Basic Automotive Mechanic Tasks

Majority of men and a few women are passionate about cars, which is why some choose to embark on a profession that entails repairing, overhauling and even modifying specific or all car type.
But definitely, aside from the enthusiasm, there are other requirements in order to become an automotive mechanic. First it would be a good idea for anyone who aspires a career on automotive repair to understand the duties and tasks of this craft. When a car malfunctions, an automotive mechanic makes a diagnosis of what have caused such failure in the equipment. After which the mechanic executes appropriate repair works depending on the car make or model. In exact, here are the possible tasks that an auto mechanic may perform:

• patching up various automobiles that may be powered by gasoline, diesel or electricity (these vehicles are cars, light-medium-heavy trucks, vans, scooters, utility vehicles, power sweepers, garden equipments, forklifts, etc)
• working on internal ignition engines and relating repair tasks such as valves grinding, piston and piston ring installations, bearings and bushings fittings, rod aligning, components dismantling and reassembling.
• fine-tuning other components of the automotive such as clutches, transmissions, single and multiple speed differentials, hydraulic loading and accessory systems and controls, mechanical vacuum boosters, hydraulic and air brake systems, suspension systems, steering assemblies, and carburetion, ignition and electrical systems
• tuning up, changing of oil, wheel and tire balancing, mufflers and smog control devices inspecting and fixing
• proper utilization of shop equipments like hand-set grinders, drill and hydraulic presses, hydraulic lifts, engine analyzers, welding equipment, and electrical system testing equipment.
• some welding of electrical and oxygen acetylene, matching tires on dual wheel vehicles

Aside from these, the auto mechanic may be the one to order the parts and supplies needed for the repair, keep inventories in certain projects, estimate costs and price for the automotive repair, recommend other services provided by other contractors if the automotive malfunction is out of his field, and other duties assigned.
To be able to perform well on the duties mentioned for an automotive mechanic, he or she should possess the following qualities and knowledge:

• how a certain type and model of an automotive operates
• principles and concepts of mechanical and electrical systems, Hydraulic and power take-off accessory systems in gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines
• proper use as well as maintenance of tools and equipments in automotive machinery
• safety measures, precautions and practices
• basic record-keeping processes and computer skills

Different countries have different regulations on how an aspirant may become a licensed and qualified mechanic. As early as high school, there are some curriculum which provides early preparation or vocational elective courses including that of car repairing. Also, apprenticeships and training programs may be availed to add to the list of credentials. Formal training and education may come from various technical schools and colleges.

Automotive Training is a Lifelong Adventure

Whether you're a car hobbyist or a seasoned auto repair technician, you know that finding the cause of that quirky rattle or mysterious thumping can be both frustrating and rewarding. Indeed, the sign of a great repairperson is the ability to diagnose those persnickety problems - and then fix them. The talent for doing so comes from both solid automotive training and, often, many years on the job.
Today, sophisticated automotive equipment requires that service personnel - whether in the capacity of technicians or automotive management jobs - stay on top of the latest technology coming from auto manufacturers around the world. In other words, automotive training doesn't end with a certification. On the contrary, that certificate is just the beginning.
Although car enthusiasts may be able to tinker around with old, used engines and other used automotive equipment, auto repair technicians are faced with the ever-increasing complexity of the integrated electronics systems and computerized systems that run today's cars and trucks. Indeed, a vehicle might have as many as four dozen microprocessors. The engine control unit controls spark timing, fuel injectors, and much more, while anti-lock braking systems, air bags, and a myriad of other sensors are controlled by many other microprocessors.
Although the diagnostic tools available to assist auto repair technicians have also become more sophisticated, it still takes continuing education to stay ahead of the proverbial curve and truly understand the nuances of the new vehicles that roll out every year.
There are a few ways that technicians can receive continuing auto training. For those who work for dealerships, the manufacturer or dealership will ensure that the technicians receive ongoing education about their vehicles. Those who work at private repair shops can attend continuing education courses in automotive training at local community colleges and at technical schools. These continuing education courses are often certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which is considered the national standard for automotive training.
Often however, seasoned auto repair technicians turn to one another for advice and assistance. Increasingly, there are online communities that offer a variety of services for professionals. Often, these communities have discussion groups or forums where automotive repair industry technicians can discuss problems and share solutions. There are also a number of articles and downloads available that are written by those in the trenches; often, these articles provide valuable insights, as well as tips and tricks to solve thorny problems.

Online College Works in Busy Lives

A recently released Census report shows that nearly 25% of married families with children had a mother who was a stay at home mom, but it often wasn't because of choice. The Census numbers showed that many of the stay at home moms did so because they were under educated and couldn't find a job that paid enough to cover the cost of childcare. A lot of the respondents wanted to be in the work force but couldn't. For these moms, the hurdle between staying at home and employment was job training and a college degree.
Many of these mothers may want to go to school, but have child care issues that prevent them from doing so. For them, an online degree program may be the answer to getting into the work force after graduating. For stay at home moms, going back to school now in this tough economy is even more critical than before, because unemployment rates are the highest they've been in years. Fortunately, moms have many choices when it comes to education today because of the advent of online college.
There are many different types of online college programs for moms to choose from. Some moms may be more interested in a particular job skill or training. They need to get to work fast, in a job that will help them and their families move ahead quickly. A vocational degree in a number of career fields could be the answer for these women. Vocational degrees are degrees that focus on a specific job skill or trade, and less on academic information like literature and composition.
The beauty of a vocational degree is that it can help a student move more quickly into a professional working environment than a four-year college degree. A few examples of vocational degrees are bridal consultant, hospitality and travel, automotive technology, and plumbing. Depending on the skill or trade, a vocational degree can take a few months to a few years to complete.
Other moms may have the ability to take a little longer to complete their degree program. These moms may want to focus on an academic degree track. Academic degrees encompass associate and higher college degrees that require a certain number of core classes like English composition, biology, algebra, and the social and historical sciences. Once the core classes are completed, a student will make a choice about the type of degree they want to pursue.
There are a very wide number of academic degree tracks that stay at home moms can pursue, from business to education, healthcare and more. As a general rule, the higher the degree level, the higher the potential earning power is for the graduate. If a mom has the time, energy, and persistence to complete a bachelor's degree, their chances for employment are much better in this economy.
Of course, some moms have decided to stay home after working in a professional field and may already have a bachelor's degree. If there is a large gap of several years between when a mom started staying home and the time she wants to go back to work, she may want to think about brushing up her resume with a graduate degree. By taking the time to complete a master's degree or higher in their specialty, these moms can show that they have stayed up on top of current trends in their field and not become professionally stagnant.