When something goes wrong with your vehicle, a service technician is on hand to save the day. These indispensible people work either for a car dealership or an independent repair shop. They diagnose and then repair the problem with a car, truck or another mechanical vehicle.
Repair technicians also complete preventative maintenance on vehicles and install additional car components. In small repair shops, the technician may have to interact with customers but in large operations, there is rarely customer contact. By inspecting the vehicle and conducting tests, they are able to diagnose the problem. Often a test drive or a diagnostic computer is used to identify the problem.
Service technicians work in a garage, which can often be dirty and not climate controlled. There is heavy lifting involved, loud noise and physical labour. Mechanics need to complete a special training course through high school, a vocational school, a community college or an automotive service training course.
Job competition is fierce, so a certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is highly valued. This position is usually paid by the hour, with an average salary of about C
$36,000 a year.