How to Become a Professional Automotive Technician
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- www.ericthecarg...
Perhaps on this one you could add your input about how you became an automotive technician or how you plan to become one in the comments below or even better leave a video response. I'd love to hear your story so feel free to contribute.
You can visit me at the link above for the EricTheCarGuy.com website
Stay dirty
ETCG1
Eric I just want to take the time out to Thank You for all that you have taught me. I can't afford to go to automotive school at this time. So I did the second best thing. I have taken your courses online. As a result I have received a Great Education from the Best Teacher in the field. Thank you Eric for touching my life. I have a 3 year old grandson that likes to seat next to me as we watch your instructional videos. He than goes to his little car and starts working on it with the plastic tools that I bought him. God bless you and your family.
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Get a proper education you bum.
@EnzoElite Thanks for your input and your comments. I'll be sure to look up my facts before I commit it to video. I didn't realize I had said SAE instead of ASE. Oh well, I gave up on trying to be perfect years ago. :)
@Rezikrisp Welcome to the world of professional auto repair. I wish you the best of luck. You are correct that asking questions is the best way to learn and get better at what you do. Thanks for commenting.
I just turned 30 years old last week, and I've been riding motorcycles and scooters for 13 of 'em. My interests have changed over the years, but my love for two wheels has remained constant. I've decided that I'm going to learn how to properly turn a wrench and pursue a career in that.
@FreeThoughtCrime I spent my time perfecting my diagnostic and electrical skills so that I could get into the luxury car market as I believed it would bring better money, it did actually. I did not actually set out to work on Acura's in fact I applied to the Cadillac dealer that sent me to their Acura dealer for a job. My first job as a mechanic was in a general repair shop.
@EndlessT Follow the dream, life is short and as far as I know you only live once.
@13612 Whenever you install a set of gears you have to make sure you locate them correctly inside the diff and make sure you have the correct contact pattern on the gear teeth, if not, problems will result. It is also very important to use the correct lubricant as LSD diff's use a special fluid and if it is not used there may also be a problem.
I recently just am getting enrolled to automotive technology in my technical college just wanted to say eric ive watched your videos for a long time and you kinda inspired me to do this other people as well but I never knew how much I liked it I think Ive found something I would love to do fo a long time I know some days will be hard but Im ganna leave those days to God and just get through it but just wanted to say alot of your videos inspire people on your other channel as well but thanks God bless
+Alex Goris Thank you very much for your comment and good luck in school.
Cool video, and I'll add this. I just this week started my career as an auto tech at a Nissan dealership. This is after an associates degree, a decent investimate in tools, and calling every dealer in my area to get in for an interview. The biggest thing for me who knew nothing about cars 2 years ago is ask questions (alot), be flexible, perfect practice, and perserverance. Good luck all.
@nightmathzombieethan I was trained by Honda in both Chicago and Troy OH (factory training through the dealer). You do kind of need to decide between diesel and auto, both great fields but it is good to choose one to specialize in.
This is about one of the Best summed up auto intro field it covers every aspect.
@Jeffmtbr I hope to make them about once a week. Thanks for the comment and your support.
I went to both technical and university schools and i have multiple degrees from both and my recommendation is to stay away from university schools they are bull. Tech schools are way better more hands on and no wasting time on classes that are just time wasters.
@kenman1717 I hope so too, it sounds like you have a great career going I wish you the best of luck. Thanks very much for your comment.
@kmklife63 Before I became a tech I read every book in the library about auto mechanics, your a man after my own heart. Good luck in school and don't forget to have fun while you work on cars as working on them as a job is different than working on them on 'weekends'.
@wardubo I know a lot of people in law enforcement that are into cars and are real gear-heads, mostly because they have pulled me over in some classic cars just to check out what I had. I wish you the best.
Well said Eric. I was an Accountant for several years and decided to change careers in 2000. I always loved cars since I was a kid and restored a few so I thought you only get one life. I went to Apex Tech in Manhattan, did very well and went onto the Mercedes Benz Elite Program sponsored by UTI in Orlando, FL. Spent 3 years with Mercedes Benz and now have been self-employed for almost 8 years. You either love it or hate it. Regardless of what the career choice, if you don't love it, your amount of success is limited.
I was looking into Apex Tech and all I find are bad reviews.
Nick B I will admit, that it does attract some bad elements, but the instructors were great with a wealth of knowledge. Of course, I graduated in 2000 so I'm certain some things have changed. You could try UTI or Lincoln Tech which are both suppose to be great schools. Nothing beats going through a manufacturers program especially for a brand you truly like.
How do i get into manufacturer specific programs? And is it possible for me to do the studying for the ASE tests on my own and just take them without going to school? Because the people I know around where I live, which is just outside NYC, tell me that Lincoln and Apex are severely looked down upon by dealerships. If I passed the test on my own and got my experience would I be able to get into a manufacturer specific program?
Nick B
Absolutely! You can study on your own and take the exams. You do need to either have 2 years of work experience or a combination of school and work experience to meet the requirements to become certified.
As far as I can remember, you could only get into those programs after completing a tech school or automotive program that works with the manufacturers. I discovered this at Apex and it provided motivation. I am sorry to hear that dealerships look down upon Apex & Lincoln Tech although I don't know your source of information regarding that topic.
The other path you could take is getting a job with a dealership and they will provide you with the training necessary to get you up to speed. You have plenty of options. The toughest part is determining if it is for the money or a passion. If you are passionate about cars, the rest is easy.
Passion, the money just isn't there.
@verdugito1 I don't recommend starting out running your own shop right away, I think it's a much better plan to work in a shop for a few years to learn the trade first then dive into your own shop. If you try to do both at the same time you might be overwhelmed and not able to make it.
@bowlingballout Indeed I agree. It's just nice to have that piece of paper when you walk into that job interview.
@ssasi3s That is great news, good luck and thanks for your comments.
@TheDemons222 I think it depends on your area and the place you work, I have seen it vary quite a bit from like $8hr to $12 but keep in mind many times that's flat rate so you don't get a steady check.
@AutoStudent4Life That is awesome, it sounds like you are on the right path. Best advice I can give is to follow what you believe and try and take what the seasoned techs have to say with a grain of salt.
@landraider101 Some colleges offer courses like that in the basics that you might want to look into, I don't know of any specific programs off hand however. Keep me posted on what you find in case I get asked this again in the future.
@Placer Thanks for that, you should try teaching as it seems to be a very good way to brush up on stuff from what I've found, really keeps you on your toes.
@TruckerDrew Awesome I like your initiative. I would recommend working in the field for a while before getting your own place however, you need to learn the ropes of repair before you get into the business side of things which is a whole different animal and you don't want to be learning both at the same time. I wish you the best of luck.
I figured out my calling some time ago, and it's being a gear head, now if you asked me about certain parts on a car and there function is a month ago I wouldn't be able to tell you, now a month goes by and watching a lot of your vids I feel I gained a shit ton of knowledge about cars, I just want to say thank you Eric, whether you know it or not you do make a difference in people's lives, #StayDirty
Eric you know your stuff, thank you and Bless You.
@George370z What your looking for is a vocational school or community college that has an automotive program, there are some that are nationally accredited and found in many states while others are a local thing. Your looking for one that is ASE accredited that way you can get credit toward your ASE certifications which are great for helping you get a job in the field when you get out. Good luck and thanks for your comment.
@TRcustomengineering I would say call yourself a technician, if I'm honest I did pretty well in school but I really didn't learn anything till I started doing this for a living, in other words I think experience goes a long way. I know a few guys like you than can work circles around most 'techs'. In short it's not a piece of paper but rather what you do that defines you.
@princejaa I thought about taking that very path but changed direction at the last minute. From what I understand that field could use some talented techs, best of luck to you.
experience!!!!!! hit the nail on the head, if you do not learn something everyday at your job then you are not working, and read anything you can get your hands on, it has worked for me for the past ten years
@Chills327 I could not agree more, thanks for the comment.
@sbakar I make it, that way I don't get into trouble with copyright stuff on YT. Glad you like it, thanks for the comment.
@wdskate Thank you so much for your comment as my ultimate goal is to educate with my work and comments like this really speak to me. Thanks again I really appreciate it.
@sambyon Yea, in the next video I will cover what it is to actually BE a technician. I don't want to discourage up and coming techs but I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention the health aspect of the whole thing.
@kirklanddavis Lets put it this way, I just rectified my ASE's and in the 15 years that I've been taking them I see more and more questions about electrical work. If you want a good paying job as a technician study up on your electrical and your emissions and you will never have to look for a job again. Good luck in school and with your new career.
@LookieLoudLou Your welcome, thanks for the comment.
@interlagos80s I did very well as a technician for many years and provided well for my family. It's a good field and to be honest it could use some new blood.
You ever get down and depressed? If you do, knock that shit off. You have a lot of real fans and you do great work. Even more you explain your opinions in an interesting way
@strongsoldier100 It's been my experience that you find both sides of the spectrum in the industry, some guys are good at theory and others are good at hands on, sometimes you find people good at both but the idea is to learn from both and be the best technician you can be and don't worry about what others say or think.
Eric , this is the first time im posting a comment in your video's, I gotta say man, you helped me more than any other mechanical oriented videos out there, good stuff man good stuff, really like the straightforward no bs no publicity videos you make, very useful easy to watch and you are a very good speaker, good work ! you should open an automotive online mechanics school. :) I would apply... and a lot of people would.. just sayin.
@phrygian360 Aside from the body work I'm part of that 5% as I came into the field right about the time that stuff was going away so they taught it to us even though a lot of that information was becoming obsolete. I feel however that knowing the old systems in that way was very helpful in understanding the principals of the new systems as in many ways they are electronic updates of the older systems.
I'm glad the machining industry still, for the most part, allows the hire of young people who just want to learn. I went from a high school co-op program of machining into my job running engine lathes making simple parts then after graduation to CNC machines. I set them up, operate and program them. I have next to no school training other than my 3 years of high school and a small amount of classes that my work paid for. I've now got 5 years of CNC Set-Up and Operation at my job and I'm only 22.
@toxictwinkiecream It is a valid concern because it's one that is unavoidable, the idea is to invest in them wisely and not just go for the latest 'fads' but rather start with some quality hand tools and work your way up from there. Thanks for your comment and good luck in school.
My school was fortunate enough to have lab courses where people bring in their vehicles in the large school shop and apply their newfound knowledge and new skills on different types of vehicles of all kinds. And boy do we learn fast.
@curtmastor It is much harder for the 'little guy' these days but I think you can still carve out a niche if you work hard and develop your clientele, it takes time but once you get there I think you can make a decent living.
Attending El Camino College this fall to start on my associates in automotive technology. It's what I love doing. #gearhead4life
Say ....I'am a tech with 20 years plus experience, as a matter of courtecy, I like you already. I ENJOY watching your videos, your honesty and open'ness is inspiring. I live and work in Scotland and might I add the similarities of our mutual vocation in uncanny even though we are at least 10,000mls away from each other. Just goes to show I suppose the engineering language is universal. Good on you mate, please keep posting your videos, your friend Phil.
@JessejAtwood I have and I also heard mixed things. In my opinion you get out of a school what you put into it, schools are there to educate and a big part of that education is what you as a student puts into it, if you don't make the effort you won't get much out of it. Good luck and thanks for your comment.
@nightmathzombieethan Thanks for the comment. I went to Rosedale Technical Institute in Pittsburgh PA.
this video paved the first couple inches lol in my long hard exciting career , i need to watch more videos for eric and i hope he keeps on giving out advices (for free lol) cause now we have to sell an arm and leg for an advice, first time i see someone honest and caring in time no one give's a sh** about others.really appreciate this guy, thanx eric, wish we have couple more eric's in our community. ciao
@Waizu91 I suppose it depends on the college and instructor, I would think if they offered the program that it would be good enough but I don't know.
if you decide right now to become a car mechanic you will never regret, i started with car mechancis when i was 21, i whish you good luck !
@skoalchurch I'm actually going to work on that very thing so stay tuned.
Humility for me is key, pride and ego can kill . Being honest and asking questions, continuing classes. REMAIN TEACHABLE!!! love what you do!!!
@666apaulo Yes in the states we do, there are a lot of reasons for this, I suspect one of them is to keep us 'honest'. Thanks for the insight and comment.
Ya know, what you said in this video applies a lot to most tech fields. I say that only from personal experience of having worked construction and steel fabrication (multiple certifications in welding) and now taking a larger bite of the computer industry. Work hard, learn something new all the time, get your certs, use common sense, and as you say, "Stay dirty"
Recently subscribed after watching about 15-20+ of your vids- Thank you.
What Eric says about knowledge versus experience applies to any advanced education you obtain. You go to technical school, college, or trade school, and learn an excessive amount of information. However, many times it isn't the information that is important, but the skills on how to acquire information. You learn how to research, how to analyze, and how to adapt. With experience, you hone those skills and apply them in the real world. This is why education is so valuable.
Thx Eric thumbs up and for the words of advice for those words of encouragement in becoming a automotive mechanic I'm looking to attend a school hopefully this year's probably UTI!!
Good luck! Thanks very much for the comment. #StayDirty
@BENSJamIn31 Davidsfarm is cool but your right he does do things differently, I do respect what he does however. Thanks for the comment.
@yuriboiblu That is awesome news congratulations and good luck.
Great video, I liked that you pointed out, that just because you finished your trade school didn't mean you knew what you were doing. Experience is the greatest teacher.
I've worked with some of these young guys most of the time that are a pain in the ass.
@kurama10271 I think you're much better off finding a school that will work for you as that carries a lot more weight than just work experience, the days of 'internships' for automotive technicians are over in my opinion. Good luck and thanks for the comment.
I am not an automotive tech, never would want to be. I'm a truck mechanic for Detroit Diesel, we do a lot of other stuff Carrier refrigerated trailers, Allison transmissions, MTU products, and Mercedes Benz. I attended a trade a vocational school in high school, and a two year trade school. Like you said I got in the field and learned quick I didn't know squat. But I will say without a doubt that if I had not attended those schools, I would never be where I am today. I'd be working in a hole of a shop for crap pay.
@curtmastor I'm sad to hear your story but it's true this business is not what it used to be and it's a shame you're looking to get out because you sound like you'd make a great tech. Good luck to you and thanks for the comment.
im 15 right now and my love and passion is turning a wrench and being dirty on cars. Right now i work at a car wash that is connected to an oil change so i do get to actually help on some cars. I know its not the same as working at an actual shop but its still good experience. I do hope to become a master technician one day. but for right now i'm fine on just working on my own cars do simple repairs like changing brakes and stuff.
I went to mmi a division of uti you get what you put into it all the knowledge and tools are there for you to learn what you need to. the thing to do is to keep your mind on what your goal is and not how much fun you can have while your away from home
gracias, sigue asi !
Thanks Eric, I teach Automotive Technology at a VoTech School and this is just what these kids need to hear. You hit on a lot of key points. Also, other videos like this one are from teachers or corporate bosses. Yours is the best because it comes from someone these kids can relate to. Again thanks!
After turning wrenches for a few years I decided to go to a tech school. Granted I only wanted to take the auto trans classes in the beginning, but after a couple of classes I decided on going through the entire program. I'm only going part time in the evenings so I have seen a lot of people come and go. I can tell you that the thing that scares off people the most is the tool investment. They get nervous thinking about how much and for how long.
@timmytee12 I went to Rosedale Technical Institue in Pittsburgh PA, the other details are on my bio on the 'About' page of my website. As for what's best for you I would look into your options and see what works best for you and your schedule and budget. Make sure whatever program you decide on is recognized by ASE as it may count toward your work credit for your certifications.
Eric, your one of only four people I've ever commended for their UA-cam productions. Aside from the wealth of information you provide...your seem genuine, your likeable, we have a similar look and I've been in the auto repair business for years also. More importantly, I wanted you to know that your "Bad Mechanic" video inspired me to create a long overdue discussion topic on my communities local website. Keep up the great work.
eric thanks for your input ive been out here turning wrenches on everything i can get my hands on for years now from bmws to volvos. 18 months is not a long time ive been fooling with cars since ab out 17 im going to do it because even now i still dont know as much as i should get apid for knowing. you like a celeb in my house dude!!!! keep it up man stay dirty!!!!!
@BigPython1986 It's a great feeling to live your dreams.
I went to a technical school, and now im working at Union Pacific Railroad. Couldnt get any better than that... and I still do my own "side jobs" at home, as well as projects, just to keep me satisfied with automotive mechanics... so if you really are considering a career in the automotive or rather mechanical field, do your research and find the school that best suites your needs.
I started out when I was 12 helping my Dad then repairing mowers and four wheelers. Then started working on my own vehicles, friends, family etc. Then decided to go to a Local Tech school for the 18 month program, I got out in a year and when I got out I had six ASE's taken and passed. shortly after I got the other two. I'm a Master tech still yet, I think I may take the A9 soon.
I had a similar issue. I was trying to get into full line shops at first, but didnt have the exp. So instead, I tried a quick lube/tire shop who was more then happy to take me. After about a year I got a job at a full line shop. Had to start from the bottom up, but was a start. Oh, and ASE's never hurt.
I don't believe in school nearly as much as I once did don't get me wrong love knowledge but if you got people you work with on a daily basis of fixing things you learn rather quickly....certification is sweet.....I love these videos...will keep watching and learning
Hey Eric the Car Guy I am Dennis S. Jamon, I like the video you made About Automotive Works, and I am very Inspired as an Automotive Servicing Graduates.
@shabazzkunfu All good points and I agree about ASE but those certifications do get you jobs and more pay. I wish you luck and thanks for the comments and your input I appreciate both.
Once i become a Junior in high school i can go to a school to work on cars, im 15 and trying to learn alot right know, just doing simple things i have so much fun changing headlights, changing oil and the filter, air filters but its so much fun and i enjoy, this is really something im interested in but it seems like alot of stuff to learn first!
I've been in the Air Force now for 2 years as a mechanic turning wrenches on F-15s. I really hope after my 6 years are up this will give me a good advantage getting my foot into the automotive world.
TheMoparman94 what is your current salary from the air force? reason im asking is i am a young kid thinking on taking similar coure you have
It depends if you single or married. If your single as an A1C you'll probably make about $1600 a month but you will have a dorm room on base for free and you'll have the on base dinning facility that's also free. If your married you'll probably make about $3000 a month. Since your married you will make BAH (basic allowance for housing) which will be on average of $1000 on top of your base pay but it will change based on your location and then you will also make BAS(basic allowance for subsidies) about $350 for groceries a month.
If you have any questions man don't be afraid to ask.
eric cook,u r really automotive expert, great hard work done, we salute u ..
Same here I just got hired as a General service technician at NTB. So i'm happy about that. Also i'm going to that take the H.V.A.C test for cars.
@HunterCO1 Yea that is true but if I had put that in the video it might sound elitist, I like to have faith in people till they prove me wrong. Thanks for the comment.
@nightmathzombieethan Yea I hear ya, don't know if you read my 'About' page but it sounds like we've had similar experiences. I wish you luck in finding a new job.
@jake66000 I would recommend you find a good school that is ASE accredited so that your time in school will count toward your work experience. Till then stay dirty.
Best point is about going to school but still needing experience. I turned wrenches with my dad, did a two year associates with an internship and fell flat on my face after I got out because I really did not have much experience in the real world. Try to find someone who is willing to guide you and help you when you run into issues. The lack of that has really hurt me starting out.
@TheNewBorn230 I think you asked this question a bunch of times and I've posted an answer on your channel.
@jhacksim You have to pay to take the individual tests but often times employers will reimburse you if you pass.
good vid i opened a small tire shop 1992 i was 19 started to work on cares and lernd very very fast i had to go to school. i became asc and california smog tech. you really have to love cars,peaple ,reading,paperwork and school never ends. if you put the time the pay is their defenitly.
Oh, and Eric has a LOT more experience than I, so I bow to and agree with his superior wisdom. LOL I think all of his points are highly valid, and though I already gave you MY 2 cents, I would certainly trust his opinion more than mine.
the talk was very encouraging, especially for young people as myself who wants to become a better automotive technician and make family and friends proud, it makes me want to continue on education until I finally own a business.
@EnzoElite Thanks for the correction, I'll be sure to mention it and you in the next video.
@mss829 I've re-certified twice so far and I'm due again soon, the recert tests are easier than the initial tests. Yes the questions can be tricky, I think I may produce a series on ASE testing at some point in the future to address that very thing.
i worked with a guy , 70 years old, he was labeled as service station attendent. it was a grandfather clause back east since thats how he started, he had been a mechanic for 53 years, but not licensed. i took high school courses, 1 year pre-employment automotive course then took my 4 - 2month levels at a technical school in addition to 10 years expereience, 8 actually at shops. i'm a journeyman now, but i want to get commercial and out of province certifications. i hope there is more in canada.
@013xtreme what Eric said about your motivation is totally true: you can study hard at a bad school or be lazy at a great school. i will throw in a little addition: have your parents talk to the recruiter at UTI. they have a great way of putting things into perspective, and are very experienced at talking to parents. i am a student at UTI right now, and i love it!
I think that last piece of advice was the best i have heard in a long time. (all the rest is great but finding a place that will give you a return...) well to all the techs out there that take pride in their work and try their hardest. that is a piece of advice that will make or break your motivation. I made the mistake of takingthe first place that would hire me. I didnt have much support getting into this, so i took the first shop that hired me, and slowly but surely it's taken its tole.
Ericcccccc! Got a confirmation for a seat to a 24-week course to start in Winter in January 2012. Thanks for the tips! I'll STAY DIRTY! what i mean, my hands! Like the videos! Keep them coming.
Thanks for the info, Eric. Definitely helpful.