Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for an Auto Mechanic
An Auto Mechanic is a professional who specializes in repairing, maintaining, and diagnosing issues in automobiles. They possess a deep understanding of automotive systems and components, using their technical expertise to ensure vehicles are in optimal working condition. In this blog post, we will explore the primary responsibilities of an Auto Mechanic and discuss the most in-demand hard and soft skills required for success in this field.
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Main Responsibilities of an Auto Mechanic
The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an Auto Mechanic:
Adapt to
Adapt to changing automotive trends and systems.
Adhere to
Adhere to all local state and federal vehicular regulations while driving.
Advise
Advise and assist with corrective procedures, if needed.
Advise motorists on good vehicle use.
Advise the Manager or designee of all equipment breakdowns and maintenance immediately.
Advise the Mechanical Services Manager of all equipment breakdowns and maintenance immediately.
Assure
Assure good operating condition of all equipment.
Attend
Attend a Profit and Loss Statement review each accounting period with the Controller.
Attend training classes and departmental meetings.
Build
Build relationships with cleints.
Check
Check off each job and return the work order to the Manager if all work has been completed.
Check off each job and return the work order to the Manager when work has been completed.
Collaborate
Collaborate with colleagues on complex repairs and projects.
Communicate
Communicate effectively with customers to explain repairs and address concerns.
Communicate with parts department to obtain needed parts.
Complete
Complete an in-depth technical interview with our staff.
Conduct
Conduct diagnostic service per department standards and factory specifications.
Conduct inspections and provide estimates for repair costs.
Conduct regular maintenance services such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.
Conduct regular maintenance work such as replacing fluids, lubricating parts.
Conduct routine inspections to determine if appearance meets these standards.
Conduct safety inspections and ensure compliance with regulations.
Control
Control regular and overtime payroll within budgets.
Determine
Determine the value of a basic and intermediate claims and negotiates their settlement.
Develop
Develop and train all employees within the Department by company standards and guidelines.
Diagnose
Diagnose and repair power steering system, Disassemble, diagnose and repair steering gear boxes.
Diagnose cause and malfunction and perform repair.
Diagnose issues timely and accurately.
Diagnose issues using diagnostic tools and equipment.
Document
Document all work performed and recommended on repair order.
Document the claim file with notes, evaluations, and decision elements.
Drive
Drive manual transmission vehicles.
Ensure
Ensure all auction building and grounds are not a potential threat to customer or employee safety.
Ensure all auction conditions are not a potential threat to employee or customer safety.
Ensure good operating condition of all equipment and provide routine preventative maintenance.
Ensure that customers' cars are kept clean.
Examine
Examine assigned vehicle to determine if further safety or service work is required or recommended.
Follow
Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized work environment.
Identify
Identify body parts replacements, Identify Collision repair, Able to identify hidden damages.
Identify unusual noises and oil leaks, Diagnose / repairs as required.
Inform
Inform the General Manager or designee and Facilities of all breakdowns and maintenance immediately.
Initiate
Initiate and complete accurate inventory transfers as instructed.
Initiate and follow up on discrepancies.
Inspect
Inspect and repair electrical systems, including wiring and lighting.
Inspect housing for leaks, Perform diagnostics and major repairs as required.
Inspect mechanical and electrical components.
Inspect vehicle computer and electronic systems.
Inspect vehicle computer and electronic systems to repair, maintain and upgrade.
Inspect vehicle engine and mechanical / electrical components to diagnose issues accurately.
Keep
Keep abreast of manufacturer recalls and service bulletins.
Keep abreast of manufacturer technical bulletins.
Keep inventory of tools, equipment, and parts.
Keep logs on work and issues.
Keep shop area neat and clean.
Keep shop equipment operating (maintain, troubleshoot, repair, etc.).
Keep the Manager informed as to the progress and / or problems with work load.
Keep work area clean and free of clutter.
Look
Look up parts to perform repair or maintenance services.
Lubricate
Lubricate drive lines, Perform diagnostics and major repairs as required.
Maintain
Maintain accurate records of repairs and services performed.
Maintain a good flow of communication with all personnel.
Maintain all wage and salary guidelines within the Department.
Maintain and is accountable for all dealership-owned tools and manuals.
Maintain a professional appearance and a neat work environment consistent with the Handbook.
Maintain consistently high standards for technical efficiency.
Maintain consistently high standards on quality, efficiency and safety.
Maintain equipment and tools in good condition.
Maintain high customer satisfaction standards.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of automotive technology and advancements.
Make
Make quality repairs and diagnostics while observing all safety requirements.
Make sure all mechanical services shop area conditions do not threaten employee or customer safety.
Make sure customers receive prompt, efficient and courteous attention.
Make sure customers receive prompt, efficient and courteous attention from all employees.
Make sure the mechanical services shop is properly staffed at all times.
Make sure work area conditions do not threaten employee or customer safety.
Manage
Manage controllable expenses and cost items affecting profitability of the mechanical services shop.
Monitor
Monitor and control all equipment for cleanliness and safety per auction and company standards.
Monitor training conducted and ensure such training is according to company policy and procedures.
Notify
Notify the manager on any delays or discrepancies in repair estimates.
Offer
Offer our products and services.
Operate
Operate all tools and equipment in a safe manner.
Operate a variety of hand, power, and shop tools.
Own
Own all your own tools with storage.
Participate in
Participate in career interviews at our retailer.
Perform
Perform alignments, balancing, and suspension repairs.
Perform all additional duties as directed by Facilities Manager.
Perform assigned repair and maintenance per department standards and factory specifications.
Perform failure analysis for premature or abuse, Diagnose and repair all system and related problems.
Perform full diagnostic charging systems including in depth analysis and corrections.
Perform full diagnostic, including in-depth analysis and corrections.
Perform light mechanical, tire and inspection services to the standards of the service center.
Perform minor maintenance and repair to property and equipment as needed.
Perform preventative maintenance to prolong the lifespan of vehicles.
Perform road tests to verify the effectiveness of repairs.
Perform vehicle inspections to identify mechanical and electrical problems.
Practice
Practice and always promote teamwork by setting a good example of attitude and performance.
Practice and instruct all employees in proper loss prevention and reaction procedures.
Practice and promote company Core Values.
Practice and promote teamwork at all times.
Practice and promote teamwork at all times by setting a good example of attitude and performance.
Prepare
Prepare and conduct performance appraisals for all direct reports per company policy.
Provide
Provide accurate estimates (cost, time, effort) for a repair or maintenance job.
Provide continuous learning through ICAR training.
Provide guidance and recommendations to customers regarding necessary repairs.
Provide minor maintenance and repair to equipment as needed.
Read
Read manufacturer's drawings and manuals.
Receive
Receive interview preparation assistance and coaching.
Recommend
Recommend additional repairs needed or maintenance to the Manager.
Recommend any additional repairs and / or maintenance to manager.
Repair
Repair or replace broken or dysfunctional parts and fix issues (e.g. leaks).
Repair or replace faulty components and parts.
Replace
Replace if needed with mount and dismount as well as rotation.
Replacement
Replacement parts are checked ahead of time for accuracy and quality.
Report
Report all incidences to Facilities Manager immediately.
Report all incidents properly and immediately.
Report all incidents to Maintenance Manager or General Manager immediately per auction policy.
Report all incidents to the Manager.
Report incident to the manager or designee.
Report machinery defects or malfunctions to supervisor.
Report to work with a positive attitude, on time and ready to work.
Request
Request assistance on repairs or diagnosis as needed.
Request assistance with repairs or inspections as needed.
Respond to
Respond to other departments maintenance and equipment needs.
Save
Save and tag parts of the job if under warranty or if requested by customer.
Save and tag warranty parts or cores for return to vendor.
Schedule
Schedule future maintenance sessions.
Schedule future maintenance sessions and advise motorists on good vehicle use.
Service
Service and repair cooling and heating systems.
Set
Set a good personal example of attitude and performance.
Stay abreast of
Stay abreast of environmental regulations and ensure proper disposal of hazardous materials.
Stay informed about vehicle recalls and warranty information.
Stay updated with emerging technologies, such as hybrid and electric vehicle systems.
Stay updated with technical manuals, service bulletins, and industry advancements.
Sweep
Sweep and pick up work area daily and dispose of junk parts and their containers appropriately.
Test
Test and recheck all repairs and road test all comebacks as assigned by the Manager.
Test and repair electronic systems, including onboard computer diagnostics.
Troubleshoot
Troubleshoot and repair engine problems, including ignition and fuel systems.
Uphold
Uphold high ethical standards and maintain customer confidentiality.
Use
Use computer diagnostic equipment.
Use parts in stock whenever possible and order parts from outside vendors when required.
Use parts in stock when possible and order parts from outside vendors when required.
Use specialized equipment to diagnose and repair complex issues.
Utilize
Utilize computerized diagnostic systems to identify and resolve issues.
Most In-demand Hard Skills
The following list describes the most required technical skills of an Auto Mechanic:
Proficiency in diagnosing and repairing engine and transmission systems.
Knowledge of automotive electrical systems and wiring diagrams.
Expertise in using diagnostic tools and equipment.
Ability to perform computerized engine analysis and diagnostics.
Competence in reading and interpreting technical manuals and diagrams.
Understanding of braking and suspension systems.
Proficiency in using precision measuring tools for accurate repairs.
Knowledge of fuel injection systems and emissions controls.
Ability to perform welding and fabrication for structural repairs.
Expertise in working with air conditioning and cooling systems.
Competence in using engine diagnostic software and scanners.
Proficiency in engine performance tuning and optimization.
Knowledge of automotive HVAC systems.
Familiarity with hybrid and electric vehicle technology.
Ability to use specialized equipment for advanced diagnostics.
Competence in tire mounting, balancing, and alignment.
Expertise in working with drivetrain and differential systems.
Knowledge of automotive safety systems, including airbags and ABS.
Proficiency in working with different types of fuels (gasoline, diesel, etc.).
Understanding of automotive body repair techniques.
Most In-demand Soft Skills
The following list describes the most required soft skills of an Auto Mechanic:
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
Effective communication to explain technical issues to customers.
Attention to detail and a methodical approach to troubleshooting.
Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Time management skills to prioritize and complete tasks efficiently.
Adaptability to work in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment.
Strong work ethic and commitment to delivering high-quality repairs.
Collaboration and teamwork to work effectively with colleagues.
Customer service skills to provide a positive and professional experience.
Ability to work independently and take initiative.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have explored the main responsibilities and required skills of an Auto Mechanic. These professionals play a crucial role in maintaining and repairing vehicles, ensuring their optimal performance and safety. The responsibilities range from diagnosing complex issues to conducting routine maintenance services. Additionally, the most in-demand hard skills include technical knowledge of various automotive systems and proficiency in using diagnostic tools, while soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability are equally important for success in this field. By possessing a combination of these skills, Auto Mechanics can excel in their profession and provide exceptional service to their customers.
