r/mechanics

Hey everyone! Soon I'll be trying to enter the auto-mechanic field, starting off as a lube-tech at either a motorcycle repair shop or at Honda (still deciding which route to go), but I eventually want to end up at Mercedes-Benz, its my dream really. Currently, I work a lousy minimum wage job, so as you could probably see the issue.... SnapOn just is too expensive for a lot of the tools I'd imagine I'd need. What are some good alternatives that are not as pricy?

I just wasted 40 minutes confused why the replacement battery would not fit my friend's Volkswagen. He said "are you sure you don't have it backwards?" I sarcastically said "unless Volkswagen is different than any other car, red is positive, black is negative."

Then I googled it......

On this Jetta, BLACK is POSITIVE, and DARK BROWN????

I already helped with so many "light maintenance things" I've done to Japanese and American cars 10+ times like fuel injectors, radiators, brake jobs, etc. all have some uniquely stupid design on this Volkswagen that makes me want to scream.

I see why mechanics don't touch these things now, 'German Engineering" equals POS.

So I am no stranger to video inspections. We got truvideo at my mazda dealership almost 7 years ago now, and from the first day I was 100% compliant. I moved to different dealership for chevrolet about 5 years ago. At the time they didn''t have it. But about a year ago, they added it. At mazda, they provided us a phone we could use if we didn't want to use our own and they paid us an extra .2 for every verified video on an RO. Now that I'm at chevrolet they provide nothing so you have to use your phone, they pay nothing, and in fact will prevent you from getting a bonus if you don't get 100% every week. I am in compliance every week. But it seems a bit crappy. Just curious if a lot of other shops are requiring and not compensating for videos?

I tell you what though, we are in the wrong business. I don't know what it is now but truevideo sold to our dealership years ago was like 80k a year for that dealership and back then it was a BASIC app. Its improved quite a bit since then. But dang I need to pay some developers to make me one and start hocking it.

Throughout my 20's I've worked as a chef, construction worker, amazon delivery driver, and in recent years a freelancer in film/TV, I'm looking to find a career with consistent money, pension, growth, etc as I'm 31 now. I feel like being a mechanic would suit me, but admittedly I have very little experience in this industry(hopefully some transferable skills from my past jobs).

I want to make sure i find my footing correctly. Am i best going to get myself trained up at a college/apprenticeship/courses? Or will certain companies take me on to provide full training

Hello, I apologize in advance for the structure as I don't post on reddit often, and also am on mobile, anyway.

For context

I have only been in the business for about 2 months, I landed an entry level GST position at a smaller shop, but still owned by a bigger company, about 7 locations throughout the state. Also, no one here is flat rate, from me, to my coworker who's worked here for over 20 years, we're all hourly.

Anyway, throughout my time here and especially my training, I've gained a few concerns.

1: pay is based on speed, instead of skill, instead of higher pay based on experience, or certifications etc, its based on how fast you can get cars out the door.

For example (I don't have exact numbers because no one will tell me) but, 2 of the senior techs here have complained many times based on how the other GST is getting paid, because he's the fastest, he's (in the other techs words) a few dollars short of what they are getting paid.

2:Due to number 1, there's an excess of shortcuts, skipping things on inspection, guessing some measurements based on a quick glance such as tire tread and brake pads(i know most experienced people can do it by eye, but I've gone behind and properly measured on multiple occasions, and it's sometimes wrong by 3 or more 32nds)

And just overall the "quantity over quality" mindset and this leads to a multitude of issues, such as comebacks, or complaints.

And I know its not okay with the company because anytime a bigger boss comes through, everyone complete flips their mentality, and will even through others (me included) under the bus to cover their ass.

3: the treatment towards me. After I was put out on my own, and was in my own bay, I decided to not cut those corners, and focus on quality, because I genuinely do love my job and cars in general, and would hate to screw someone over, even by negligence. And so, instead of being as quick as everyone else, I take a little longer. Usually I still get under or exactly 45 minutes (what they want us to aim for) but sometimes, especially if some things are hard to get to, or just not coming off (in Wisconsin, so rust is a big one lol) I take up to an hour on cars, which is the allowed time, and I've only been late twice.

But because of this, people are extremely annoying/hostile towards me, and i think the service manager believes im trying to milk the clock.

Such as random workers telling me to "hurry up" when they hand me a ticket, people randomly coming to check on me after 25 minutes, and usually walking back to the service mangers office. Repeatedly asking me whats taking so long in the middle of a job. Sometimes just standing there and watching, even when they have a car to work on (especially when im struggling with tires/flat repairs)

And I know, workplace banter and making fun of people is a part of the job, and I know and 100% accept that, I've worked in a kitchen/restaurant business almost all my life, always back of house, so I know workplace banter lol.

Anyway, the main point of this post is to ask if im overreacting at all because im so new of course.

And if im not how long should I stay at this location? I don't exactly know if anywhere else would hire me with just 2 months of experience and a toolbox to show for my skills.

Thank you

What creates the most daily frustration?
Finding the right parts
Knowing the status of each car
Communicating between office and mechanics
Invoicing customers correctly
Getting approval for extra work
Trying to understand where garages lose the most time.

So I work in a independent shop, i get paid 900 a week after taxes like 800 ish, i order parts, help out with the customers while working on vehicles as well, pretty well experienced on suspension work, engine swaps and trans, got my own tools and specialty tools mostly Noone else in the shop has cus ig they're "old fashioned", dont really get any comebacks unless its for something small like a wheel lock but I do make sure to let the customer know and accept my error. In doing diags im slowly learning and getting better thanks to scanner danner and other helpful videos, and next year im starting school to learn more but yeah thats pretty much it. What do you all think is 800 after 6 days of work too little ?

Also Sometimes I take longer on jobs and dont order parts just because I think its not worth my pay 🤣🤣😭

Observing from a customer it seems like mechanics don't really have a set structured schedule and it really depends how many customers you have or what you're dealing with. It seems like you could be working on a car, another customer comes in, and suddenly you got another big project to work on.

Obviously its good to have business but the unpredictability and suddenness of it all seems like that's where the stress comes from. Like I would hate to be working on a car and suddenly 3 other customers come in and you gotta figure that out to. It feels like sensory overload.

Hi there, I’m reaching out for some assistance. I’ve been struggling to pass the ASE test, and I’m determined to succeed this time. However, I’ve been a poor test taker in the past, and I’m afraid that’s the reason for my repeated failures. This time, I’ve taken the test on a different subject, but I still failed. I’ve been studying diligently study guides and using official ASE practice test vouchers, so I felt quite confident before the test. But when I took it, I encountered questions that I had never encountered before. I’m at a loss and would greatly appreciate any advice you can offer. What am I doing wrong? What else should I study to improve my chances of passing the test? My job is literally pay walling me to get a raise I have to get ases to get it.

What is the best pressurized spray can in your opinion? Want to buy one but don’t know which one to get. It’s just to have alcohol inside but I heard that some of them get messed up because of it. Thanks in advance.

I always feel awkward driving into those places cuz of that

What are you Diag techs currently making hourly ? Does 35$hr seem low? Have 10 years in the industry. Name state and pay and years of experience.

Been a fleet mechanic (Class 8) for about 6 years, and a School Bus/Auto mechanic for 4.

I know my weakest area (other than advanced electrical) is specifically knowing what to diagnose to get to the problem. Sounds vague, I know.

As an example If I hear a ticking in the engine, what are the series of components to look into? What engine manufacturer has what hydraulic system? (Think valves, lifters, cams etc), is the other problem an electrical or vacuum failure? What kind of failure?

What's actually causing that noise? Throwing that code? Components of each transmission that could fail?

I feel like I can diagnose & repair 90% of intermediate problems, but anything advanced (...you know what kind of stuff I mean) I get to a point of not even knowing what, or where to look, and I fkn hate that.

I'm looking for the best program (as a 40yo) that teaches diagnostics, whether that be online, or a local program I find around here.

Is the ASE cert path what I'm looking for? (As well as a good diag training?)

Can you point me in the right direction? I'm trying to learn more, get better and more confident in my diagnosis for my customers.

Or, do I just need to get better at Google searches until I hands on learn the systems of each new car I touch?

Preciate'it lads (and lasses)

I’m a heavy equipment mechanic but I work on my own stuff. I had 2 tires put on the wife’s car in December (5000 miles ago). I told her the inspection expired in January and she could just take it when she had time (she works “at will” so she’s off more often than not).

I borrowed her car Friday and noticed the State was out still and the front tires had already worn down to the inside cords. Called my tire shop and setup 2 tires (el cheapos because this things going up for sale soon) alignment and State Inspection.

I picked it up today, drove it home and noticed it was clunking and kinda wandering. I throw the Jack under it and start looking at the alignment bolts, making sure everything is tight and that’s when I find the ball joint is bad.

Needless to say my tire guy is getting an earful in the morning. But for now I’m headed back to work to get the truck and trailer I borrowed over the weekend to tow it in to my shop so I can fix it tomorrow after work.

And I’m the bad guy for missing my kids ballgame tomorrow already.

Wanted to know if there any good ase websites for test prep cause the last i used 2 yrs ago is down thanks