Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

People in this career often have these skills:

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

People in this career often know a lot about:

• Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

People in this career often have talent in:

• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
• Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
• Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
• Extent Flexibility - The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
• Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
• Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

People in this career often do these activities:

• Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.
• Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Service vehicles to maintain functionality.
• Inspect vehicles to determine overall condition.

• Record information about parts, materials or repair procedures.
• Align equipment or machinery.
• Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
• Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
• Repair non-engine automotive or vehicle components.
• Repair defective engines or engine components.
• Service heating, ventilation or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or components.
• Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
• Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
• Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
• Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
• Operate transportation equipment to demonstrate function or malfunction.
• Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
• Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
• Clean work areas.
• Estimate costs for labor or materials.
• Service green vehicles to make repairs or maintain good working order.
• Inspect gas systems or components to identify leaks or other potential hazards.
• Reassemble equipment after repair.
• Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
• Plan work procedures.
• Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies.
• Rebuild parts or components.
• Rewire electrical or electronic systems.
• Install vehicle parts or accessories.

• Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

• Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

• Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

• Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation

• Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians

• Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

• Motorcycle Mechanics

• Industrial Machinery Mechanics

• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door