Work as a Transmission Repair Specialist

You may be cut out to be a transmission repair specialist if you find yourself replacing the oil in your car just because it's more fun to do it yourself as opposed to taking it to a mechanic, you find yourself researching potential engine problems and trying to fix them yourself, and you simply love working under the hood of a car. As long as cars exist there will be a need for mechanics, so you may as well train in a career you'll love and want to perform for the rest of your life!

The transmission of a car is responsible for utilizing the engine's power to move the car forward at fast or slow speeds. A transmission repair specialist keeps the transmission running in tiptop condition as long as it is possible to repair. Becoming a specialist requires rigorous training, plenty of work experience, and certification. For those who are mechanically inclined, enjoy getting motor oil and grease on their hands, and have a knack for working with tools, these steps should be no problem to complete.

Most states require an aspiring transmission mechanic to have already obtained a regular mechanic's license. Then he can go on for specialized training in transmissions. These classes are available at a variety of community and career colleges across the United States. They build on the licensed mechanic's knowledge of car engines, focusing on transmission strengths, weaknesses, industry changes, methodologies, and the technology used to operate modern day transmissions.

After the extra classes are completed, an aspiring transmission repair mechanic needs to clock several hours of transmission experience. If he's already a licensed mechanic, he'll have worked on a number of engines. Now he'll need to take some time to work specifically on transmissions for a while and continue to review what he's learned through the extra classes he took.

Once the extra experience has been gained and the studying complete, this mechanic is ready to complete the final step of this process - take the state certification exam! Many states require mechanics that are planning on specializing in transmissions to take a second exam, which focuses on transmission installation, repair and replacement. Once this exam is successfully completed, the mechanic is officially certified to advertise himself as a transmission repair specialist!

Now the mechanic needs to decide whether he plans to open his own business, or join a currently operating business. A new mechanic will gain much useful experience and guidance by working with a mechanic who's been in the business for years, but there are also advantages to beginning your own transmission repair business. Nowadays the Internet is a wonderful place to advertise and drum up new customers. You can also visit local gas stations (as long as they don't have adjacent repair shops!) and other businesses to advertise through them. Local newspapers and flyers can help bring in new business too. You may even want to offer special deals for first-time customers. Who knows? If they like your work, they just might keep coming back!