Automotive Specialty Technician
Other Titles
A/C Technician (Air Conditioning Technician), Automobile Mechanic (Auto Mechanic), Automobile Technician (Auto Technician), Automotive Technician (Auto Technician), Lube Technician, Service Technician
Repair only one system or component on a vehicle, such as brakes, suspension, or radiator.
Automotive Specialty Technicians are responsible for identifying and repairing problems with various automotive systems and components. They are different from general automotive technicians in that they typically focus on one system or component. In this role, they specialise in repairing a particular area of automotive vehicles, such as the radiator, braking systems, or the integrated computer systems. They use a variety of tools and equipment to test these systems and identify the malfunctions. Upon identifying the malfunctions, they perform various tasks to repair or resolve them. These tasks include adjusting brake systems, repairing suspensions, aligning wheels and replacing spark plugs.
Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
Troubleshoot fuel, ignition, and emissions control systems, using electronic testing equipment.
Repair, overhaul, or adjust automobile brake systems.
Test electronic computer components in automobiles to ensure proper operation.
Repair or replace defective ball joint suspensions, brake shoes, or wheel bearings.
Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
Tune automobile engines to ensure proper and efficient functioning.
Repair, replace, or adjust defective fuel injectors, carburetor parts, and gasoline filters.
Rebuild, repair, or test automotive fuel injection units.
Change spark plugs, fuel filters, air filters, and batteries in hybrid electric vehicles.
Install or repair air conditioners and service components, such as compressors, condensers, and controls.
Install, adjust, or repair hydraulic or electromagnetic automatic lift mechanisms used to raise and lower automobile windows, seats, and tops.
Repair or rebuild clutch systems.
Repair or replace automobile leaf springs.
Replace defective mufflers and tailpipes.
Conduct visual inspections of compressed natural gas fuel systems to identify cracks, gouges, abrasions, discoloration, broken fibers, loose brackets, damaged gaskets, or other problems.
Diagnose and replace or repair engine management systems or related sensors for flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) with ignition timing, fuel rate, alcohol concentration, or air-to-fuel ratio malfunctions.
Replace hydraulically assisted systems with electric-powered systems, such as power steering pumps or air conditioning compressors, to improve fuel economy.
Service or repair butane gas, ethanol, methane, or other alternative or biofuel systems.
Service internal combustion engine systems for hybrid electric vehicles.
Diagnose and repair regenerative braking systems or hydraulic systems in hybrid vehicles.
Service biodiesel fuel tanks for algae or sludge accumulation by cleaning, changing filters, or adding algaecides.
Convert vehicle fuel systems from gasoline to butane gas, ethanol, methane, or other alternative or biofuel systems.
Inspect propane or natural gas high-pressure tanks, piping, or pressure regulators.
Retrofit vehicle fuel systems with aftermarket products, such as vapor transfer devices, evaporation control devices, swirlers, lean burn devices, or friction reduction devices, to enhance combustion and fuel efficiency.
Repairing→ Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting→ Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation and Control→ Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operation Monitoring→ Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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.
Equipment Maintenance→ Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination→ Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Equipment Selection→ Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Quality Control Analysis→ Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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.
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.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles.
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.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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.
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.
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
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.
Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Inspect vehicles to determine overall condition.
Record information about parts, materials or repair procedures.
Estimate costs for labor or materials.
Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
Repair non-engine automotive or vehicle components.
Adjust vehicle components according to specifications.
Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Align equipment or machinery.
Repair defective engines or engine components.
Service green vehicles to make repairs or maintain good working order.
Rebuild parts or components.
Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
Inspect gas systems or components to identify leaks or other potential hazards.
Install heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Install vehicle parts or accessories.
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.
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).
Extent Flexibility — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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.
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.
Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Hearing Sensitivity — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
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).
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.
Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
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.
Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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.
Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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.
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.
Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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.
Analytical or scientific software -- Diagnosis software
Calendar and scheduling software -- Scheduling software
Database reporting software
Database user interface and query software -- Work order management software; Database software; Data entry software
Electronic mail software -- e.g., IBM Notes; Microsoft Outlook
Facilities management software -- Auto 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
Video creation and editing software -- e.g., Adobe Systems Adobe Premiere Pro; Adobe Systems Adobe AfterEffects; Apple Final Cut Pro; Apple Final Cut Pro X; Avid Technology Media Composer; YouTube
Word processing software -- e.g., Corel Wordperfect; Microsoft Word; Google Docs
Acoustic sensors→ Mechanics' stethoscopes
Adjustable widemouth pliers→ Radiator hose pinchoff pliers
Air compressors
Ammeters
Anvils
Automotive cleaners→ Fuel injection cleaners
Automotive exhaust emission analyzers→ Exhaust analyzers
Automotive honing machine→ Brake cylinder hones
Awls
Bar code reader equipment→ Code readers
Battery acid hydrometers→ Battery hydrometers
Battery chargers→ Battery jump starters
Bench vises→ Vises
Bolt cutters
Borescope inspection equipment→ Borescopes
Box end wrenches→ Ratcheting box wrenches
Brake drum lathe→ Brake drum lathes; Rotor/drum brake lathes
Brake repair kits→ Brake shoe tools; Disc brake pad spreaders; Shoe retaining spring tools
Calipers→ Dial calipers
Catalytic combustion analyzers
Circuit tester→ Circuit testers; Continuity testers; Test lights
Combination wrenches
Compressed air gun→ Pneumatic chassis lubriguns
Compression testers→ Compression analyzers
Cutting die→ Metal cutting dies
Deburring tool→ Deburring tools
Desktop computers
Diagonal cut pliers→ Diagonal cutting pliers
Dial indicator or dial gauge→ Dial indicators
Dollies→ Auto body dollies
Drill press or radial drill→ Drill presses; Workshop presses
Dynamometers
Engine ignition systems→ Dwell meters
Engine or vehicle stands→ Engine stands; Frame racks; Jack stands
Feeler gauges→ Spark plug gapping tools
Grease guns
Hacksaw→ Hacksaws
Hammers→ Wheel weight hammers
Hand clamps→ Clutch holding tools
Hand reamer→ Reamers
Heat guns
Heat tracing equipment→ Infrared digital thermometers
Hex keys→ Allen wrenches
Hoists→ Chain hoists
Hole gauge→ Bore gauges
Hose cutter→ Hose cutters
Hydraulic press brake→ Hydraulic shop presses
Impact wrenches
Inspection mirror→ Inspection mirrors
Jacks→ Transmission jacks
Laser printers
Leak testing equipment→ Combustion leak detectors; Leak detection smoke machines; Light emitting diode LED leak detector lights
Levels→ Laser levels
Liquid leak detectors→ Leak detectors; Refrigerant leak detectors
Locking pliers→ Channel lock pliers
Magnetic tools→ Magnetic pickup tools
Metal inert gas welding machine→ Metal inert gas MIG welders
Mill saw file→ Single-cut mill saw files
Multi gas monitors→ Refrigerant identifiers
Multimeters→ Clamp-on multimeters
Needlenose pliers
Nibblers
Nut drivers
Ohmmeters
Oil gun→ Oil injectors
Open end wrenches→ Crescent wrenches
Organic light emitting displays→ Scan tools
Oscilloscopes
Oxygen sensors
Paint sprayers
Personal computers
Pipe or tube cutter→ Exhaust/tail pipe cutters; Tube cutters
Pipe wrenches
Plasma arc welding machine→ Plasma cutters
Pneumatic drill→ Pneumatic drills
Pneumatic hammer→ Air chisels; Air hammers
Pneumatic impact wrenches→ Air wrenches; Butterfly air wrenches; Pneumatic wrenches
Pneumatic sanding machines→ Pneumatic orbital sanders; Sandblasters
Pneumatic vacuum equipment→ Brake bleeders; Hydraulic bleed tools; Pneumatic fluid evacuators; Pressure brake bleeders
Power buffers→ Buffers; Polishers
Power drills→ Angle drills
Power flaring tool→ Flaring tools
Power grinders
Power riveter→ Rivet guns
Power sanders
Power saws→ Reciprocating saws
Pressure indicators→ Diesel modulator shift testers; Engine oil pressure testers; Manifold gauge sets
Pressure or steam cleaners→ Steam cleaning equipment
Pry bars
Pullers→ Gear pullers; Hand pullers; Power pullers; Slide hammers (see all 6 examples)
Punches or nail sets or drifts→ Punches
Rasps→ Stickleback rasps
Ratchets
Refrigerant compressors→ Air conditioner chargers
Remote reading thermometers→ Non-contact thermometers
Retaining ring pliers→ External snap ring pliers; Internal retaining ring pliers
Safety glasses
Screw extractors→ Screw extractor sets
Screwdrivers→ Phillips head screwdrivers; Straight blade screwdrivers
Scribers
Shears
Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine→ Shielded arc welding tools
Socket sets→ Antenna socket sets; Socket wrench sets
Soldering iron→ Soldering irons
Spark plug tester→ Ignition testers
Spark plug wrench→ Spark plug sockets
Specialty wrenches→ Breaker bars; Clutch wrenches; Filter wrenches; Offset brake wrenches; Oil filter wrenches; Ratcheting gear wrenches
Speed sensors→ Revolutions per minute RPM gauges
Steering wheel puller→ Steering wheel column pivot pin pullers
Strap wrenches
Stripping tools→ Wire strippers
Tachometers→ Laser photo tachometers
Tape measures
Taps→ Metal cutting taps
Tire changing machines
Tire pressure gauge→ Tire pressure gauges
Torque wrenches
Torx keys
Trim or molding tools→ Scrapers
Tube bending machine→ Tubing benders
Utility knives
Vacuum gauges
Vacuum pumps
Valve seat cutter→ Valve seating equipment
Voltage or current meters→ Alternator testers; In-line ignition spark testers; Spark plug testers; Voltmeters
Welding masks
Welding or soldering kit→ Spot welding kits
Wheel alignment equipment→ Computerized suspension analyzers; Wheel alignment machines
Wheel balancing equipment→ Strobe wheel balancing systems for heavy vehicles; Wheel balancers
Wheel nut or lug wrench→ Lug wrenches
Winches
Wire brushes
Wire 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.
Conventional→ Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.
Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
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.
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.
Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and 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.
Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
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.
Independence→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Relationships→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.