Formal automotive mechanical technician training is the best preparation for these challenging technology-based jobs.
  Opportunities should be very good for automotive service technicians and auto mechanic with good diagnostic and problem-solving skills and knowledge of auto electronics and mathematics.
  Automotive service technicians and mechanics must continually adapt to changing technology and repair techniques as vehicle components and systems become increasingly sophisticated.

Automotive Mechanics
Anyone whose car or light truck has broken down knows the importance of the jobs of automotive service technicians and auto mechanics. The ability to diagnose the source of a problem quickly and accurately. This most valuable skill-requires good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of automobiles. Many technicians consider diagnosing hard-to-find troubles one of their most challenging and satisfying duties.

The work of automotive service technicians and mechanic has evolved from simply mechanical to high technology. Today integrated auto electronic systems and complex computers run vehicles and measure their performance while on the road. Automotive service technicians have developed into diagnostic, high-tech problem solvers. Technicians must have an increasingly broad base of knowledge about how vehicles' complex components work and interact, as well as the ability to work with electronic diagnostic equipment and computer-based technical reference materials.

Automotive Service Technicians and mechanics
use these high-tech skills to inspect, maintain, and repair automobiles and light trucks with gasoline engines. The increasing sophistication of automotive technology now relies on workers who can use computerized shop equipment and work with electronic components, while maintaining their skills with traditional hand tools. Because of these changes in the occupation, workers are increasingly called "automotive service technicians," and the title "auto mechanic" is being used less and less frequently. (Service technicians and mechanics who work on diesel-powered trucks, buses, and equipment are discussed in our statement on diesel mechanic school service technicians and mechanics. Motorcycle mechanics who repair and service motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, and, occasionally, small all-terrain vehicles are discussed in our directory about
motorcycle mechanic school and small engine mechanics.)

When mechanical
or electrical troubles occur, auto mechanic's or automotive technicians first get a description of the symptoms from the owner or, if they work in a large shop, the repair service estimator who wrote the repair order. To locate the problem, technicians use a diagnostic approach. First, they test to see if components and systems are proper and secure, and then isolate those components or systems that could not logically be the cause of the problem. For example, if an air conditioner malfunctions, the technician's diagnostic approach can pinpoint a problem as simple as a low coolant level or as complex as a bad drive-train connection that has shorted out the air conditioner. Technicians may have to test drive the vehicle or use a variety of testing equipment, such as onboard and hand-held diagnostic computers or compression gauges, to identify the source of the problem. These tests may indicate whether a component is salvageable or if a new one is required to get the vehicle back in working order.

Westwood College Auto Mechanic School
The computer and electronic systems used in today’s automobiles are more advanced than ever. The high-tech systems that automotive mechanic's and repair technicians work within the future are expected to be even more complex. Campus: Denver CO.

  Automotive Technology Degree
The associate degree program for auto mechanic's provides students with entry-level skills necessary to enter the automotive industry with knowledge and skills in both line and unit systems.
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UTI Auto Mechanic School
UTI remains one of the few private technical schools in the nation to be ASE Master Certified in both the Automotive and Medium/Heavy truck areas.

  Auto Mechanic School
Get hands-on training using the latest in today's automotive technology. UTI's industry connections ensures that you will receive the most current auto mechanic's instruction on the best equipment possible.
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