What You'll Do

  • Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
  • Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
  • Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
  • Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
  • Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
  • Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
  • Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
  • Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
  • Align vehicles' front ends.
  • Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.

Essential Skills

Troubleshooting 3.88/5
Repairing 3.88/5
Equipment Maintenance 3.75/5
Critical Thinking 3.5/5
Operations Monitoring 3.38/5
Active Listening 3.25/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.25/5
Installation 3.25/5
Operation and Control 3.25/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.25/5
Monitoring 3.12/5
Speaking 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to understand the kind of profile this role rewards. It helps you judge whether this career looks like a stronger match than your current role, a nearby move worth exploring, or a broader path to compare more seriously.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Perseverance, Integrity, Cautiousness

Want a personal read on fit? Take the free assessment and compare this career to your current role, nearby alternatives, and broader stronger-fit options.

Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Problem Sensitivity 4.0/5
Deductive Reasoning 4.0/5
Near Vision 4.0/5
Manual Dexterity 3.88/5
Finger Dexterity 3.88/5
Inductive Reasoning 3.75/5
Control Precision 3.75/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.62/5

Technologies & Tools

Blue Streak Electronics Buell Diagnostic CODA Engine Analysis System Hunter WinAlign Nexiq Tech HDS Suite for Palm SPX/OTC Genisys ConnecTech PC Mitchell Manager Invoicing System Scheduling software Genisys Fast Fixes AutoZone ALLDATA Database software Recordkeeping software Vehicle management software Work order management software IBM Notes Microsoft Outlook SAP software Alliance Automotive Shop Controller Amcom AUTOS2000 Mainsaver Asset Management Mitchell OnDemand5 Manager

Work Environment & Strengths

Common Strengths for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.67/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.59/5)
  • Perseverance (High importance: 4.18/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.09/5)
  • Cautiousness (High importance: 4.04/5)

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How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

AC Tech (Air Conditioning Technician) ASE Master Mechanic (Automotive Service Excellence Master Mechanic) Alternative Fuel Vehicle Maintenance Technician (AFV Maintenance Tech) Ambulance Mechanic Auto AC Installer (Automotive Air Conditioning Installer) Auto AC Mechanic (Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic) Auto Bench Mechanic (Automotive Bench Mechanic) Auto Brake Mechanic (Automotive Brake Mechanic) Auto Brake Specialist (Automotive Brake Specialist) Auto Brake Tech (Automotive Brake Technician) Auto Braker Adjuster (Automotive Brake Adjuster) Auto Cooling System Diagnostic Tech (Automotive Cooling System Diagnostic Technician) Auto Drivability Tech (Automotive Drivability Technician) Auto Engine Mechanic (Automotive Engine Mechanic) Auto Fuel Injection Servicer (Automotive Fuel Injection Servicer) Auto Garage Mechanic (Automotive Garage Mechanic) Auto Headlight Mechanic (Automotive Headlight Mechanic) Auto Heater Mechanic (Automotive Heater Mechanic) Auto Maintenance Tech (Automotive Maintenance Technician) Auto Mechanic (Automobile Mechanic) Auto Mechanic (Automotive Mechanic) Auto Motor Mechanic (Automotive Motor Mechanic) Auto Overhauler (Automotive Overhauler) Auto Radiator Mechanic (Automobile Radiator Mechanic) Auto Radiator Mechanic (Automotive Radiator Mechanic) Auto Radiator Specialist (Automotive Radiator Specialist) Auto Repair Tech (Automotive Repair Technician) Auto Service Mechanic (Automotive Service Mechanic) Auto Service Station Mechanic (Automobile Service Station Mechanic) Auto Service Tech (Automotive Service Technician) Auto Services Break Repairer (Automotive Services Brake Repairer) Auto Specialty Tech (Automotive Specialty Technician) Auto Suspension Mechanic (Automotive Suspension Mechanic) Auto Tech (Automative Technician) Auto Tech (Automobile Technician) Auto Tech (Automotive Technician) Auto Tech Specialist (Automotive Technician Specialist) Auto Tune Up Mechanic (Automotive Tune Up Mechanic) Automatic Transmission Mechanic (Auto Transmission Mechanic) Automatic Transmission Technician (Auto Transmission Tech) Brake Adjuster Brake Repairer Brake Shoe Rebuilder Car Mechanic Certified ASE Master Auto Tech (Certified Automotive Service Excellence Master Automotive Technician) Drivability Technician Front End Mechanic General Service Technician (General Service Tech) Heavy Duty Mechanic Heavy Line Technician (Heavy Line Tech) Hybrid Car Mechanic Line Mechanic Lube Technician (Lube Tech) Make Ready Mechanic Mechanical Car Checker New Car Get-Ready Mechanic New Car Make Ready Mechanic Quick Lube Tech (Quick Lubrication Technician) Race Car Mechanic Racing Mechanic Service Technician (Service Tech) Steering Mechanic Tire Technician (Tire Tech) Transmission Mechanic Transmission Rebuilder Tune-Up Mechanic Used Car Make Ready Mechanic Vehicle Mechanic Wheel Adjuster Wheel Aligner Wheel Alignment Mechanic Wheel Alignment Technician (Wheel Alignment Tech) Wheel Tuner

Career Fit FAQs

Is this career a good fit for me

This page shows the role itself. To see personal fit, use the assessment to compare your interests, motivations, and strengths against this career and against the role you are in now.

Can this help if I want to stay in my field

Yes. Many people use career pages like this to compare nearby roles in the same field and see whether they need a full switch or a better-fit version of the work they already know.

What should I compare first

Start with the daily tasks, the preparation level, and the work-style signals on this page. Then use the assessment to see whether this role looks like a stronger fit than your current role or just a different title.