Vehicle Patrol Mechanic

Also known as:

Mechanic, Vehicle Patrol
Patrol Mechanic
Repair Mechanic, Vehicle Patrol
Vehicle Breakdown Engineer

Introduction

Vehicle patrol mechanics provide a roadside service to motorists whose vehicles have broken down or been damaged in an accident. They examine vehicles to find the fault or extent of the damage, and carry out repairs that are enough to get the vehicle back on the road. They tow vehicles to a garage when they cannot repair them at the roadside.

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Work Activities

Vehicle patrol mechanics must find the cause of faults quickly and accurately; they can use sophisticated fault-finding equipment to help them do this. They replace parts on the spot if possible. This involves initiative as it is not always possible for the mechanic to carry a full range of tools and spare parts in the patrol vehicle. It can take anything from a few minutes to an hour or more to get a vehicle back on the road.

The mechanic must also reassure the motorist and any passengers. Mechanics explain the nature of the problem and the repairs they are doing. If the call-out is a result of an accident, mechanics may deal with very distressed people. Mechanics must be aware of danger from other traffic when doing repairs at the roadside.

Mechanics liaise closely with their head office or a control centre through a mobile telephone link. Large breakdown organisations now have computerised data transmission systems to deal with this, so paperwork is minimal.

Mechanics may have to drive 100-200 miles per day throughout their area to attend calls, in all kinds of weather. The work can be dirty, wet and uncomfortable, and may be hazardous at times. Vehicle patrol mechanics usually wear a uniform or overalls.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Vehicle patrol mechanics need a high level of technical knowledge that covers a wide range of makes and models of vehicles. You need to be able to think logically and methodically in order to diagnose faults. You need the ability to improvise in order to carry out repairs with a limited range of equipment.

You need strong communication skills to communicate well with a wide variety of people and explain technical problems in a simple way. It is important to have a pleasant and helpful manner; you must reassure customers and be able to keep calm and patient in stressful situations. Maturity and self-reliance are essential.

A current driving licence is essential and a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence may be useful.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Vehicle patrol mechanics earn in the range of £240 - £310 a week, rising to £380 - £450. Higher earners can make around £530 a week.

Vehicle patrol mechanics usually work a 39-hour week. Shift work, including evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays is usual.

Employers are the several large, national organisations that provide a vehicle breakdown and recovery service, such as the Automobile Association (AA), and the Royal Automobile Club (RAC).

Sometimes breakdown organisations arrange contracts with garages to provide breakdown services. There are employment opportunities throughout the UK.

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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.

Most entrants are qualified motor mechanics, often with a minimum of five years' experience.

• 4% of people in occupations such as vehicle patrol mechanic work part-time.
• 1% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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