Types of careers in automotive

07/15/2013

Are you thinking about a career in the automotive industry, but just can't figure out which job is right for you? Well, there are hundreds of different types of careers to choose from. I'll be talking about my top 5 picks. After reading this, maybe it can better help you make a decision or at least guide you toward your new career.

My top picks from top to bottom are as follows:     

1. Auto mechanic: This is the most common choice for someone considering going back to school for automotive. Since it is a very common career, there are always opportunities for mechanics to get jobs. The responsibilities of an auto mechanic vary. There are three main levels of mechanics, and when you graduate from school, you have to work your way up the ladder through these levels.

                                         

       Unless you are extremely talented, all mechanics start out their                      career as a C-tech. Their main job is very simple, and like all jobs                  where you have to start from the bottom, can get boring real quick.              The job duties mainly entail oil changes and lube jobs, topping off                fluids, checking tire pressures, and cleaning up shop. C-techs are the              lowest paid mechanics, starting around $9-$10/hr.

        Next is the B-tech. A lot of mechanics are actually content with                     working their whole career as a B-tech. The reason why is because               they do most aspects of repair work without having to get as technical           as an A-tech. Their duties include tune-ups, brake jobs, steering and             suspension work, parts swapping, and much more. B-techs can start             around $10-$15/hr, but can make up to $20/hr.

        An A-tech is someone who has extensive knowledge about anything               automotive. They can use advance tools for diagnosis, rebuild                       engines and transmissions, perform HVAC repairs, as well as any B-             tech work. A-techs start out at around $20/hr, and can make up to                 around $30/hr. They are highly paid and have multiple certifications.

   2. Auto body repair tech: Jobs in this field are in high demand.

      The skill it takes to                 become an auto body             repair tech is precise. The       main duties include spot         repair, rust repair,                   painting, collision work,         frame straightening, and         estimating. Auto body             repair techs usually start         out at $15/hr, and can             make as much as                   $25-$30/hr. They're the bread and butter of any body or collision shop. 

    3. Automotive specialist: A specialist is someone who specializes in a             certain aspect of automotive repair. Technically, auto body is a specialty,       but that for the most part has to do with body work, not mechanical.

Specialists include engine builders, transmissions, brakes, tires, electrical, parts, HVAC, diagnostic, alignment, and more. Usually specialists either have their own shop, or work for one.       They're usually an A-tech and have certifications in their specialty as well as years       of experience.

   4. Auto dealership: There are plenty of jobs inside a dealership besides           selling cars. If selling cars is your thing, then read no more. However,           dealerships offer more options. You can work in the

      service department as an         auto tech, the parts                 department as a parts             specialist, or you can             become a delivery driver         who delivers parts,                 usually to other repair             shops. Dealerships can be       a hit and miss. They can         pay well from the start, or you might have to work your way up. They         do, however, offer benefits. So you might want to think about that as           well.

   5. Auto parts sales: If you go into AutoZone, Pep Boys, Advance Auto,           etc...you will see a parts sales person. These jobs start out around                 $10/hr, but can increase the longer you're there. Assistant managers      

make around $11-$14/hr, and managers make around $19-$25/hr. These jobs are ideal for someone with customer service backgrounds and for someone who doesn't want to break their back working on cars. They also offer benefits as well for full-time employees.

Whatever it is you decide you want to do in the automotive industry, just make sure you really do your homework before pursuing that path. Almost most jobs in automotive require at least some kind of schooling. That means putting yourself into debt. So search around for more career choices, and really study the ones you're really interested in. See what it takes to get there and how long. Does the path to that career meet your standards, or do you need something less difficult? You know what's best for you.

Thanks again for reading and choose wisely,

     Cesar

Mobile mechanic SCAM?

07/14/2013

There are numerous articles out there on the web, newspapers, and television about mobile mechanic scams. Now this topic has stirred up a lot of debate and discussion on forums and chat rooms. Not to mention amongst the mobile mechanics themselves. However, I don't think these articles are entirely true. Most of the time the news is fabricating the story or looking for that one bad mechanic out of countless good mechanics.

I read some of these articles, and I must say, I'm disappointed. They really make us mechanics who are trying to make an honest living look real bad. In fact, one of the articles I read was written by a mechanic. He was giving insane advice to the readers about not trusting a mechanic that doesn't have specialized test equipment like labscopes, fuel injection testers, gas analyzers, etc... You may be thinking: "well he's right". No, he isn't. That's really not the type of work mobile mechanics do. That is more something that gets done in an auto repair shop.

See, the fact is, most mobile mechanics are genuine mechanics who are unemployed and trying to make ends meet, or are doing it part-time for extra cash each week. Just because a mobile mechanic shows up to your house without those specialized equipment, doesn't mean they are not legitimate. 

That being said, here is a warning from AAA that I partially agree with:

1. Get any mobile mechanic's address, and google them for complaint's.
2. Make sure they have a truck full of professional tools, not just some wrenches and screwdrivers. Legitimate  mechanics carry several thousand dollars worth of tools and equipment.      
3. Ask if they take credit cards: most legitimate mechanics do. Plus you can dispute a bad repair on a credit card. With cash, it's gone.
4. Never pay cash in advance for parts.

The first point is 100% agreeable. I do the same thing when someone calls me. I google their address to see if it's real. There was one time when I went to an address that didn't even exist. How? The person gave me an address and gave me the cross street. The address was fake and the person never picked up my phone calls. That was the last time that ever happened to me because I started looking up everyone that called. Just to verify who they are and if the address really exist.

The second point I almost completely agree. If a mobile mechanic shows up to your house, and all they have is a ratchet set and some wrenches, send them away. Real mechanics do have thousands of dollars worth of tools. I always bring at least my 27" 7 drawer tool box packed full of tools with me whenever I go to a customers house. I also have at least a 3 ton jack with me, as well as 2 jack stands and some power tools. I do bring some specialized equipment, like my power probe 3 and a basic scan tool. Some will show up with much more tools and equipment.

The third point I partially agree with. However, like I said previously, most mobile mechanics are just out of work technicians trying to make ends meet. They don't always have the ability to accept credit cards. The part I don't agree with is the word "most". For me, it should be "some". Part of being a mobile mechanic is there isn't any overhead expenses. When you accept credit cards, that becomes an overhead expense. Accepting credit cards isn't free. So don't turn a mechanic away because they don't accept credit.

The fourth point, I say use your discretion. Like I said previously, mobile mechanics don't have overhead. Which means they don't stock up on parts and supplies. Yes, you might get the occasional mechanic who actually does have your parts, or your oil and oil filter, but that is rare. If they tell you they need parts and supplies, you really only have two options. Go with them to get the stuff, or get it yourself before they get there. A mobile mechanic is not going to fish out his own money to buy your parts and start a repair. 

In fact, there is something that I do and tell people before I make an appointment. I charge for my time. Plain and simple. If you call me to come and look at your car, even if you know what it is, I have to charge a diagnostic fee. Repair shops and dealers charge $125-$200/hr for diagnosis.  I charge $75 just to show up and look at your car. I also have a promotion on craigslist where if you mention my ad, you get $10 off your diagnosis. Then, just like repair shops and dealers, if you have me do the repair, I will deduct the diagnostic fee from the final price. This is an upfront charge that you must pay before the mechanic looks at your car.

Even with all of this talk, there is no surefire way to trust anyone. Lets face it, you met them on the internet. Lets go another step forward. You even have to be careful when you bring your vehicle into an actual repair shop. The mechanic who shows up to your house and doesn't have any credentials might be more trustworthy and a real good mechanic compared to one that does have those credentials. It all comes down to you and your discretion. You're an adult. You had to use your discretion in life when it came to meeting new people. 

Lets hear what you all have to say. Please comment and talk about this.

Thanks for reading, and be safe,

        Cesar

Stop & Fix Mobile Mechanics

The importance of knowing the little things...

07/13/2013

Nuts & bolts, hand tools, measuring, power tools, lifting, etc. These are very important things to learn about. They are some of the most basic things and most essential to working on vehicles and motorcycles. Understanding these commonly overlooked items can save you in the long run. NOT understanding them can spell DOOM for you. You think I'm going overboard, don't you? Well, I'm not. I'm speaking from first hand experience. Things that I learned as an auto technician. Let me explain in detail what I mean.

Bolts

Let's start with bolts. I don't expect you to know every little detail about using bolts, but a little understanding of the different types of bolts and screws go a long way. There are a few basic things you need to know about bolts. The size and type of "head", the amount of "threads", the "thread pitch", the bolt length or "shank", diameter, and the type of bolt. You can't just put any bolt anywhere. Now, I'm not going to get into detail about every single aspect of bolts. I'm going to talk about the basics just to get you by.

Torx head bolts

The "head" it the top of the bolt. The head has many different shapes and sizes. There are round head screw bolts, torx bolts, allen bolts, hex-head bolts, and many more. Knowing what type of bolt is needed will help you figure out how to fasten or remove that bolt. How? Simple, you will know what tool is needed for each type of head. Also, knowing the different types of bolt heads can help you choose the bolts you want to use on a project. Some heads look really cool and nice, which provides a nice appearance. Some are ugly and you wouldn't want to put them where you know they will be seen.

There are different types of threads and thread pitch. To get to the point, the main thing you really need to know is "standard" or "SAE", and "metric". "Standard", to sum things up, is basically anything American made. This is about 95%-99% of the time. In the real world, some American cars and bikes have metric bolts (either by design or someone put them there). "Metric", is basically anything not American made. Examples are European and Asian vehicles and motorcycles. Almost all of the time, you can never fit a standard bolt where a metric bolt is supposed to be, and vice-versa. Putting it simply, know what type of bolt to use.

Knowing the "shank" (length) is also important. You need to know how long of a bolt you need so you can make sure you have fastened the bolt securely. If the threads are deep into a block, and you only use a short bolt, you are not properly securing whatever it is you're bolting down. 

Diameter is simple. This is basically the size of the hole that you are putting the bolt in. If you know that, you know what size diameter bolt to use. Again, you also need to know the shank and type of thread.

Hand Tools

Hand tools are your most trusted ally when working on anything vehicle or motorcycle related. Using the correct tool for a particular task is essential in order to perform that task fast, efficient, and safely. Always make sure you use the correct tool for the job, and never use a tool in a manner that it wasn't made for. That being said, everyone, including myself, uses tools incorrectly. The most common is using a flat head screw driver as a pry bar. Although it works and you might get away with it, that's not what the tool was made for.

So what tool do you need to use? Here are some basic tools in the industry that is a must have:

• Ratchets 

There are 3 main types of ratchets. 1/4" drive, 3/8" drive, and 1/2" drive. A good reliable ratchet is essential.

                                                         Basic 3/8" Ratchet                                           Basic 12 point socket set w/ratchet

• Sockets

Sockets come in standard and metric sizes. A basic set of each is essential. They come in 6 point and 12 point. Most socket sets come with a ratchet, but not always.

• Wrenches

Wrenches also come in standard and metric. Sometimes wrenches are more practical than a ratchet. They can be used to get into tight spaces or to keep a nut from turning. There are different type of wrenches. Box end, open end, and combination are the most basic types just to name a few. Below is a set of combination wrenches. Notice one end is open (open end), and the other end is closed (box end).

Power Tools

Sometimes you simply can't perform a task without enlisting the help of your best friends; power tools. I love power tools. They are real convenient when used in practical applications and are sometimes necessary. There are three ways power tools are powered. Air, electric, and battery. Air tools are most commonly found in shops. Shops have air compressors that provide enough air to the tools to keep running. Electric and battery tools are self explanatory. They either get plugged in or have a charged battery.

No matter which way a power tool is powered, they can be very dangerous. For that reason, I'm not going to be talking much about them here. I'll be doing another segment on them getting into real detail about the types of power tools, safety precautions and hazards, and use of the tools. Just know that the right tool must be used for what it was made for.

All in all, there are a million "little" things that contribute toward the "big" picture. These are just a few things that just scrape the surface. Maybe in time I will cover most of them. However, in order for you to fully understand and learn them, you might want to start thinking about going to school for automotive. Of course, that is if you're interested in becoming an automotive technician. If not, then search online if you ever need to know something about anything you are working on. There are advantages and disadvantages (dangers) to getting information online rather than actually learning it. I really hope this article stirs up some discussion, and I welcome it. 

Thanks for reading, and be safe with whatever you do,

        Cesar.