Automotive Repair Training in Virginia Beach: Do I Have What It Takes?

Do you enjoy spending your time under the hood as much as you enjoy being behind the wheel? Now is a great time to put your talents to good use by joining the auto repair field. As an automotive repair technician, you can choose to work hands-on as part of a larger team or you can start your own business.

Throughout your career, you could be working on high-tech automotive components. But no matter where you work, you will have to keep up with the latest technology in the automotive industry.

Reasons why you should become an Auto Repair Technician

Although a passion for cars is a great reason for you to become an auto mechanic, there are other reasons as to why you should pursue this career, including:

Job stability

There are over 260 million cars on the road and approximately 80 percent of them need repair or maintenance. This means that you have a good chance at finding work.

Job variety

As an auto mechanic, you can work in different industries. For example, there are other career fields than mechanic. You could also find work designing auto systems for new auto companies, repair, manage, and also expand auto systems or create new auto technologies.

Save money

You can use your auto mechanic skills to repair and maintain your own car. This can help you save more money considering that the average cost of checking an engine light is close to $400.

What does an Auto Repair Mechanic do?

Auto repair mechanics ensure that vehicles operate at optimum efficiency. To do this you will need to have knowledge of computerized car systems, mechanics, and mechanical profiles and specifications of the different car make and models. You will also have to understand computerized testing and repairing systems, and have an excellent eye to hand coordination and physical stamina.

Duties and Responsibilities of Auto Repair Mechanics in Hampton Roads Area

Inspecting and troubleshooting

Some auto problems are obvious, for instance, a punctured tire or a blown muffler. However, other problems are not as obvious and an auto mechanic has to use their diagnostic abilities. An auto repair mechanic will start by asking the car owner what the problem is and how frequently it occurs, and then inspect the car before conducting a test drive.

The auto repair mechanic may run some diagnostic tests using special tools such as infrared engine analyzers, emission analyzers, and circuit testers. The auto mechanic will then identify the problem and identify what has to be repaired.

Routine maintenance

To keep cars running smoothly and avoid costly repair expenses, auto repair mechanics also perform routine maintenance procedures such as changing engine and transmission oil, tuning the electrical system, and lubricating engine parts. Other maintenance procedures include inspecting hoses, belts, and mechanical systems to ensure that they are all operating properly.

Repairing vehicles

Auto repair mechanics in Hampton Roads often conduct auto repairs including removing and replacing broken or old parts such as engine rods and pistons, repairing or replacing brakes, rebuilding faulty assemblies, repairing heating, cooling, and the electrical systems of a car. Auto repair mechanics also repair or replace shock absorbers, transmissions, distributors, carburetors, ignition systems, radiators, and other parts or systems.

Important Skills and Values to do Well in Training

Today’s mechanics are completely different from mechanics of a decade ago. As new technology is released each and every day, auto repair mechanics are also engaged in advanced training. From Bluetooth technology to voice activation and navigation equipment, all these are new technologies and auto repair mechanics are continually getting trained. Apart from training, auto repair students need a set of skills to succeed in their training. Some of these skills include:

Critical thinking: This skill is important, especially when diagnosing automotive failures.

Communication skills: Communicating effectively is important to interact with others in written and spoken English about car problems.

Motor skills: Both gross and fine motor skills are important to operate equipment and repair vehicles.

Interpersonal skills: These skills are important to be able to interact effectively with supervisors, customers, and other employees from different social, cultural, emotional, and intellectual backgrounds.

Physical endurance: As an auto repair mechanic, you will need to focus on one task for several hours while bending, sitting, standing, or while lifting. For example, manually operating tools or performing diagnostic tests for extensive periods.

If you’re passionate about cars and would want to make a career doing what you love most, then you’re ready to join an auto repair school. While some high schools offer training programs, most employers look for auto repair mechanics that have completed an Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Automotive Technology. To become an auto repair professional, visit Advanced Technology Institute today and apply for your associate degree.

Automotive Tech Training School