An auto mechanicis a mechanic who specialises in automobile maintenance, repair,
and sometimes modification. A mechanic may be knowledgeable in working on all parts
of a variety of car makes or may specialize either in a specific area or in
a specific make of car. In repairing cars, their main role is to diagnose the
problem accurately and quickly. They often have to quote prices for their customers
before commencing work or after partial disassembly for inspection. The mechanic
uses both electronic means of gathering data as well as their senses. Their
job may involve the repair of a specific part or the replacement of one or
more parts as assemblies.
Basic vehicle maintenance is a fundamental
part of a mechanic's work in some countries, while in others they are only consulted
when a vehicle is already showing signs of malfunction. Preventative maintenance
is also a fundamental part of a mechanic's job, but this is not possible
in the case of vehicles that are not regularly maintained by a mechanic. One
misunderstood aspect of preventative maintenance is scheduled replacement of
various parts, which occurs before failure to avoid far more expensive damage.
Because this means that parts are replaced before any problem is observed, many
vehicle owners will not understand why the expense is necessary.
With
the rapid advancement in technology, the mechanic's job has evolved from mechanical
to electronic technology. Because vehicles today posses complex computer
and electronic systems, mechanics need to have a broader base of knowledge than
in the past. Lately, the term "auto mechanic" is being used less and less frequently
and is being replaced by the euphemistic title “automotive service technician”.
Fading quickly is the day of the 'shade tree mechanic', who needed little
knowledge of today's computerized systems. |
