Car Mechanic

Also known as:

Auto-mechanic
Mechanic, Car
Vehicle Mechanic

Introduction

Car mechanics repair and service cars, vans and other light vehicles. Some car mechanics specialise in the servicing and repair of particular makes of vehicle.

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Work Activities

Car mechanics carry out the routine servicing and repair of cars and other light vehicles such as vans and motorcycles. A vehicle may be due for a service after it has travelled a certain number of miles or after a certain period of time, according to instructions set out by the vehicle's manufacturers. Mechanics also repair vehicles that have broken down or been involved in accidents.

Servicing involves making routine checks according to a list, finding faults or problems, overhauling or replacing worn or faulty parts, and using special equipment and road tests to make sure the vehicle performs as it should.

Sometimes customers take their vehicles to mechanics to investigate a particular mechanical fault. Solving these problems may involve using diagnostic equipment to trace mechanical and hydraulic faults, stripping down the affected part of the car (eg the gearbox) on a bench or in a work shop area, finding the faulty components and replacing them and then putting all the parts together again. Mechanics tend to replace parts rather than repair them because this is quicker and therefore less costly.

During the course of their work, mechanics also deal with the electrical and electronic systems, found on modern vehicles. For example, mechanics may connect laptop computers to a vehicle's Electronic Control Unit, using an on-screen menu to choose the part of the vehicle they want to investigate. The computer is able to find and report back information on the fault, for example, a break in circuit wiring. With older vehicles, mechanics use electrical testing equipment like voltmeters and ammeters to test electric currents.

Some mechanics go out to vehicles that have broken down or been damaged in accidents. They may tow the vehicle back to their work station to assess any damage or unseen problems.

Mechanics are also responsible for pre-delivery inspections. These are done to make sure a vehicle is working well and performing as it should before it is delivered to the customer. Mechanics use specialised equipment to measure things like engine and brake performance, transmission and the accuracy of dashboard indicators. Mechanics also road test vehicles during pre-delivery inspections.

Generally, car mechanics are responsible for routine work, while vehicle technicians look after more complicated work. Vehicle technicians may have supervisory positions.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must have good practical skills and a high level of technical knowledge. You need to be physically fit to cope with bending, lifting and stretching, although you will use ramps and pits, hoists and jacks for heavy work. You will need nimble fingers to handle small parts and hand tools.

You should be logical and patient in tracing faults, and have good organisational skills to prioritise your workload. It is important for mechanics to have good communication skills; they need to explain faults and repairs clearly to customers.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Mechanics can earn in the range of £240 - £320 a week, rising to £380 - £450. Higher earners can make around £530 a week.

They usually work a 39-hour week. Overtime, including Saturdays, may be available.

Employers include motor vehicle retail dealerships throughout the country.

Other employers include garages catering for private car/van owners, small companies with a few vehicles, large companies and organisations with their own fleet of cars and vans (for example, local authorities, gas and electricity companies, and the police).

Some skilled vehicle technicians start their own vehicle service/repair businesses.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Experience Skills and experience gained as a garage assistant or tyre/exhaust fitter are an advantage

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

• 14% of people in occupations such as light vehicle mechanic/technician are self-employed.
• 4% work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 1% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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