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You might be thinking about how to become a car mechanic, but you might need to learn how easy it is! Pursuing a career as a car mechanic would be a great choice in this era of modern vehicles and electric cars.
The continuous and potential growth of the automotive industry is fascinating and tempting for professionals and car technicians. Before delving into this highly technical and potential industry, you must know how to start being a car mechanic.
In this detailed article, we’ll focus on all the steps essential to being a successful car mechanic and how much you can earn as a qualified car mechanic. So, start reading to delve into further details;
The continuous and potential growth of the automotive industry is fascinating and tempting for professionals and car technicians. Before delving into this highly technical and potential industry, you must know how to start being a car mechanic.
In this detailed article, we’ll focus on all the steps essential to being a successful car mechanic and how much you can earn as a qualified car mechanic. So, start reading to delve into further details;
Why Do You Want to Become a Car Mechanic?
You must understand its importance before learning auto mechanics or becoming a car mechanic. The only and foremost reason to become a mechanic is this job’s flexibility. The best thing is that you can work as an independent car mechanic even on the weekends with another job.
When it comes to a car mechanic’s salary in the UK, a professional car mechanic can earn up to £40000 per year. So, it is better than a full-week job in any other industry. Besides consistent earnings, you can be part of numerous automotive industries as a professional or specialised car mechanic.
When it comes to a car mechanic’s salary in the UK, a professional car mechanic can earn up to £40000 per year. So, it is better than a full-week job in any other industry. Besides consistent earnings, you can be part of numerous automotive industries as a professional or specialised car mechanic.
What Do Car Mechanics Do?
A car mechanic is also known as a car technician. This technical person is responsible for reviewing each vehicle repair, replacement and maintenance task. Whether you are a beginner-level mechanic or a professional, you will be responsible for performing the following functions;
- Diagnosing and inspecting the client’s cars for needed repairs & replacements
- Performing the needed mechanical repairs & replacements
- Giving the cost and time estimates for repairs to the clients
- Staying up-to-date with the latest automotive trends
- Checking for originality or OEM-approved parts before replacements
- Road-testing of cars after repair or replacements
What are the Responsibilities of a Car Mechanic?
The responsibilities and roles of car mechanics vary depending on where they work or what they specialise in. Here is a list of a few everyday duties of a car mechanic in the UK;
- Checking the vehicle for safety and health legislation
- Communicating with the car owners to know about their cars and issues
- Informing the car owners or customers about the needed repairs
- Use of advanced tools and techniques to diagnose the problems in the car
- Carrying out all car repairs and replacements
- Changing car tyres and checking the air pressure
- Carrying out routine maintenance and car servicing
- Carrying out pre-MOT and post-MOT tasks
How Do You Become a Car Mechanic?
- An independent car mechanic charges between £40 and £60 per hour.
- A specialised mechanic charges for advanced diagnostics or EV repairs and can exceed £100 per hour.
How to Become a Car Mechanic?
If you start your career journey as a car mechanic in the UK or anywhere in the world, here are a few steps you can follow for ease;
Get an Enrollment in a Certification Program
You need to get a specific certification or technical program to pursue your career successfully in the automotive industry and any industry. Even though there are endless mechanic certifications and programs, you still need to choose the best that matches your skills.
You can learn about engine inspection, car repairs, parts replacement, and diagnostic tasks in the related certifications and programs. However, you have to practice your skills to master in the automotive industry.
Work as a Trainee Mechanic
Even if you have gained detailed knowledge of car mechanisms, you still need to practice your skills to excel. To be an efficient car mechanic, you must work as a trainee or under an experienced car mechanic.
So, it would be preferable for all beginner-level mechanics to work as trainees before working independently or in a well-reputed automotive garage.
Get An Apprenticeship
A few apprenticeships exist in the UK to become a successful car mechanic. You will need GCSEs in English, Math, science or equivalent to this to complete an apprenticeship.
Here are the three levels of a paid apprenticeship to become a car mechanic;
- Level 1: It includes a diploma or certification in vehicle maintenance
- Level 2: It consists of a diploma or certification in vehicle maintenance & repairs
- Level 3: It consists of a detailed diploma in a vehicle technology
Work on Your Technical Skills
Don't stick to it once you have a certification or completed your trainee program. Ensure that you learn further technical skills in the automotive industry to learn more about modern vehicle mechanisms, especially EVs.
Learning more about modern tools, techniques, and equipment for handling car mechanisms can also enhance your skills and grow your abilities.
Understand Your Customer’s Needs
Whether working as an independent mechanic or in an automotive garage, you cannot excel in this career if you don’t know how to communicate with your clients. You must understand your customer’s needs appropriately before providing solutions.
Here is a list of a few of the most common soft skills you might need to be a car mechanic;
- Initiative perspective
- Ability to do every work on your own
- Pay attention to details
- Strong communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
You can engage your clients for a long time with your 100% satisfactory communication skills and customer support. So, soft skills and technical skills also matter for a car mechanic.
Get a Mechanic Licence
If you want to be a successful car mechanic or want to run a workshop or mobile garage independently, you might need your licence. A licence might showcase as proof of your skills and expertise.
Moreover, customers might find you more reliable and trustworthy if you have a licence. You must prove your skills and expertise to the leading professionals to get the licence.
Where Can I Work as a Car Mechanic?
As a specialised and leading car mechanic, you can work in the following areas;
- Car servicing and repair firms
- Car recovery companies
- Automotive garages
- Car dealership
- Independent vehicle specialist
- Automotive engineering groups and companies
- Car manufacturing agencies
- Motorsport companies
How Much Do Mechanics Make a Year?
How much a car mechanic earns depends on his working hours, specialities, and technical skills. Here is an average breakdown of a car mechanic’s salary per year;
- A car mechanic can earn an average of £19,000 per year.
- The average salary of a car mechanic in the UK is £26,500 per year.
- An independent car mechanic can earn a maximum of £45,000 per year.
Remember, these salaries vary based on mechanic experience, qualification, certification and expertise.
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