An auto technician specializes in performing inspections, repairs, and maintenance on different automotive vehicles ranging from small cars to light trucks. Their responsibilities revolve around identifying issues using various diagnostic tools to determine which course of action to take, discussing the extent of repairs to clients, and ordering car parts from suppliers. There are also instances when an auto technician may have the task of maintaining the cleanliness of the workplace, or participate in record-keeping and monitoring the inventory.

Auto Technician Responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real auto technician resumes representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

  • Fabricate parts using torches, saws, and welding equipment.
  • Assist ASE mechanics when need, check-in & inspect cars and keep shop clean.
  • Replace fuel pumps batteries ac compressors headlights light bulbs oil change transmission service radiator service
  • Tune ups, heating/cooling systems, A/C systems, brakes systems, electrical systems and engine rebuilds.
  • Do routine repairs to complete overhauls on engines, transmissions, suspension, brakes, electrical and A/C systems.
  • Certify by ASE in electrical / electronic systems, enabling diagnosing and repair of specify non-Ford part (s).
  • Weld exhaust systems and use cutting torches on thick metals during course of repairing engines and performing routine automobile tune-ups.
  • Perform diagnostics and automotive repairs efficiently and to specifications.
  • Provide customers with oil changes, tire repairs/changing battery replacement/bulb replacement.
  • Maintain leading-edge knowledge of automotive diagnosis technology, digital manuals, and reference materials.
  • Provide hands-on training for laser operators and laser technicians on operations, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair procedures.
  • Monitor and analyze laser performance with respect to power, beam quality and atmospheric sodium return and communicates laser.
  • Perform alignments, lube and filter, diagnostics of trouble codes and other general duties
  • Replace carburetors, blowers, starters, and pumps.
  • Lead technician and shop foreman at Nissan of Athens.

Auto Technician Skills and Personality Traits

We calculated that 21% of Auto Technicians are proficient in Taking Care, Preventive Maintenance, and Customer Vehicles. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.

We break down the percentage of Auto Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Taking Care, 21%

    Engaged in excellent customer service in the shop and on the phone, taking care of all customers' needs.

  • Preventive Maintenance, 20%

    Operated electronic testing equipment and other hand and power tools Performed preventive maintenance and related duties as assigned.

  • Customer Vehicles, 12%

    Perform repairs and preventative maintenance on customer vehicles also trouble shooting of various automotive systems using various test equipment.

  • Customer Service, 7%

    Provided excellent customer service while communicating with clients regarding work performed, overall condition of vehicle, and future repair requirements.

  • Work Ethic, 5%

    Work efficiently and professionally while maintaining a high standard of work ethic for the company you represent.

  • Diagnosis, 5%

    Received training in electrical and electronic controls and vehicle computer systems testing and diagnosis through schematic reading.

Most auto technicians list "taking care," "preventive maintenance," and "customer vehicles" as skills on their resumes. We go into more details on the most important auto technician responsibilities here:

  • Customer-service skills can be considered to be the most important personality trait for an auto technician to have. According to a auto technician resume, "service technicians discuss automotive problems—along with options to fix them—with their customers" auto technicians are able to use customer-service skills in the following example we gathered from a resume: "performed all types of diagnosis, repair, and service of new and used automobiles for dealership and customers. "
  • Another trait important for fulfilling auto technician duties is detail oriented. According to a auto technician resume, "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 auto technicians are able to utilize detail oriented: "administer inspections and write detailed estimates for customer vehicles. "
  • Auto technicians are also known for dexterity, which can be critical when it comes to performing their duties. An example of why this skill is important is shown by this snippet that we found in a auto technician resume: "service technicians perform many tasks that require steady hands and good hand–eye coordination, such as assembling or attaching components and subassemblies." We also found this resume example that details how this skill is put to the test: "operate hydraulic vehicle lift, pneumatic tools, and air compressors. "
  • A thorough review of lots of resumes revealed to us that "mechanical skills" is important to completing auto technician responsibilities. This resume example shows just one way auto technicians use this skill: "service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other" Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical auto technician tasks: "performed maintenance and repairs including mechanical and electrical diagnosis and trouble shooting. "
  • Yet another important skill that an auto technician must demonstrate is "physical strength." Service technicians must sometimes lift and maneuver heavy parts such as engines and body panels. This is clearly demonstrated in this example from an auto technician who stated: "analyzed battery cell strength levels to determine the available cold cranking amps to determine battery life. "
  • While "troubleshooting skills" is listed last on this skills list, don't underestimate its importance to auto technician responsibilities. The skill is described by this resume snippet, "service technicians use diagnostic equipment on engine systems and components in order to identify and fix problems in increasingly complicated mechanical and electronic systems" Here is an example of how this skill is used, "performed computer controlled emission diagnosis and electrical and mechanical troubleshooting. "
  • See the full list of auto technician skills.

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    What Mechanic Helpers Do

    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.

    In this section, we take a look at the annual salaries of other professions. Take mechanic helper for example. On average, the mechanic helpers annual salary is $9,543 lower than what auto technicians make on average every year.

    Even though auto technicians and mechanic helpers have vast differences in their careers, a few of the skills required to do both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require preventive maintenance, work ethic, and strong work ethic in the day-to-day roles.

    As far as similarities go, this is where it ends because an auto technician responsibility requires skills such as "taking care," "customer vehicles," "customer service," and "diagnosis." Whereas a mechanic helper is skilled in "safety equipment," "safety procedures," "diesel engines," and "mechanical equipment." So if you're looking for what truly separates the two careers, you've found it.

    Mechanic helpers really shine in the professional industry with an average salary of $36,229. Whereas auto technicians tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $38,823.

    The education levels that mechanic helpers earn is a bit different than that of auto technicians. In particular, mechanic helpers are 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an auto technician. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

    What Are The Duties Of a Light Wheel Mechanic?

    A light wheel mechanic is responsible for maintaining the optimal performance and efficiency of light-wheeled vehicles used for industrial operations, especially in a military setting. Light wheel mechanics inspect the condition of the vehicle's engine, perform preventive maintenance, replace defective components, assemble upgrade systems based on schematics and blueprints, and create resolution reports for reference. They must have excellent knowledge of the auto-mechanic industry to determine faults and identify repairs, avoiding delays, complications, and hazards during operations.

    Now we're going to look at the light wheel mechanic profession. On average, light wheel mechanics earn a $513 higher salary than auto technicians a year.

    Not everything about these jobs is different. Take their skills, for example. Auto technicians and light wheel mechanics both include similar skills like "oil changes," "maintenance services," and "routine maintenance" on their resumes.

    In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences that are worth noting. For example, auto technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "taking care," "preventive maintenance," "customer vehicles," and "customer service." Meanwhile, a light wheel mechanic might be skilled in areas such as "electrical systems," "equipment systems," "mos," and "track vehicles." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

    When it comes to the differences in education between the two professions, light wheel mechanics tend to reach similar levels of education than auto technicians. In fact, they're 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

    How a Diesel Mechanic Compares

    A diesel mechanic is a skilled technician responsible for the checking, maintenance, and repair of diesel engines. Diesel mechanics duties also include regular inspections of vehicles upon customer's request to ensure the smooth performance of the machine, communicate on any system issue that might cause malfunctions, and provide any replacement to renovate a damaged part of the engine. A diesel mechanic must be highly-knowledgeable on everything related to diesel engines to provide the best, long-term solutions for the customers.

    The third profession we take a look at is diesel mechanic. On an average scale, these workers bring in higher salaries than auto technicians. In fact, they make a $8,407 higher salary per year.

    By looking over several auto technicians and diesel mechanics resumes, we found that both roles utilize similar skills, such as "taking care," "work ethic," and "diagnosis." But beyond that the careers look very different.

    As mentioned, these two careers differ between other skills that are required for performing the work exceedingly well. For example, gathering from auto technicians resumes, they are more likely to have skills like "preventive maintenance," "customer vehicles," "customer service," and "manual dexterity." But a diesel mechanic might have skills like "cdl," "preventative maintenance," "dot," and "osha."

    Additionally, diesel mechanics earn a higher salary in the energy industry compared to other industries. In this industry, they receive an average salary of $54,273. Additionally, auto technicians earn an average salary of $38,823 in the retail industry.

    When it comes to education, diesel mechanics tend to earn similar education levels than auto technicians. In fact, they're 0.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

    Description Of a Mechanic

    Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.

    Now, we'll look at mechanics, who generally average a higher pay when compared to auto technicians annual salary. In fact, the difference is about $5,714 per year.

    While their salaries may vary, auto technicians and mechanics both use similar skills to perform their jobs. Resumes from both professions include skills like "preventive maintenance," "customer vehicles," and "customer service. "

    While some skills are shared by these professions, there are some differences to note. "taking care," "work ethic," "strong work ethic," and "dexterity" are skills that have shown up on auto technicians resumes. Additionally, mechanic uses skills like electrical systems, ladders, hydraulic systems, and strong customer service on their resumes.

    In general, mechanics make a higher salary in the manufacturing industry with an average of $51,758. The highest auto technician annual salary stems from the retail industry.

    Mechanics reach similar levels of education when compared to auto technicians. The difference is that they're 0.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree less, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.