New York Auto Mechanic Training

The state of New York is bustling with people, industry and a growing need for reliable transportation. The need for well-trained, honest and helpful auto mechanics is greater due to comparatively astronomical cost of living, getting around and keeping vehicles well-maintained in the state of New York. Consumers must a highly informed when choosing automotive assistance. The rising demand for individuals to work in vehicle repair trades derives more variety of factors. Automotive industry fraud is on the rise, especially in highly competitive and crowded areas like New York. Common issues include falsely clocking hours, misuse of flat rate maintenance services, billing prior to repairs being commenced, overcharging for tools and supplies and inaccurate repair estimates. In New York specifically, environmental factors heavily contribute to the increased need for proper and professional automotive maintenance. Everything from heavy snowfalls to rough summers increased New York's need for trained and helpful automotive repair technicians.

 

 

 

Reasons to Consider a Job a a Mechanic

 

Becoming an auto mechanic is a more lucrative profession than it used to be. As computer technology is on the rise and increasingly incorporated into vehicle design, a combination of technical and mechanical skills give aspiring mechanics a wider variety of work to choose from and more certification opportunities to enroll in. Due to a lower number of qualified mechanics with refined skills, more and more dealerships in New York are offering higher employee wages with additional opportunities granted such as incentive bonuses or employee benefits. More auto technicians can expect to work their way up to pay averages of up to $30 an hour in New York. New York also supports a wider array of vehicle repair shops.

 

Duties of an Auto Mechanic

Working as an auto mechanic, individuals can expect to develop excellent customer service skills. Mechanics must be able to relate with customers and communicate effectively. Auto repair technicians must be able to put a customers mind at ease and tackle repair obstacles and additional issues. Excellent communication skills are required to translate technical and mechanical jargon into understandable English customer can follow. Developing great vehicle diagnostic skills will always be a talent in demand. Speedy and accurate evaluation is crucial for a well-run and widely respected automotive business. Auto mechanics work hands-on and quickly to address problems and create solutions. Having a good work ethic and a strong technical aptitude will serve mechanics will no matter what branch of the automotive trade they enter. Strong leadership skills are also important, since technicians must be able to effectively manage and take charge of situations that are often stressful for customers and mechanics alike.

 

Certified auto mechanics usually perform (but are not limited to) the following duties):

• Ensuring that equipment is available for use by testing and inspecting vehicles
• Executing preventative maintenance including engine tune-ups, tire rotation, oil changes, wheel balancing and filter replacement
• Ensuring vehicle function through analyzing conditions (i.e. listening to complaints made by operator, carrying out inspections, repairing electrical and mechanical system malfunctions, repairing engines, replacing components or parts, repairing vehicle body damage).
• Verifying serviceability of vehicles by conducting road tests, adjusting systems and controls
• Complying with any state-mandated vehicle requirements to safety testing, engine testing or testing of combustion control standards
• Maintaining a vehicle's appearance by washing, cleaning, painting or making any other cosmetic repairs
• Troubleshooting breakdowns, performing any preventative maintenance or repairs, maintaining supplies and making repair calls
• Making sure shop equipment operates properly
• Containing costs through warranty use and evaluation of parts and service options
• Keeping supplies at the ready through careful inventory of stock, labeling, placing orders, receipt verification and more
• Updating any job knowledge through participation in educational programs, reading automotive or technical publications
• Accomplishing organization and maintenance missions through completion of related results when necessary
• Testing systems and parts to ensure proper function
• Identifying mechanical issues, often using computer diagnostic systems and equipment
• Following checklists to complete examination of all critical parts
• Lubricating and testing vehicles engines or other components crucial to its function
• Reassembling or disassembling vehicle parts
• Using equipment for testing to ensure effectiveness of maintenance and repairs
• Communicating with clients to explain automotive problems and any necessary repairs to their vehicles

 

Service technicians usually work with traditional mechanical and automotive components including engines, drive belts and transmissions. That said, you must also have a familiarity with a growing number of additional electronic systems including transmission, steering systems, braking and systems controlled by electrical or computerized components. Other integrated systems electronics include accident avoidance sensors, which are growing in frequency as a common part of vehicle systems. Additionally, many technicians are expected to service vehicles running on alternative fuels including electricity and ethanol.

Technicians vary in types. Service technicians may use a variety of different tools including computerized diagnostic devices and power tools including lathes, wastes and jacks, welding tools and pneumatic wrenches. Employers usually make most tools necessary to complete work available. Service technicians may also use common hand tools including ratchets and sockets, liars, wrenches and more. Experienced auto mechanics sometimes invest in their own tools, supplies and equipment. The more tools in mechanic has available, the better their chances of obtaining higher-paying work or potentially even freelance work.

 

While service technicians specialize in particular types of automotive repair, they are subject to specific regulations and procedures. Federal and state regulations including recycling regulations, disposal and handling regulations must be applied by auto mechanics. For example, repairing or installing automotive air-conditioning systems including parts such as condensers, controls and compressors require government-sponsored training in following of stringent guidelines and regulations. Repairing or adjusting brake systems, replacing break pads and rotors or other brake system related repairs require automotive technicians to specialize in front and handbrake work. Auto mechanics balance and align steering mechanisms or suspension systems. This often requires use of special alignment or wheel balancing equipment.

 

Alternately, transmission technicians rebuild vehicle systems, gear trains, hydraulic pumps, couplings or additional transmission parts. This particular branch of auto repair requires a great deal of knowledge in the realm of computer controls, the ability to observe and diagnose hydraulic and electrical system problems and special skills regarding maintenance on complex components.

 

Drivability technicians use their education and knowledge to manage engines, fuel emission, electrical systems and ignition systems and put their diagnostic tools to good use. Their role is to ensure a vehicle is performing efficiently by analyzing all aspects of engine function. If a car has an onboard diagnostic system or electrical testing mechanisms such as multi meters, drivability technicians analyze such information and determine any potential malfunctions.

 

Auto Mechanic Training Programs

 

As of 2012, automotive mechanics and service technicians held roughly 700,100 jobs. The bulk of employers for those trained in the field offer full-time work for private companies. Roughly 14% of all auto mechanics and service mechanics were self-employed. Of the varying trending industries within the field of auto mechanic services, employment rates showed that 32% of technicians work in the field of automotive repair and maintenance personnel. 29% of technicians worked at automobile dealerships. 9% worked for automotive accessory parts and tire stores, 4% worked for the government and 3% worked for gasoline stations. Most automotive repair staff can expect to work in a well-lit and well-ventilated repair shop. In the modern age, many vehicle problems can be identified and repaired using computers. Therefore, computer literacy is a very important aspect of the job them out of what subfield of automotive repair one branches in 2. However, technician still frequently work with tools and parts in greasy or uncomfortable conditions. Work schedules will vary from evenings and weekends to full-time work throughout the week. Overtime is a common occurrence within the profession.

 

Accreditation

 

Accreditation requirements only ask for entry-level education of a high school diploma or equivalent GED. This is the minimum requirement to work at as an automotive technician or mechanic. Due to the increasing level of sophistication of automotive design, some employers may prefer automotive mechanics and technicians to have the backing of a post secondary institution or training program which supplies formal education related to technology, computer skills are engineering. While industry certification is usually only required once to grant employment, additional certification may be required to advance. Preferred skills after high school include prior experience in automotive repair, computers, mathematics, electronics and English-language literacy skills. Therefore, high school graduates may often need additional training to become better qualified for jobs in the field.

 

Completion of a postsecondary or vocational training program in the realm of auto service technology is considered ideal for entry-level positions. These programs usually range from six months to one year and allow students to orient themselves quickly in the world of auto repair through intensive career prep, hands-on practice and instruction. The short-term certificate programs are particularly easily available in the state of New York. Many service technicians work towards obtaining an Associates degree. This is due to the growing need for literacy and experience with electronics, computers and mathematics. Some programs may include courses in customer service, English language or other valuable skills.

 

A variety of automobile dealers and manufacturers may sponsor associate degree programs for prospective employees. Students typically will spend alternating periods between working part-time or full-time in automotive eservice shops or under the guidance of experienced technicians while also attending certification classes. The bulk of service technician training is done on the job. To move up the career ranks as an auto mechanic, anywhere from 2 to 5 years maybe typical to prove proficiency with an additional 1 to 2 years of service technician work to gain experience in all types of repairs. New technicians such as trainees, lubrication workers or technician helpers must gradually acquire skills while working with experienced technicians and mechanics.

 

To go through the complete certification, licensing and registration process in New York, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may require that technicians working with or buying vehicle refrigerants must be licensed with proper certification and refrigerant handling. There is no formal test or preparation required but many unions, employer associations and trade schools will offer programs that prepare students for the EPA exam. Auto mechanics will be required to possess certification from National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence as a standard certification to go to work as service technicians. Many New York employers will require service technicians to possess the certification and provide proof.

 

Depending on the type of auto mechanic work one is inclined to do, there are eight specific areas of certification including electrical/electronic systems, automatic transmission/transaxle, and repair, heating and air-conditioning, suspension and steering, breaks an manual drivetrain axles. For each of these areas, auto mechanics must possess at least two years of on-the-job experience or relevant education and one year of hands on experience. They also must pass exams guaranteeing certification in one of these eight specific fields. A Master Automobile Technician is a technician who passes all eight exams.

 

Auto Mechanic Salary Expectation in New York

 

The number of auto mechanic jobs available in the state of New York has risen by 36% in the last year on job networking websites such as indeed.com. The median wage for automotive service technician or mechanic is an annual income of roughly $36,610. Even the lowest 10% of workers earned about $20,810, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Automotive maintenance and repair careers average at $33,230. Working in the field of automotive accessories parts and tire stores earned median wage of roughly $31,250 and work at gasoline stations averaged at $31,090. Experienced mechanics and technicians can expect to move up the ranks in time and potentially work at independent repair shops, receive commission in line with labor costs charge to each customer or potentially work at automotive dealerships. Some repair shops in New York will pay technicians a fixed hourly rate instead. Employment in the field of automotive service technicians and mechanics shows a projected growth of 9% between 2012 and 2022, equaling the average of all occupations.

 

As the number of vehicles, especially in the New York area, continues to rise, many more entry-level service technician jobs will be necessary to perform crucial tasks such as brake pad replacement, oil changes and basic maintenance and repair. Because the average lifespan of late-model cars or light trucks is increasing, there will also be increased demand for qualified technicians. Highest ranking New York cities for good wages and best employment opportunities as an auto mechanic include Brentwood, Bronx, Brooklyn, Hempstead, Huntington, Levittown, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, New York, NY, Poughkeepsie, Queens Village, Staten Island, White Plains and Yonkers.