Ready to embark on a new career path? If you’ve been considering jobs within the automotive industry, you might want to consider training to become a heavy duty mechanic. Generally, heavy duty mechanics are responsible for maintaining, repairing, troubleshooting and performing other services on trucks and equipment with engines, braking systems, and other components which are larger and more powerful than those of everyday vehicles. Their expertise is necessary to service these components, which often involve different repair processes and forms of maintenance than their smaller counterparts.
The job of heavy duty mechanics is hands-on, and the work can be physically demanding, especially when it comes to lifting heavy equipment. However, with their specialized skill set, these professionals often have the opportunity to earn a higher salary than other mechanics, leading to greater opportunities within the automotive industry. If you’re wondering whether a career as a heavy duty mechanic is right for you, read more about this career path, and what it’s like to work in a heavy duty truck repair shop.
After Auto Mechanic School, You’ll Perform These Duties as a Heavy Duty Mechanic
Mechanics perform a wide range of duties within a heavy duty truck repair shop. On a typical day, these professionals will inspect trucks to ensure that each of their components are performing correctly, checking to see whether any malfunctions or damage can be identified. Heavy duty mechanics will also use testing equipment to determine the source of any identified problems, and will test the components themselves to ensure that they meet the specifications outlined by the manufacturer. In addition to assessing and repairing these heavy trucks, heavy duty mechanics will also perform routine maintenance on these vehicles, which may include cleaning, changing fluids, lubricating engine or braking components, pressurizing tires, and more. With the expertise that they gain during automotive school, these professionals are essential in keeping heavy duty trucks operating safely.
Skills of Heavy Duty Mechanics
Heavy duty mechanics possess a variety of skills which enable them to perform quality repair work on heavy trucks. First, most heavy duty mechanics are physically strong, as their strength permits them to carry the heavy parts and components used in large trucks. Heavy duty mechanics also have a keen eye for detail, allowing them to spot issues that might be difficult to spot with the untrained eye. Their attention to detail enables them to carry out a thorough inspection of heavy duty trucks, ensuring that drivers are kept safe on the roads. Lastly, heavy duty mechanics must have strong manual dexterity, given that their job requires plenty of meticulous hand-eye coordination for conducting complex repairs.
The Benefits of Becoming a Heavy Duty Mechanic After Automotive School
As a heavy duty mechanic, no day on the job will be boring – and there are many additional benefits to choosing a career in this role after completing auto mechanic school. For one, heavy duty mechanics tend to earn a higher salary than general mechanics. After completing your apprenticeship and gaining certification as a heavy duty mechanic, you can work your way up to a well-paying career. The job of heavy duty mechanics is engaging, as these professionals are always problem solving, working with their hands to conduct repairs and determining the best solution to enhance the performance of the heavy duty trucks they work with. Additionally, this career path is extremely rewarding, as the work you do will contribute to the safety of truckers on the road. Consider embarking on this career path after completing your auto mechanic training!
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