Automotive Mechanics are responsible for repairing and maintaining all types of motor vehicles, such as motorcycles, small passenger cars, large diesel buses and trucks or tractors. The automobile is made up of many parts that some mechanics so that some of them choose to specialize in specific repair works like auto body repair, engine work, or electronic systems. General automotive mechanics usually do preventive maintenance like rotating tires, changing oil filters, replenishing fluids, and diagnosing engine problems. They troubleshoot automobiles that don’t run properly, following guidelines formulated by the manufacturers, diagnosing, repairing or replacing defective parts.

The job of automotive mechanics used to be simple but because of the high level of technology involved in modern transportation, their job has also evolved. Vehicles today use computers and integrated electronic systems to regulate almost all aspects of vehicle operations, from fuel supply system to climate control within the vehicle. Because of this, in addition to traditional skills and tools that they need to practice their profession, they now need to know how to use computers in computerized shops, working with the vehicles’ electronic and computerized system. On board computers tell the automotive mechanics whether the vehicle is performing well or not. They use sophisticated diagnostic tools and equipment to tell them what is causing the problem and how to correct it, or replace the defective part when found. They follow a checklist of items to inspect to ensure that every part that is essential to the vehicle’s operation is functioning properly. Parts include hoses, belts, plugs, and fuel and brake systems. Read the rest of this entry »