An
auto mechanic
(or
car mechanic
in British English and
motor mechanic
in Australian English) is 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 purely mechanical, to include electronic technology. Because vehicles today possess 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.
Due to the increasingly labyrinthine nature of the technology that is now incorporated into automobiles, most automobile dealerships now provide sophisticated diagnostic computers to each technician, without which they would be unable to diagnose or repair a vehicle.
shamikkan
asked:
"In Texas an automotive repair shop that sales parts in the repair of a vehicle, not for over the counter sales but only sales items to be used by that repair shop in their day to day services offered to customers ?"
Question posted courtesy of:
Gem replied:
"The sales tax laws force them to charge (or pay) the sales tax. So, yes, they should charge for it."
kate replied:
"Doesn't matter if it's over the counter or the repair shop .If the state says tax parts , they better tax parts .And if the state says tax labor , they better do that too .What ever the state rules are , Do it or loose your business license .>"
wartz replied:
"They should follow their state's laws. This sounds reasonable to me and is what happens in my state."
STEVEN F replied:
"Texas lists "Personal property maintenance" as a taxable service. Most states consider an automobile to be personal property."
Goodhead replied:
"You must collect sales tax for any parts you install or sell to your customers. for your quarterly state sales tax filling you must pay the sales tax dollars to the state."
basketcase88 replied:
"If it's the state law, they have to charge (their customers) and pay (the state) sales tax on goods they sell. That would include goods used to repair an automobile."
Michael M replied:
"yes if the state law says to of course"
bostonianinmo replied:
"They must pay the sales tax on the parts sales. They are not actually required to collect it from their customers though virtually all businesses do."
scrollers123
asked:
"I have a good knowledge of cars and have worked on my personal cars and bikes but have never had a job in the auto repair industry. i am 20 and don't care about pay or doing the grunt work like changing tires, oil, and other basic maintenance I just want the experience so I can go into more complex automotive jobs latter in my career."
Question posted courtesy of:
Dani replied:
"you;ll have to start somewhere general like an oil change place or town fair tire. From there i recommend trying a small privatly owned auto shop to be hired on as an assistant for smaller jobs and work your way up."
cre8it_now replied:
"Take a course at your local community college. Some knowledge and enrollment in a course will look good to prospective employer. Dealerships will hire apprentices. Training is included in the apprenticeship program. You can also try an independent garage. If you are willing to do whatever they ask and do it for minimum wage you might learn a lot. The big automotive schools are very good and very expensive."
sfurr74 replied:
"The best scenario would be to find an independent shop with a knowledgeable owner that is willing to train you. A dealership can offer a lot of manufacturer specific training, but they are usually looking for someone with some experience that can come in and make them money.I would suggest taking classes at a community college. There, you will be taught the basics first, and then move up.Mechanical aptitude is great, but in order to become successful, you must know and understand how and why stuff works before you can ever hope to diagnose a problem. A college course will give that to you.Just one thing about college: Colleges give you the knowledge & tools to go out and learn a proffession. You are not a Master Technician just by taking classes. But, you will know enough to understand what someone is telling you.Many Automotive colleges and courses will teach you to pass the ASE tests. Hey, Great! I'm a Master Tech.! Your ego will be deflated when you get out into the field and realize you don't know much. If you go into a school with the right attitude, you will enjoy life much better, and learn a lot."
Tiffee
asked:
"I live in Dallas,Tx and plan to open an automotive repair shop. I have been buying parts and supplies from autozone and it's getting quite expensive and doesnt seem like we're making any profit...where can I get parts and supplies for shop that are cheap/wholesales. thanks a lot of any input."
Question posted courtesy of:
pete cochino replied:
"i don't know any part houses there other than NAPA but if you ask some of the other shops around (that specialize in work other than what you do - your competitors probably won't help), they are usually very helpful. stop by a local dealer parts dept.. their guys have a plethora of parts houses they deal with. go online and look up carquest and also try parts plus. i'm a bit surprised. usually when a new shop opens up, all the parts houses out there will beat down the new shops doors trying to get their business. very strange to me that they haven't done so."
Rosan
asked:
"In what ways would the job activities of an owner of an automotive repair shop that employs two people and the president of the Ford Motor Company be similar? In what ways would they be differents?"
Question posted courtesy of:
hottotrot1_usa replied:
"similar: They both want to hire good people. They both want to set the right direction for the company. They both want the company to make a profit and grow. They both have an ownership interest and thus a personal stake in the success or failure of the firm. They both have a legal responsibility for the actions of the firm.different: The Ford President can hirer many people to help him address his duties. He has to rely on many other people to accomplish the company's goals. He has very little "hands on" duties. He doesn't see very many customers in person. He doesn't touch very many cars."
shiprepairwoman replied:
"A small business owner has to deal with customers, employees, vendor, accountants and taxes and should know how to do every job in the place. The fact that they deal with repairing cars only means that is the main skill the owner needs to fill in for employees. They do everything from buying the insurance policies to firing employees that don't work out.Presidents of large companies deal with the board of directors, upper level management, negotiate major contracts and review reports from management. They might recommend putting thousands of people out of work or spending billions on a new plant.Right now the UAW and automakers are dealing with billions of dollars in pension obligations. But the presidents don't have to deal with hiring and training the newest bookkeeper."
spider
asked:
"looking for a site or information on shock tower repair 96 Plymouth Voyager"
Question posted courtesy of:
cgriffin1972 replied:
"What kind of repair?The struts?Or the rust problem???"
oklatom replied:
"http://car.justanswer.com/plymouthAnswers for plymouth questions."
Center City Services offers many tools for professionals and mechanics at competitive prices. They also serve as a directory for home improvement and repair contractors
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If you have an ambition of making it big in the automotive industry, you have to plan yourself for success and hard work. However, if you have ambitions more than just been a lube mechanic or a tire mechanic, get education from a good automotive repair or automobile training school.
Pretty cool forum on automotive and car stuff if youre into that!
not bad~
