Vehicle fitters are responsible for replacing or repairing parts that have been damaged or worn. These typically include batteries, exhausts, or tyres. You could work on vehicles from motorcycles to lorries depending on what your employer specialises in.
This work is usually based in an automotive garage, a workshop, or a specialist tyre and exhaust centre. The job occasionally involves working on a shift basis which could mean working at weekends or during the evening.
If you are practical, enjoy methodical work, and have an interest in the automotive industry, a career as a vehicle fitter could be for you. Read on to find out more.
Responsibilities
Qualifications
Skills
Salary
Career Prospects
What does a vehicle fitter do?
Your day-to-day responsibilities might include:
- Diagnosing issues with vehicle parts and deciding whether these can be repaired or if they should be replaced.
- Repairing vehicle parts.
- Replacing parts that can’t be repaired.
- If you have made adjustments to a vehicle’s wheels, you will need to check its tracking and re-align the wheels.
- You will need to give customers advice on the best course of action for their vehicles.
- You will need to carry out tests on vehicles after you have repaired or replaced parts.
What qualifications do you need to become a vehicle fitter?
There are no specific qualifications that you need to achieve to become a vehicle fitter. There are several ways you could make your CV more attractive to employers. For example, there are courses available at college level in subjects such as vehicle technology, vehicle maintenance and repair, or vehicle component fitting.
Apprenticeships are available for these types of roles and these will give you the theoretical knowledge and practical ability that you need.
Work experience in a garage or tyre centre will help your application stand out to employers.
What skills do you need to become a vehicle fitter?
Communication skills: You will need the ability to explain problems with vehicle parts to customers and help them make decisions about repairs.
Practical mindset: You will need a logical way of thinking to work out issues with parts and decide on the best way to deal with them.
Good level of general fitness: There will be a certain amount of heavy lifting involved, especially when dealing with tyres.
Hand-to-eye coordination: This is important, especially when dealing with more delicate parts.
How much does a vehicle fitter earn?
Starting salary: £15,000 – £20,000
Experienced: £20,000 – £25,000
Senior: £29,000
These figures are intended as a guide and come from the National Careers Service.
InAutomotive average salary: £34,879.86
Take a look at the map below to find out what the average vehicle fitter salary is in your area. The figures come from 2020 InAutomotive data.
What are your career prospects as a vehicle fitter?
As you build up experience, you could take on more responsibility and start supervising other fitters. This career could also provide a good foundation for another career in the automotive industry. For example, you could train to become a mechanic or a breakdown engineer.
