No matter what vehicle you drive, it’s essential to have a reliable mechanic who can provide quality services. Whether you’re looking for a mechanic to work on your car, truck, or motorcycle, there are several types of mechanics that specialize in a variety of services. It’s important to understand the various mechanic types and their areas of expertise so that you can choose the right type of mechanic for your needs. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different mechanic types and their areas of specialty. We’ll also discuss the various services they provide and how to find a reliable, experienced mechanic. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of the different mechanic types and how to find a qualified mechanic to service your vehicle.
- Diesel mechanic. …
- General automotive mechanic. …
- Brake and transmission technicians. …
- Auto body mechanics. …
- Race car mechanics. …
- Service technicians. …
- Auto glass mechanics. …
- Heavy equipment mechanic.
What are some career fields mechanics can pursue?
With so many industries utilizing and employing mechanics to maintain and service their vehicles, mechanics have a wide range of career options. To find problems with cars’ engines, bodies, or internal systems and choose the best solution, mechanics inspect cars and run a range of diagnostic tests. Regardless of their area of specialization, handling and maintaining mechanical and electrical equipment is an important part of their duties. Mechanics rely on their in-depth knowledge and understanding of vehicle systems and mechanisms as well as a variety of tools depending on the machinery they work with.
There are numerous fields where mechanics can pursue careers depending on their areas of interest. Professionals can pursue careers working in aviation to repair aircraft. They may choose to use heavy machinery for farming or construction, or they may decide to only use diesel engines. Mechanics can work for government organizations, on aircraft hangars, and mining companies in addition to repair shops and dealerships.
12 mechanic types to consider
Consider the following list of twelve mechanic types and their job descriptions:
1. Diesel mechanic
Diesel mechanics can work on a wide range of diesel-powered automobiles, trucks, and generators. Diesel mechanics can repair and maintain vehicles used for public services, such as fire trucks and ambulances. Additionally, they might get the chance to work on trucks, cranes, and bulldozers used in construction and building projects. Diesel engines are used in some power generators, and their routine maintenance and repairs must be handled by experts. This means that their employers may expect them to be knowledgeable about a variety of transmission, brake, and steering system types.
Municipalities, repair shops, and big trucking companies all need diesel mechanics. Some of their additional job duties may include:
2. General automotive mechanic
Automotive mechanics assist in the diagnosis and repair of a wide range of problems for various automobiles, including cars, trucks, and vans. This position necessitates in-depth familiarity with all automotive mechanical and electrical systems, including the brakes, steering systems, drive belts, transmissions, and engines. It might also be necessary for people to be knowledgeable about the various tools used in the repair process, such as lathes, wrenches, and computerized diagnostic software. Due to the ongoing technological advancements in the automotive industry, these professionals’ job responsibilities could change.
The primary job duties of general automotive mechanics include:
3. Brake and transmission technicians
Some auto mechanics focus on problems with the brake and transmission systems. They can recognize and address issues with braking systems and keep up with the steering parts and the transmission’s power train. They may use specific alignment equipment or wheel-balancing machines. The typical job duties for these professionals are:
4. Auto body mechanics
These specialists assist with the replacement or restoration of worn-out or damaged auto parts, such as headlights, bumpers, or panels. They are in charge of determining whether a vehicle component can be repaired or needs to be replaced entirely. The majority of the time, auto body mechanics deal with cars, trucks, and vans that need to be evaluated after collisions or accidents. While some professionals might be able to pick up skills while they work, many employers might prefer that professionals obtain the necessary skills from a trade school or community college before starting their careers. Some of their primary responsibilities include:
5. Race car mechanics
While race car mechanics work with high-performance vehicles and are frequently under tight deadlines, they may perform some of the same tasks as general automotive mechanics. Before, during, and after a race, they are in charge of the car’s upkeep and improvements. To ensure that professionals are capable of carrying out diagnoses and repairs during a race, it typically requires formal education and on-site training due to the requirements of this role. Some of their unique responsibilities are:
6. Service technicians
These mechanics are in charge of maintaining automobiles, which may entail checking crucial mechanical and electrical components or determining the amount of oil and fluid in the vehicle. Additionally, they can identify and fix operational problems like excessive fuel use. These experts might work for a repair facility and perform the required duties with the aid of a variety of tools, including pneumatic wrenches, welding torches, and lathes. These experts identify problems with a car’s ignition, electrical system, and engine management system. Service technicians may become more crucial as technical automotive systems continue to become more complex.
Some of their responsibilities can include:
7. Auto glass mechanics
Auto glass mechanics are experts at taking out, fixing, and installing glass on automobiles. If they work for a manufacturing facility, they might install windshields and other glass components. Instead, if they work for a repair facility, these experts concentrate on fixes and replacements. They could carry out in-store maintenance or offer mobile services, going to the homes or businesses of their customers. These mechanics typically need to be certified in auto glass installation or collision and repair in order to work. Some of their job duties are:
8. Heavy equipment mechanic
Diesel mechanics and heavy equipment mechanics both work on various types of machinery, but their duties and tasks are different. These experts typically work in fields like construction, farming, industrial development, and railroad transportation because they are familiar with large machines. As a result, they might get the chance to work with various types of machinery, such as hydraulic systems, engines, and electrical systems. Additional job duties for a heavy equipment mechanic could be:
9. Aircraft mechanic
These specialists carry out inspections for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in addition to renovating and maintaining aircraft. While employers may not require a specific certification to tend to an aircraft, it is necessary to be supervised by a professional who has the correct certification. They may work on a variety of helicopters, pistons, and jets. The FAA offers both the airframe rating mechanic certificate and the power plant rating mechanic certificate for those who are interested in advancing their careers as aircraft mechanics. These credentials can help you be eligible for various aircraft repairs.
Job duties for this role can include:
10. Small engine mechanic
These technicians may have intricate and challenging tasks because the engines they service and restore are smaller than those found in standard automobiles. Motorcycles, boats, and outdoor power equipment are just a few examples of the variety of machinery that small engine mechanics can work on. They may use instruments like pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches to efficiently carry out their job duties. They might also use computerized diagnostic tests to identify fixes for specific and complicated engine problems. Despite working with smaller engines, their general duties are similar to those of general automotive mechanics. Some of these duties include:
11. Marine mechanics
Depending on the engines, some diesel mechanics may also work on boats, but marine mechanics, also known as motorboat mechanics, specialize in repairing and maintaining watercraft. Numerous employers, such as boatyards, marinas, and boat dealerships, are hiring them. They are in charge of evaluating the performance of boat engines to ascertain whether repairs or part replacements are required. They could operate with large diesel ship engines, outboard motors, and inboard motors. Some of their additional responsibilities are:
12. Tire mechanics
There are specialists in this field as well as other mechanics who can help with tire care and maintenance. On a wide range of vehicles, tire mechanics regularly spot tire problems and handle repairs and replacements. Their duties are detailed and distinctive because they deal with a single aspect of cars and other vehicles, and some employers might demand particular certifications. Their job duties can include:
The 3 types of Mechanics in the Auto Industry
FAQ
What type of mechanics make the most?
- #1 Aircraft Mechanic. Job Description. …
- #2 Industrial Machinery Mechanic. Job Description. …
- #3 Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic. …
- #4 Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic. …
- #5 Diesel Mechanic. …
- #6 Electrical Mechanic. …
- #7 Radio Mechanic. …
- #8 Automotive Mechanic.
What type of industry is mechanic?
Repairing aircraft is the mechanic specialty that pays the highest wages. According to the BLS, aircraft mechanics made an average salary of $64,090 in 2019.
