careernav.

This is an ideal career for a logical thinker. As a motor mechanic you perform service and repairs on mechanical parts of vehicle types. Mechanical parts include the engine, the transmission, suspensions, exhausts or any other systems that run a vehicle, extending to creature comforts such as air conditioning, sound system, or personalised seat positioning – in fact all aspects of a motor vehicle. Mechanics often specialize in a particular part of a vehicle’s mechanical system, or in a specific vehicle brand.

 

When a customer brings a vehicle for repairs or service, you first discuss any problems that a customer has noticed with their vehicle. You will then carry out the repair or service, checking, dismantling and replacing any parts that need replacement. All parts that are replaced will have to be tested to ensure they are working properly.

You will use specialised equipment to tune or make finer adjustments to the electronic equipment. You may be required to inspect vehicles for the purpose of issuing roadworthy certificates or list any work that may be required to  issue such a certificate.

The best mechanics love mechanical things, and can’t imagine working anywhere else! You should be in good physical condition, as this work requires heavy lifting, bending and standing for extended periods. Manuel dexterity is essential for those “hard to get at” places.

You will need to have excellent analytical, logical and problem solving skills, and be comfortable with using various types of mechanical equipment. You must be prepared to undergo continuous learning as the industry is ever-changing and using computerised equipment.

This is a practical ‘hands on’ career. If you enjoy tinkering with motors, then this is a career you will enjoy. Your work will be varied and challenging, so you will need to judge each car individually. Technology improvements continue to challenge as does the sophistication in all modern day engines.

 

Frustration of not being able to find a problem and solve it straight away. The back pain from constantly leaning over the motor wears you down. While a clean and tidy environment will minimize the chance of slipping and other accidents, the working environment itself can still be dirty.