Automotive Master Mechanic
Other Titles
Automotive Mechanic (Auto Mechanic), Automotive Service Technician, Certified ASE Master Automotive Technician (Certified Automotive Service Excellence Master Automotive Technician), Master Automotive Technician, Master Technician, Mechanic, Transmission Rebuilder
Repair automobiles, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Master mechanics repair virtually any part on the vehicle or specialize in the transmission system.
Automotive Master Mechanics are responsible for repairing a wide range of vehicles. Being master mechanics, they are able to handle virtually all parts of buses, trucks and other vehicles. Alternatively, they may choose to focus on a particular part of automotive. In this role, they confer with the customers and examine their vehicles carefully to determine the damaged or malfunctioning parts. They also test drive the vehicle to better identify the components that need to be repaired. A part of their job is to follow a structured checklist to make sure that all important components are inspected. This typically includes examining and testing brakes, spark plugs, fuel systems, wheel bearings and other areas.
Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
Examine vehicles to determine extent of damage or malfunctions.
Align vehicles' front ends.
Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.
Follow checklists to ensure all important parts are examined, including belts, hoses, steering systems, spark plugs, brake and fuel systems, wheel bearings, and other potentially troublesome areas.
Maintain cleanliness of work area.
Repair radiator leaks.
Repair and service air conditioning, heating, engine cooling, and electrical systems.
Disassemble units and inspect parts for wear, using micrometers, calipers, and gauges.
Overhaul or replace carburetors, blowers, generators, distributors, starters, and pumps.
Repair or replace parts such as pistons, rods, gears, valves, and bearings.
Rewire ignition systems, lights, and instrument panels.
Repair manual and automatic transmissions.
Repair or replace shock absorbers.
Replace and adjust headlights.
Install and repair accessories, such as radios, heaters, mirrors, and windshield wipers.
Rebuild parts, such as crankshafts and cylinder blocks.
Repairing→ Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Equipment Maintenance→ Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Operation Monitoring→ Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Troubleshooting→ Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation and Control→ Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Quality Control Analysis→ Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Equipment Selection→ Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Listening→ Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension→ Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation→ Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness→ Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic principles.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical principles.
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Operate transportation equipment to demonstrate function or malfunction.
Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
Repair non-engine automotive or vehicle components.
Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
Read work orders or descriptions of problems to determine repairs or modifications needed.
Confer with customers or users to assess problems.
Inspect vehicles to determine overall condition.
Align equipment or machinery.
Disassemble equipment for maintenance or repair.
Reassemble equipment after repair.
Clean work areas.
Inspect mechanical components of vehicles to identify problems.
Plan work procedures.
Service vehicles to maintain functionality.
Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Disassemble equipment to inspect for deficiencies.
Service heating, ventilation or air-conditioning (HVAC) systems or components.
Rebuild parts or components.
Rewire electrical or electronic systems.
Install audio or communications equipment.
Install vehicle parts or accessories.
Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Reaction Time — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Trunk Strength — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the language - English, French, Swahili et cetera - including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Accounting software -- Shop management software; Invoicing software
Analytical or scientific software -- Engine analysis software; Diagnosis software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Database user interface and query software -- Shop management software; Recordkeeping software; Vehicle management software
Electronic mail software -- e.g., Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software -- e.g., Sage; Xero; Sapama; ebizframe; Odoo; Macro 2000; SYSPRO ERP; QuickEasy BOS; TrueERP; Microsoft Dynamics; NetSuite ERP; Oracle Hyperion; SAP
Facilities management software -- Shop management software
Information retrieval or search software -- Online service manual database software; Technical manual database software
Internet browser software -- e.g., Apple Safari; Microsoft Edge; Google Chrome; Mozilla Firefox
Office suite software -- e.g., Corel WordPerfect Office; Microsoft Office; Google Workspace; Apache OpenOffice.org
Operating system software -- e.g., Apple macOS; Bash; Hewlett Packard HP-UX; Job control language JCL; KornShell; Linux; Microsoft Windows; Oracle Solaris; Red Hat Enterprise Linux; Shell script; Ubuntu; UNIX
Project management software -- Estimating software; Confluence; Sapama Projects; Sciforma PPM solution; Xero Projects; Microsoft Project; Easy Projects; Microsoft SharePoint; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Corel Quattro Pro; Microsoft Excel; Google Sheets
Word processing software -- e.g., Corel Wordperfect; Microsoft Word; Google Docs
Acoustic sensors→ Mechanics' stethoscopes
Adjustable wrenches
Air compressors
Anvils→ Dolly blocks
Automotive exhaust emission analyzers→ Exhaust analyzers; Portable exhaust analyzers; Smoke machines
Automotive honing machine→ Brake rotor hones; Engine cylinder hones
Awls
Ball peen hammer→ Ball peen hammers
Battery acid hydrometers→ Battery hydrometers
Battery chargers
Battery testers→ Battery load testers; Battery/alternator testers
Bench vises→ Vises
Blow torch→ Cutting torches
Bolt cutters
Borescope inspection equipment→ Borescopes
Box end wrenches→ Ratcheting box wrenches
Brake repair kits→ Brake shoe tools; Brake tools; Shoe retaining spring tools
C clamps→ Locking C-clamps
Calipers
Capacitance meters→ Capacity testers
Catalytic combustion analyzers
Circuit tester→ Circuit testers; Continuity testers; Test lights
Claw hammer→ Claw hammers
Cleaning scrapers→ Gasket scrapers
Cold chisels
Combination pliers
Combination wrenches
Compressed air gun→ Impact guns
Compression testers→ Cylinder leakage testers
Cutting die→ Metal cutting dies
Deburring tool→ Deburring tools
Desktop computers
Diagonal cut pliers→ Diagonal cutting pliers
Dial indicator or dial gauge→ Dial gauges; Dial indicators
Digital testers→ Computerized engine analyzers; Handheld computer diagnostic equipment
Drill bit set→ Drill bit sets
Drill press or radial drill→ Drill presses
Dynamometers
Ear muffs→ Protective ear muffs
Engine ignition systems→ Dwell meters
Engine or vehicle stands→ Jack stands
Feeler gauges→ Spark plug gapping tools
Flat hand file→ Flat files
Forklifts
Gas detectors→ Combustible gas detectors
Gas welding or brazing or cutting apparatus→ Gas welding equipment; Oxyacetylene welding equipment
Grease guns
Growler tester→ Coil testers
Hacksaw→ Hacksaws
Hammers→ Sledge hammers; Brass hammers; Plastic tip hammers; Soft face hammers
Hand clamps
Hand reamer→ Reamers
Heat guns
Heat tracing equipment→ Infrared thermometers
Hex keys→ Allen wrenches
Hoists
Hydraulic press frames→ Hydraulic presses
Impact wrenches
Inspection mirror→ Inspection mirrors
Integrated circuit testers→ Light emitting diode LED circuit testers; Mini circuit testers
Jacks
Laser printers
Leak testing equipment→ Leak detecting diagnostic smoke machines
Levels→ Laser levels
Linemans pliers→ Insulated pliers
Locking pliers→ Channel lock pliers; Locking jaw pliers
Longnose pliers→ Long nose pliers
Magnetic tools→ Magnetic pickup tools
Metal band sawing machine→ Bandsaws
Metal inert gas welding machine→ Metal inert gas MIG welders
Micrometers
Mill saw file→ Single-cut mill saw files
Motor starter controls→ Remote starter switches
Multi gas monitors→ 5-gas emissions analyzers; Refrigerant gas analyzers
Multimeters→ 2-channel lab scopes; Clamp-on multimeters
Needlenose pliers
Nibblers
Nut drivers
Ohmmeters
Oil gun→ Oil injectors
Open end wrenches→ Crescent wrenches
Organic light emitting displays→ Anti-lock braking system ABS/air bag scan tools; Auto scanners; Automotive on-board diagnostics scanners; Diagnostic code readers; Graphing scanners; Modular diagnostic information systems
Oscilloscopes
Paint sprayers→ High velocity low pressure HVLP spray guns
Personal computers
Picks
Pipe bending tools→ Brake line flaring tools
Pipe or tube cutter→ Tubing cutters
Pipe wrenches
Plasma arc welding machine→ Plasma cutters
Pneumatic drill→ Air drills
Pneumatic impact wrenches→ Pneumatic wrenches
Pneumatic sanding machines→ Air sanders; Sandblasters
Pneumatic vacuum equipment→ Pressure brake bleeders
Portable data input terminals→ Computerized scanners
Power buffers→ Buffers
Power drills→ Electric drills
Power grinders→ Grinding equipment
Power saws→ Circular saws
Pressure indicators→ Fuel pressure testers; Manifold gauge sets; Oil pressure gauges
Pressure or steam cleaners→ Power washers; Steam cleaning equipment
Protective gloves
Pry bars
Pullers→ Ball joint separators; Bearing pullers; Gear puller tools; Slide hammers
Punches or nail sets or drifts→ Center punches; Pin punches; Punches; Taper punches
Rasps→ Stickleback rasps
Ratchets
Razor knives
Refrigerant compressors→ Air conditioner chargers
Remote reading thermometers→ Non-contact thermometers
Retaining ring pliers→ External snap ring pliers; Internal retaining ring pliers
Rivet tools→ Riveting tools
Safety glasses
Safety shoes
Screwdrivers→ Phillips head screwdrivers; Straight blade screwdrivers
Shears
Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine→ Shielded arc welding tools
Socket sets→ Socket wrench sets
Sockets→ Socket wrenches
Soldering iron→ Soldering irons
Specialty wrenches→ Alignment wrenches; Breaker bars; Chain wrenches; Locking wrenches; Flare nut wrenches; Gear wrenches; Offset brake wrenches; Oil filter wrenches
Speed sensors→ Timing lights
Steering wheel puller→ Steering wheel column pivot pin pullers
Strap wrenches
Stripping tools→ Wire strippers
Tachometers
Tape measures
Taps→ Metal cutting taps
Tire pressure gauge→ Tire pressure gauges
Tongue and groove pliers
Torque wrenches
Torx keys→ Torx screwdrivers
Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe→ Bench lathes
Trim or molding tools→ Carbon scrapers; Scrapers; Spoons
Tube bending machine→ Tubing benders
Two way radios
Ultrasonic examination equipment→ Ultrasonic diagnostic kits
Vacuum gauges
Vacuum pumps→ Antifreeze recovery equipment; Freon recovery equipment
Valve seat cutter→ Valve seating equipment
Voltage or current meters→ Alternating current/direct current AC/DC inductive current clamps; Ignition module testers; Voltmeters
Welding masks
Welding or soldering kit→ Spot welding kits
Wheel alignment equipment→ Front end alignment equipment
Wheel balancing equipment→ Wheel balancers
Wheel nut or lug wrench→ Lug wrenches
Winches
Wire brushes
Wire cutters
Wire or cable cutter→ Cable cutters
Workshop cranes
Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative→ Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.
Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Independence→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Support→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Working Conditions→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.