A strong grasp of maintenance procedures, understanding vehicle diagnostics, good customer service instincts—these are the kinds of attributes that mechanics know they need to possess. However, there’s a lot more to this exciting career than might first meet the eye. Seasoned mechanics know that there are many highly useful secondary skills that can be true assets on the job. Each can hold the key to meeting new challenges at work, and while not every mechanic needs to have them, they can provide a helpful boost from time to time.
Here are some helpful skills that sometimes fly under the radar.
1. A Successful Car Repair Career Includes the Ability to Teach and Pass on Skills
Graduates of auto mechanic training know that strong communication skills are an asset in auto repair. In terms of gathering repair information, or directing other staff clearly on what’s required, this quality can be a true asset. However, the ability to impart knowledge in a constructive and ongoing basis to trainees and younger professionals is also a valuable trait to have. Auto repair locations rely on this steady transfer of skills to build a dependable team of capable workers, so if you’re good at explaining new skills, that ability could help you shine.
2. A Good “Car Ear” to Diagnose Problems During Your Career
Auto maintenance and repairs can be very often prompted by a very common trigger: an odd noise coming from within the car. The average vehicle can contain up to 30,000 parts, a huge number of which can break, warp, bend, or fall off, producing every kind of noise imaginable. A good mechanic will be able to logically assess what the source of a problem is. And while not essential, having a good “car ear” can help speed along the process. Throughout your career, you might find that this skill can definitely come in handy.
3. Excellent Hand-Eye Coordination and Dexterity Is Important to Any Car Repair Career
Without a doubt, mechanics need to have physical strength for everything from tightening nuts to carrying tires. However, it should be stressed that a car repair career will require a certain level of detailed accuracy and carefulness too. A mechanic needs to deal with the millimetre-level repair of engine wires, or operate a current tester at awkward angles. A good mechanic is both careful and able to work on small-scale problems with patience, a trait students can hone during in-class auto shop training.
4. An Ability to Get the Most Out of Tools After Auto Mechanic Training
Tools are an essential requirement for auto repair work, and usually mechanics will own their own set. The resourceful mechanic will over time amass customized and re-cut tools, including unique wrenches and levers that will both provide more versatility and effectiveness. In addition, they’ll have an organized system for reducing the amount of tools that get misplaced, helping to save on both time and resources. If during your career you discover that you’re good at getting the most out of your tools, that quality could serve you well.
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