Timothy C. Sidwell Sidwell 01
Mr. Jimenez
English 102
21 September 2012

Automotive Technician

An automotive technician is an individual who is qualified to work on most vehicles and their systems. They work on a variety of vehicles, a specific part of the vehicle, or with a particular make or model of vehicle. They must provide the customer with a repair order/work order, detailing what is wrong with the vehicle and how much it will cost for the repair. The work order contains things such as the needed parts and the amount of time it will take to complete. In repairing vehicles, their main role is to diagnose the problem quickly and accurately.
They are also referred to as service technicians or service techs. Service technicians work on traditional vehicle parts such as the engine, transmission, brakes, and heating and air conditioning. Must also be familiar with parts pertaining to the electrical aspect of the vehicle, including the steering systems and fuel injection systems. Other integrated electronic systems, such as accident avoidance sensors and tire pressure sensors are becoming more commonplace also. A growing number of them are being required to become knowledgeable in vehicles that run on alternative fuels such as ethanol and electricity.
Most technicians today specialize in certain systems of the vehicle while others are knowledgeable in every aspect of their operating systems. Some of the systems of specialization are air conditioning, brakes, transmissions, tune-ups, and engines. For those that specialize in areas such as air conditioning, they must follow both state and federal regulations governing the handling, recycling, and disposal of refridgerants.
Service technicians use many different tools, including computerized diagnostic tools and power tools such as pneumatic wrenches, lathes, welding torches, and jacks and hoists. These tools are almost always supplied by the employer. Other tools including pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, and rachets and sockets are generally their own tools. In fact and experienced technician may have thousands of dollars invested into their own collection of tools.
Service techs are not required to receive a formal education. Many of them start off learning the trade by apprenticing or working under the supervision of certified technician before taking state specific tests for certification themselves. There are several programs and schools in the United States that offer the proper training for those who are interested in becoming an automotive technician. The NATEF which stands for National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation is responsible for evaluating these programs against the standards developed by the automotive industry. They certify programs in four categories: automotive, auto body, trucks (diesel technology), and alternative fuels.
Some technicians are ASE certified, which is a standard method of testing skills and knowledge in certain areas of vehicle. It is not a requirement to be ASE certified but most companies only hire certified techs or promote employees who are. They technology of automobiles changes very rapidly and they must be prepared to learn these new technologies in order to advance in their career. Their job is very demanding and they are often exposed to temperature extremes, required to do heavy lifting and staying in uncomfortable positions for long periods. They also are exposed to things such as gasoline, asbestos, and other toxic chemicals.
While most start working straight out of high school, most go to a local community college and aquire a two year associate’s degree and others go to automotive specialty schools to receive their training. Some of those who aquire their associates, expand that into a four year bachelor’s degree. Many of them love the day-to-day challenge of repairing vehicles and have a good career doing it. There are those who choose to branch out and become service managers, service engineers, race team pit crew members, automotive writers, and even automotive technology teachers. For those who really have the flair for business, they may even open their own shop , manage a shop, or automotive dealership.
Although beginning salaries are about the same as other technical careers, experienced technicians can earn $30,000 to $40,000 a year on average. Some top-notch technicians can earn even more.