Have you ever considered a career as a mechanic?
In a world where you can work in just about any field, it’s possible that working as a mechanic isn’t the first thing that enters your mind when thinking about jobs. Still, for all you know, you could be cut out to be a mechanic.
The automotive industry is home to a wide array of careers. You can specialise in detailing cars. You can also focus on installing a car stereo system for clients. Or, you can choose to be a straight-up mechanic, performing maintenance, inspections, diagnostic testing, and repairs on vehicles.
If you’re not too sure that a mechanic’s career is for you, here are six signs that it is.
1. You have a passion for cars
There are people who enjoy cars, and there are those who are passionate about cars and are completely fascinated by everything about them. If you’re the latter, then you’re interested in more than just how good you look behind the wheel.
You’re also interested in what makes cars tick, and you enjoy it when conversations turn to discussions on which type of engine provides more bang for your buck.
2. You’re okay with getting dirty
A mechanic’s job is a dirty one. While most mechanics wear gloves while working, there would be times when they need to feel a hard-to-reach part of the engine with bare hands.
Since the moving parts of an engine are lubricated by motor oil, everything will feel greasy and dirty, as dust and grime accumulates over time.
3. You’re physically up to the job
A significant part of a mechanic’s job entails physical labor. Mechanics need to be strong enough to use jacks, hoists, and other heavy tools and remove or tighten nuts, bolts, and washers. A single job can also take hours or even days, which requires a lot of stamina on a mechanic’s part.
Being particularly flexible is also necessary, as working in cramped places is an everyday thing for a mechanic. Mechanics should be limber enough to perform all the bending, squatting, and turning required for the job.
4. You’re fine with its occupational hazards
An auto shop can be a very dangerous workplace. All the literal heavy lifting a mechanic needs to do can cause sprains, strains, or tears. Auto shop floors are typically slick, and anyone could slip and fall at any time.
Mechanics also handle hazardous chemicals that could cause burns and give off toxic fumes, among other things. There is also the ever-present risk of losing a digit or a limb since mechanics have to use power tools, and accidents can happen.
5. You’re a natural-born tinkerer
A car has plenty of moving parts, and for most people, trying to understand how they work can give them headaches.
On the other hand, you find it easy to figure out which part of anything mechanical is doing which job. In all likelihood, your friends and family come to you whenever they need a broken device or appliance fixed.
6. Explaining things to people comes easy for you
Countless people own cars, but it’s probably safe to assume that only a few of them really understand cars. When mechanics get such people as customers, they will have to explain to the latter what’s wrong with their car or what parts need replacing.
If they’re unlucky enough, they could end up trying to explain to their customers what the problem part, say, the transmission, is and what it does.
A mechanic should be capable of explaining to customers their car situation in terms they can readily understand. A little persuasive power also wouldn’t hurt, as mechanics must be able to convince clients they need to get parts replaced or repairs done on their car.
Getting started
If you are all of the above, you really should entertain the idea of working as a mechanic, which is a decent way to make a living.
Assuming that you have no experience being a mechanic, you can start on this career path by enrolling in an auto mechanic program offered by a trade school, where you’ll learn all the essential skills you need.
Even if you already know a little something about cars and have already done some tinkering with yours, it still pays to undergo formal training, as it helps enhance whatever natural auto mechanic abilities you already possess.
As your automotive career progresses, you would also do well if you get industry certifications along the way. With industry certifications under your belt, you should be able to advance in your field and compete for higher-paying jobs in the industry.
Author Lauren Bricks is the Content Specialist for Streetfighter Motorsports LLC, a family-operated car audio and accessory installation, sales, and customization facility located in Phoenix, Arizona.
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