Careers in Auto Repair

No matter how technology changes or how high gas prices rise, individuals will always need to schedule appointments for an auto repair. While there are some things that can be done at home in the comfort of your own garage, you still need the experts to help you diagnose and treat your car’s problems. Because of this, there is an entire industry, filled with different careers for people to pursue.

Mechanics/Technicians

One person that you probably already know about is the local auto repair technician. He is the person that has the most contact with your car. When it comes in, you finds out about the concerns that you have from the ticket. This gives him an idea of where he needs to start looking for the problem. If you are in for maintenance, he begins his work there.

In addition to the work requested, a technician always does an inspection of the vehicle. All parts of a car work together to make it run efficiently. If one part is out, it can cause stress on some of the other parts or cause problems in a completely different area. An inspection is like giving the car a checkup. Both you and the technician will find out what condition your car is in.

Service Writers/Advisors

When you call to schedule an auto repair appointment, you probably speak to a service writer or advisor. Many times they are also called customer service representatives. Don’t think that just because he isn’t behind the hood of the car he doesn’t know what he is talking about. Advisors work closely with technicians to figure out problems and make sure that the information is communicated correctly to the customer.

When you bring your car in, this person writes up the ticket and gets as much information from you as possible. Once your worries are voiced, they also usually let you know what maintenance your vehicle needs and will work with you to get it done or set up an appointment for the future.

Service Managers/Directors

The service manager is in charge of the entire auto repair department. He works to ensure that customers are satisfied with the work that is being done. He oversees cars going back into the shop and makes sure that the work is completed correctly the first time. In the car industry, managers were typically advisors or technicians previously. They have experience with the way an auto repair shop runs as well as the cars that are being worked on. If you have problems with any part of your experience, this is the person to talk to.

Parts Runners/Delivery Drivers

Parts are one of the most important elements to fixing a car. If you don’t have the right part, you can’t get the job done right. A parts worker knows the ins and outs of each and every part. They use a computer system to make sure that you get exactly what you need. They help build estimates for customers and can offer your comparisons on purchasing manufacturer parts versus after-market parts.