Automotive Service Technicians, Truck and Bus Mechanics, and Mechanical Repairers

Nature of work

Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers inspect, diagnose, repair and service mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and components of cars, buses, and light and commercial transport trucks. They work for motor vehicle dealers, garages, truck and trailer dealerships, fleet maintenance companies, and service stations, automotive specialty shops, transportation companies and retail businesses that have automotive service shops. This group also includes mechanical repairers who perform major repairs and replacement of mechanical units on newly assembled motor vehicles. They work for motor vehicle manufacturing companies.

Service station mechanics complete tune-ups, safety inspections, and service and repair the brakes, clutch, and tires of cars and light trucks. A transport trailer technician repairs and services the braking, electrical, hydraulic system, and heating/cooling units of truck-trailers. A truck and transport mechanic repairs and services the various systems and engine components of buses and transport vehicles. Workers in this group may specialize in the following areas: engine and fuel systems, transmission systems, air conditioning, cooling and heating systems, steering, alignment, brakes, drive lines, suspension, electrical and electronic systems, truck-trailer repair or diagnostic services.

Job duties

Automotive service technicians:

• Review work orders and discuss work with supervisor.
• Inspect motor in operation, road test motor vehicle, and test automotive systems and components using testing devices to diagnose and isolate faults.
• Adjust, repair, or replace parts and components including fuel system, brakes, steering and suspension, engine and drive train, emission control and exhaust, cooling and climate control, and electrical and electronic systems using hand tools and other specialized repair equipment.
• Test and adjust repaired systems to manufacturer's performance specifications.
• Complete scheduled maintenance service like oil changes, lubrications, and tune ups.
• Advise customers on work performed, general vehicle condition and future repair requirements.

Mechanical repairers:

• Inspect and test mechanical units like engines, transmissions, axles, and brake systems, to locate faults and malfunctions.
• Diagnose faults or malfunctions and confirm findings with supervisor to determine whether to repair or replace unit.
• Repair or replace mechanical units or components using hand and power tools.
• Test and adjust units to specifications for proper performance.
• Complete reports to record problems and work performed.

Truck and transport and truck-trailer mechanics:

• Adjust, repair or replace parts and components of commercial transport truck systems including chassis, frame, cab, body, engine and drive train, air brakes, steering, and fuel, hydraulic, electrical and electronic systems.
• Adjust, repair, or replace parts and components of truck-trailer systems including structural, brake and electrical systems.

Sample job titles

• amusement device mechanic
• automotive mechanic
• automotive repairer
• automotive service technician
• bus and truck mechanic
• motor vehicle mechanic
• motor vehicle technician
• service station mechanic
• truck and transport mechanic
• truck and transport service technician

Skills

• Good hearing, eyesight, and sense of smell to diagnose problems
• Hand-eye coordination
• Manual dexterity
• Coordination and agility
• Mechanical aptitude
• Attention to detail
• Strength and stamina
• Decision-making skills
• Time management skills
• A working knowledge of electricity, electronics, and computers.
• Communication skills
• Customer service skills
• Strong skills in mathematics and computers will also be helpful.
• Ability to interpret technical manuals and schematics.
• A valid driver’s licence

Job requirements

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Other considerations

• Automotive service technicians service and repair the brakes, suspension, engine, and fuel systems of cars and light trucks.
• Service centre technicians complete tune-ups, safety inspections, and service and repair the brakes, clutch, and tires of cars and light trucks.
• Transport trailer technicians repair and service the braking, electrical, hydraulic system, and heating/cooling units of tricks-trailers.
• Truck and transport mechanics repair and service the various systems and engine components of buses and transport vehicles.
• Most automotive service technicians usually work indoors and can expect a work environment that includes noise, fumes, odours, hazardous compounds, drafts, vibrations, and confined spaces. The work often requires considerable standing, bending, crawling, lifting, pulling, and reaching. They typically work a 40-hour workweek. Some evening, weekend, or holiday work may be required.
• Work environments for truck and transport mechanics and transport trailer technicians differ from one job to another. They frequently work in awkward positions and must climb, stoop, crouch, and kneel. Truck and transport mechanics are sometimes required to work in adverse weather conditions.
• There is some risk of injury when working with power tools, heavy lifting, repetitive motion, and being exposed to gas exhaust fumes. For transport trailer technicians there are additional risks of injury from welding equipment or risks from hazardous cargo or residue contained within trailers.
• Transport trailer technicians may need special certifications to complete some work-related tasks – for example, a propane license or refrigeration certificate.
• Workers in this group may specialize in the following areas: engine and fuel systems, transmission systems, air conditioning, cooling and heating systems, steering, alignment, brakes, drivelines, suspension, electrical and electronic systems, truck-trailer repair, or diagnostic services.
• With additional training, experienced automotive service technicians may advance to shop supervisor or service manager positions. Technicians can transfer their skills and knowledge to related occupations like an automotive instructor, truck and transport mechanic, agricultural equipment technician, or heavy-duty equipment technician. Some technicians may open their own garage or automotive specialty shop.
• Experienced transport trailer technicians act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also advance to supervisory, service management, and training positions.
• Experienced truck and transport mechanics can act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also advance to supervisory, service manager, and training positions.
• Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
• Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.

Regulations

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