Mobile Mechanic in Hampton Roads: How Can I get the Education I Need?

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, in the year 2015, there were over 260 million registered vehicles in the U.S., which means that the demand for intelligent and highly talented technicians has never been higher. Due to the high workloads, most dealerships and independent shop owners often require their technicians to work fixed schedules with little flexibility and little vacation time to do other things that they may want to do during the day. Fortunately, you can decide to go solo as a mobile mechanic.

What is a Mobile Mechanic?

At a time when few medical doctors make house calls, there is a growing number of mechanics driving to their clients’ homes or place of business to perform maintenance and repairs as their clients go about their daily activities. More and more customers prefer this service to shuttling back and forth to drop off or pick their cars. As a mobile mechanic, you will carry out car repairs at any place as long as it’s safe to work there.

Three Reasons Why You Should Become a Mobile Mechanic

Be your own boss: Ask any mechanic that has worked at a dealership, and you will know what it’s like to work for many bosses and work in a stressful environment. As a mobile mechanic, you are your own boss, and your hard work will be appreciated and rewarded by the customers you serve. You are also able to make important repair decisions and have the final say.

Flexible schedules: As a mobile mechanic, you choose how many days and the number of hours per day you will work. However, you will discover that the demand for your services will determine when you work. You may find that offering your services when regular garages aren’t operating creates a well-appreciated niche that gives you better results and more customers.

Cheaper than a garage: Because you won’t incur any costs that are associated with operating from a garage, you will be able to pass on those savings to your clients. This means that you will be able to provide more affordable but equally good services as offered by other regular garages.

What is the Responsibility of a Mobile Mechanic?

Auto mechanics work in specific locations and can repair almost any type of vehicle, and this gives them an advantage because all the tools needed are in one place. However, mobile mechanics work in different places, and they have to transport to different places where they are needed. Clients require the services of mobile mechanics due to varying reasons, but the most common is the inability to take their car to an auto repair shop.

Mobile mechanics are trained to do most if not all types of repairs, but they have to create their working space. Having a truck or large van is necessary to transport all the tools needed to do the job. Mobile mechanics often have some kind of temporary shelter that they erect around the car so that they can work comfortably even in wet weather conditions.

This means that mobile mechanics can go to the clients’ home, workplace or at the roadside and do more than replacing batteries and tires. Mobile mechanics also conduct diagnosis if the client isn’t aware of the problem. A trained mobile mechanic will be able to conduct engine repair, electrical repair, A/C recharging and repair, transmission repair, and brake repair. In case there are transmission oil leaks or car misfires, mobile mechanics can help. Generally, the main responsibility of a mobile mechanic is to help their clients get back on the road.

How Can You Become a Mobile Mechanic?

If you love being around cars and you aspire to become a mobile mechanic, begin honing your skills during high school by shopping for classes that teach you how to work with tools. Also, take automotive repair, computer, electronics, English, and math classes. Additionally, you can also learn by observing family members or friends as they work on their cars. You can acquire some customer service skills by working part-time as a clerk, if possible at an auto parts dealer.

Why do You Need Further Education?

Modern cars use advanced and sophisticated technology which means you will need more than high school training to become a professional mobile mechanic. To get started, you should complete formal postsecondary education, which is available at community colleges and trade schools. The program will provide you with training in communication and math, engine and electrical theory, engine repair and assembly, automotive systems, and brake and climate control service.

Aspiring mobile mechanics may begin with some formal education, but to become professionals they need a combination of hands-on experience and ASE testing and certification. Connect with Advanced Technology Institute today and pursue your Associate in Occupational Science (A.O.S.) degree program in Automotive Technology to become a professional mobile mechanic.

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