Automotive Service Technicians, Truck Mechanics and Mechanical Repairers

Automotive service technicians and truck mechanics inspect, diagnose, repair and service mechanical, electrical and electronic systems and components of cars, buses, and light and commercial transport trucks. They are employed by motor vehicle dealers, garages and service stations, automotive specialty shops, transportation companies and retail establishments which have automotive service shops. This unit group also includes mechanical repairers who perform major repairs and replacement of mechanical units on newly assembled motor vehicles. They are employed by motor vehicle manufacturing companies.

Example Titles

automobile mechanic
automotive service technician
automotive service technician apprentice
bus mechanic
car mechanic
mechanical upgrade - motor vehicle manufacturing
motor repairer - motor vehicle manufacturing
motor vehicle mechanic
transmission mechanic
truck and transport mechanic
truck-trailer repairer
tune-up specialist, motor vehicle

Main duties

Automotive service technicians perform some or all of the following duties:

• Review work orders and discuss work with supervisor
• Inspect motor in operation, road test motor vehicle, and test automotive systems and components using computerized diagnostic and other testing devices to diagnose and isolate faults
• Adjust, repair or replace parts and components of automotive systems including fuel, brake, 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 automotive repair equipment
• Test and adjust repaired systems to manufacturer's performance specifications
• Perform scheduled maintenance service, such as oil changes, lubrications and tune ups
• Advise customers on work performed, general vehicle conditions and future repair requirements.

Mechanical repairers, motor vehicle manufacturing, perform some or all of the following duties:

• Inspect and test mechanical units, such as 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 transport and trailer mechanics perform some or all of the following duties:

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

Workers in this unit 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.

Employment requirements

Automotive service technicians

• Completion of secondary school is usually required. Mechanical Repairers
• Completion of a four-year automotive service technician apprenticeship program
  or
  A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and high school, college or industry courses in automotive technology is required to be eligible for trade certification.
• Automotive service technician trade certification is compulsory in, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and territories.
• Automotive service technician (fuel and electronic systems) and automotive service technician (transmission) trade certification is compulsory in New Brunswick and Ontario and available, but voluntary, in Prince Edward Island.
• Automotive service technician (steering, suspension and brakes) trade certification is compulsory in New Brunswick and Ontario.
• Motor vehicle repair (service station mechanic) trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia and available, but voluntary, in Prince Edward Island.
• Interprovincial trade certification (Red Seal) is also available to qualified automotive service technicians.

Mechanical repairers, motor vehicle manufacturing

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.
• On-the-job training of two to three years is provided by employers.

Truck transport and trailer mechanics

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.
• Completion of a four-year truck and transport mechanic or truck-trailer repair apprenticeship
  or
  A combination of over four years of work experience in the trade and high school, college or industry courses in truck or heavyduty equipment mechanics is required to be eligible for trade certification.
• Truck and transport mechanic trade certification is compulsory in Nova Scotia and Ontario and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and the Yukon.
• Truck-trailer repair trade certification is compulsory in Ontario and available, but voluntary, in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Manitoba, British Columbia and the Yukon.
• Interprovincial trade certification (Red Seal) is also available to qualified truck-trailer repairers and truck and transport mechanics.