Mechanic Archives - The Car Doctor Auto Repair

How to Become an Auto Technician

Do you love to work with your hands and solve intricate problems?

There are a lot of pros to becoming an auto technician or an auto mechanic – for those of you that really love to work with your hands and solve intricate problems, it’s a fantastic choice.

So, what goes into becoming an auto technician? Here are the steps you will need to take and the opportunities you will want to seek out.

What Goes Into Being an Auto Technician?

There are a lot of different tasks that can go into an auto technician, and the job may vary quite a bit depending on your specific work environment.

These technicians will work on many different types of vehicles, which includes trucks, cars, motorcycles, and even boats sometimes.

The job is slightly different from that of an auto mechanic. Typically an auto technician will focus more on the technical and computer aspects of the vehicle and handle a lot of what goes on in the diagnostic center, while an auto mechanic will work more on the actual working parts of the car. The terms are often used interchangeably, but there can be slight differences.

Schooling

So, what about schooling? How much education do you really need to become an auto technician?

The minimum education you will need is a high school diploma or GED in many areas. While no, you don’t need higher education for the job necessarily, it is not a bad idea.

For those that do want to further their education for a career as an auto technician, a degree in something like automotive systems technology is ideal.

Mechanic Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a great way to get your foot in the door as an auto technician or auto mechanic. Not only does it give you the experience and opportunity that you need, but it also allows you to make money while you learn.

As an auto technician apprentice, you will work directly under a master mechanic. Master status typically requires at least two years of work experience, as well as completing exams that are offered through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (also known as ASE).

You can be an apprentice hired directly into a training program, or you can work your way up from other positions in an auto repair shop like lube technicians. It really depends on where you become an apprentice and the path you take to get there.

Internships can be an option as well, it’s just important to note that these are typically unpaid positions. However, for younger people and/or those still in school, it might be a fantastic and viable option.

Auto Technician Opportunities

No matter where you are located, when you get started, or whether or not you work in an auto repair shop already, it’s important to seek out local opportunities and see where they can take you.

Consider doing some work on your own car for practice, enrolling in certification courses, find local auto repair shops that want apprentices, and update your resume. Preparing as much as possible will help better opportunities comes your way. The Car Doctor Auto Repair is always looking for additional great mechanics to join our team!

Looking for more information on taking care of cars and the work of an auto technician? Check out our blog!

Tips to Finding An Honest Auto Repair Mechanic

The time will come when you will have to bring your car to an auto shop whether for routine service or a more serious car problem. However, you don’t know much about cars. Hmm … how do you find an honest auto repair mechanic who will not take advantage of your lack of knowledge? The following tips will help!

Any honest mechanic or shop will show and explain the car services and costs to their customers.

1. Do Your Research – Check Out the Competition – Review Your Options

Above all, don’t panic and settle on the first mechanic or car repair shop that shows up in the search engine or on Google. Be aware and educate yourself by doing your research first and knowing your options. Very quickly you should have a substantial list of potential local mechanics and auto repair shops to research further.

2. Read Reviews – Look at Websites – Track Online Presence

Reviews are paramount! Look at the dates of the reviews too. How long ago were they? Did the auto repair shop respond to both positive and negative reviews? Note the tone of the responses, if they legitimately addressed the feedback, and how timely it was. Make a mental note of red flags like snarky responses, blaming the customer, etc. (Consider as well that sometimes there is no pleasing any customer and it’s not always the fault of a company or owner either. Use your best judgment and don’t discount your instincts.) Also, be aware if there aren’t any reviews at all. Any auto shop that has been in business for a good period of time should definitely have a review or two.

3. Longevity in Business – Certifications – Number of Auto Mechanics – Rates

Contact the car shop(s) you find with your internet search and reference the above questions. Any legitimate and honest auto repair mechanic is happy to provide this information to you prior to you scheduling an appointment. This phone contact will help narrow down the list of potential mechanics quickly.

Don’t Have ‘Service Only’ Tunnel Vision

Don’t just be focused solely on the services of a business, ask ABOUT the business. How long have they been in business? Are they privately owned or a chain or franchise? Is there a customer loyalty program? Are they running any promotions or specials currently? First-time customer discounts?

Go for a Test Drive – Do a Test Run

Just like you would take a test drive when considering a new car purchase, do the same with a potential mechanic. Bring your car in for a routine service like an oil change or tire rotation. Note the service you receive from start to finish and how you feel overall about mechanic, employees, and shop ‘vibe’. This test run should give make it clear if you trust them moving forward or need to look for another honest auto mechanic for you and your needs.

The Car Doctor Auto Repair is an honest auto mechanic and shop for you and your family.

Like the relationship you have with your hairdresser or banker; finding an honest, local auto or car repair shop is no different – it takes a bit of effort and time to build that trust, but it’s totally worth it.

Old Hickory, Madison, and Hermitage residents have come to trust and rely on The Car Doctor Auto Repair for all their car care and auto repair needs. Owner, Michael Barbuto, has been in business locally for over 10 years and has over 35 years’ experience as an auto mechanic. Michael welcomes your questions and looks forward to becoming your trusted auto repair mechanic and shop for years to come. Give him a call today!

Is My Car Broken?

‘To see a mechanic or not to see a mechanic’, that is the question …

It can be a challenge knowing when your car is acting up if that’s normal or you need a mechanic. Being proactive is the smart path to take – saving yourself a lot of stress and money by getting a diagnosis early; rather than waiting until later when it can be far costlier.

Much like physical symptoms when you aren’t feeling well, you can measure your car’s health too – just use your senses.

If you feel a shake, shimmy or unusual vibration in your car, you may need a mechanic.

Odd car sounds

“Clink”, “Clunk”, “Squeak, “Hiss”, “Click”, “Clack”, and the list of sounds go on. Contrary to popular belief, a proper diagnosis cannot be done by a customer simply describing the sound(s). A mechanic needs to hear it for themselves and investigate.

Car sounds, ‘Southern-style’

Warning lights and more

Hmm … check engine light and other warning lights, flickering lights, and leaking are all things you can see that are not typical and cause you to pause – check with a reputable mechanic.

Check engine lights and other car dashboard warning lights to be aware of

Something smells funny

A nose definitely knows when something is afoul, like the smell of gas, oil, or burning. These should definitely be checked out with a bit of urgency.

Whatever the feel, sound, sight, or smell, we can help target the issue and get your car back in tip-top shape. And remember, we promise we’ll never sell you something you don’t need – ever.

Come by our shop, The Car Doctor Auto Repair located at 3009 Old Hickory Blvd., Old Hickory, TN 37138 or give us a call at 615-357-0337 and talk with the Owner, Michael Barbuto, and be sure to describe the sounds to him first, he loves this!