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Career as an auto mechanic?


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Utahguard93
New User

Feb 3, 2011, 6:01 PM

Post #1 of 5 (2465 views)
Career as an auto mechanic? Sign In

Hello everyone,

I didn't know where to post this so I figured I'd ask here. My question is are there any auto mechanics out there, and if so, how do you like your job?
I have very little technical experience with cars (can only change tires and oil lol) but it's a subject that really interests me. I'm strongly considering going to the local CC and getting an
associate's in auto tech. Any advice?


zmame
Veteran / Moderator
zmame profile image

Feb 18, 2011, 5:12 PM

Post #2 of 5 (2437 views)
Re: Career as an auto mechanic? Sign In

don't work in a shop that has tire or muffler at the end of it. You will learn the most at a small general repair shop.


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Feb 19, 2011, 2:58 AM

Post #3 of 5 (2428 views)
Re: Career as an auto mechanic? Sign In

Too add: If this crap doesn't run thru your veins you'll probably fail. Not an easy trade and don't be hallucinating about pay even though it commands a high rate per hour you don't get it.

IMO if you don't have some near masochistic love for this stuff it isn't for you,

T



quakero
New User

Mar 1, 2011, 8:27 AM

Post #4 of 5 (2401 views)
Re: Career as an auto mechanic? Sign In

I think that you have to love cars and everything about them, takes a special person to work as a mechanic. Not everyone will be happy, I think you have to be very interested, but you'll only find out if its right for you if you give it a go. Maybe shadow a mechanic you know to find out before you get a degree...


zmame
Veteran / Moderator
zmame profile image

Mar 1, 2011, 4:16 PM

Post #5 of 5 (2398 views)
Re: Career as an auto mechanic? Sign In

No doubt take right kind of lunatic to work on cars. The trade is so complicated and doesn't pay.

Its little bit of mix of all trades:
Electrical
Plumbing
fabricating
Mechanical
HVAC (obviously little different.. but still)
and list goes on and on

It's also hard on the body. and you breath in alot of Sh!t and chemicals all day everyday.. not as bad as the old days.. I get to work on few older cars I tell ya I don't know how they did it. Take the breather off on hot carburetor engine the fumes dam near knock you out any if you under the hood any amount of time.

If you serious about going into the trade here are some awesome tips:

- When your dealing with chemicals where nitrile gloves alot of chemicals can cause cancer.
- Where knee pads (SAVE YOUR KNEES)
- Don't work for the French
- Check what your hoist is rated to life and memorize it and check your GVWR before lifting it. (yes words of personal experience)
- If you don't know something ASK and if you break something tell the service manager.. i think this one of the things that make or break most apprentices.
- Always think safe can be fun trade, but also a dangerous one.






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