, HVAC and electrical systems.
- Repair and troubleshoot automotive electrical systems.
- Used electrical and specialize testing equipment to troubleshoot problems.
- General maintenance, minor repairs and accessory installation for Honda automobiles.
Auto mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 25% of Auto Mechanics are proficient in Customer Vehicles, Customer Service, and Diagnosis. They’re also known for soft skills such as Organizational skills, Troubleshooting skills, and Customer-service skills.
We break down the percentage of Auto Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Vehicles, 25%
Preform maintenance on customer vehicles and suggesting further actions that are required for safety reasons
- Customer Service, 8%
Provide excellent customer service including explanation of diagnosis/repairs needed and customer pick up/drop off.
- Diagnosis, 7%
Maintained leading-edge knowledge of automotive diagnosis technology, digital manuals, and reference materials.
- Engine Tune-Ups, 6%
Repaired and serviced automobiles and other gas-powered vehicles, including engine tune-up, tearing down repaired and rebuilt engines.
- Oil Changes, 5%
Oil changes Tire mounting Battery and Alternator Diagnostics Inventory Alignments
- Preventive Maintenance, 4%
Performed Regular and Preventive Maintenance Repair Troubleshot and Repaired Automobile Malfunctions.
"customer vehicles," "customer service," and "diagnosis" are among the most common skills that auto mechanics use at work. You can find even more auto mechanic responsibilities below, including:
Organizational skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an auto mechanic to have is organizational skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "service technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and ensure accountability of parts." Auto mechanics often use organizational skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "performed organizational maintenance services on wheeled vehicles, trailers, generators, and pumping units. "
Troubleshooting skills. Many auto mechanic duties rely on troubleshooting skills. "service technicians use diagnostic equipment on engine systems and components in order to identify and fix problems in increasingly complicated mechanical and electronic systems," so an auto mechanic will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways auto mechanic responsibilities rely on troubleshooting skills: "assist lead mechanic in troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of motor vehicles. "
Customer-service skills. This is an important skill for auto mechanics to perform their duties. For an example of how auto mechanic responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "service technicians discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of an auto mechanic: "repaired and serviced motor vehicles, logged all serviced records and complaint for customers. ".
Detail oriented. A big part of what auto mechanics do relies on "detail oriented." You can see how essential it is to auto mechanic responsibilities 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." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical auto mechanic tasks: "substitute school bus driveroil changes\tire rotationvehicle detailany work that is required by manager at shop"
Dexterity. A commonly-found skill in auto mechanic job descriptions, "dexterity" is essential to what auto mechanics do. Auto mechanic responsibilities rely on this skill because "service technicians perform many tasks that require steady hands and good hand–eye coordination, such as assembling or attaching components and subassemblies." You can also see how auto mechanic duties rely on dexterity in this resume example: "changed oil tire rotations, lifted tires flat repairs"
Mechanical skills. Lastly, "mechanical skills" is an important element of what an auto mechanic does. Auto mechanic responsibilities require this skill because "service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." This resume example highlights how auto mechanic duties rely on this skill: "trained to diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical problems that may occur with an automobile. "
The three companies that hire the most auto mechanics are:
- CarMax129 auto mechanics jobs
- Pep Boys61 auto mechanics jobs
- Caliber Collision10 auto mechanics jobs
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Compare different auto mechanics
Auto mechanic vs. Diesel technician
Diesel technicians specialize in repairing and handling the maintenance of vehicles powered by diesel. They are primarily responsible for inspecting cars, conducting tests, and identifying its problems to determine what course of action to take. Aside from repairing engines, diesel technicians may also fix other systems such as brakes, steering, and even lighting. It is essential to discuss the extent of repairs to clients and make them understand the costs involved. Furthermore, it is vital to maintain an accurate record of data at all times.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between auto mechanics and diesel technician. For instance, auto mechanic responsibilities require skills such as "customer vehicles," "engine tune-ups," "preventive maintenance," and "drive vehicles." Whereas a diesel technician is skilled in "cdl," "preventative maintenance," "hand tools," and "dot." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Diesel technicians earn the highest salaries when working in the utilities industry, with an average yearly salary of $49,875. On the other hand, auto mechanics are paid more in the government industry with an average salary of $43,229.diesel technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than auto mechanics. In fact, diesel technicians are 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Auto mechanic vs. Tire technician
Tire technicians typically work in car dealerships and automotive repair shops to inspect, replace, install and repair tires on trucks, cars, and other vehicles. They tend to work alongside the mechanics with a focus on ensuring that tires are reliable, safe, and work with other car systems. To be qualified in this position, you should be very attentive to detail as you typically will examine for signs of tire failure and wear. Tire technicians are also responsible for giving recommendations to customers about tire care and replacement.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that auto mechanic responsibilities requires skills like "diagnosis," "engine tune-ups," "engine repair," and "ase." But a tire technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer satisfaction," "safety standards," "battery," and "groceries."
Tire technicians earn a lower average salary than auto mechanics. But tire technicians earn the highest pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $39,695. Additionally, auto mechanics earn the highest salaries in the government with average pay of $43,229 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Tire technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than auto mechanics. In fact, they're 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Auto mechanic vs. Automotive service technician
Automotive service technicians, often called service technicians, have a duty to inspect, maintain, and repair cars and even light trucks. It is their job as automotive service technicians to find problems, often by computerized diagnostic equipment. They do test parts and systems to guarantee that they work properly and follow checklists to ensure that every critical part is examined. Performing basic care and maintenance is also part of their main tasks, including changing oil, rotating tires, and checking fluid levels.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an auto mechanic is likely to be skilled in "preventive maintenance," "routine maintenance," "drive vehicles," and "test components," while a typical automotive service technician is skilled in "hand tools," "dexterity," "manual dexterity," and "customer satisfaction."
Automotive service technicians make a very good living in the health care industry with an average annual salary of $38,929. On the other hand, auto mechanics are paid the highest salary in the government industry, with average annual pay of $43,229.When it comes to education, automotive service technicians tend to earn similar degree levels compared to auto mechanics. In fact, they're 0.4% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Auto mechanic vs. Mechanic helper
The job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues. In addition, you will be responsible for logging labor costs and inventory use and take vehicles for test drives. Other duties include replacing belts and hoses, assisting the lead mechanic in major projects, and repairing and maintaining cars.
Types of auto mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
