PREPARING FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CAREER

DESIRE AND INTEREST If a person has an interest in automobiles

and trucks and likes computers, the automotive service field
may be a good career choice. Computer skills are needed in addition
to hands-on skills for several reasons, including:
_ Service information, such as diagnostic procedures and specifications,
is commonly available in electronic format.
_ Work orders are commonly written and sent to the technician
electronically. The technician therefore needs typing skills to
type the steps taken during the service or repair procedures.
_ Warranty claims are often submitted by the Internet and
computer skills are needed to quickly and accurately submit
claims and answer questions from the insurance company.
Interest in vehicles is also very important toward being successful
as a professional service technician. Most technicians enjoy working
on vehicles, not only professionally, but also during their spare
time. Many technicians own a project vehicle, which could include:
_ Drag race vehicle
_ Race vehicle used in road racing
_ A fun vehicle used on sunny weekend days and evenings
_ Motorcycle
_ Snowmobile or jet ski
_ Truck for rock crawling
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS The enjoyment of
being involved with vehicles is very important because the job of
servicing and repairing automobiles and trucks can be hard and dirty
work. Many men and women enjoy being around and learning about
the details of vehicle operation. With these desires and interest,
working in the automotive service field is a great career. Technical
information, skills, and tools needed include:
Hand tools and tool usage. Owning and experience using
hand tools is important for a service technician. All service
technicians are expected to be able to remove and replace
parts and components as needed in a timely manner using
proper tools and techniques.
_ Technical knowledge. While knowing how all aspects of the
vehicle works is not expected of a beginning service technician,
it is important that the technician have a basic understanding
of the parts and procedures needed at least for
routine service procedures.