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what kind of tools would i be using as an automotive engineering technician?
I am a job corps student.
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Dennis’s Answer
Hi Della! The MOST important tool is one you already have....your Brain! - along with your eyes, ears and sense of touch. When you start on a new project, or a new shop order, you want to know as much as possible about the sypmtoms reported by the customre, the make and model of the vehicle, and when (and possibly where) the problem started. You don't always get all of that information at the same time.
Knowing how different systems of the vehicle work is crucial. And, knowing how different systems interact is also important.
Sometimes the problem is visually evident, or it is just a given - something like: "I need a new set of tires.," or, "I want an oil change." But always be looking for other signs of a problem. The second-most important tool may be a computer or read-out device that reads the diagnostic codes from different systems on the vehicle. So, you need to be able to follow fault trees and use logic to decide what to check next.
Use your knowledge of vehicle systems to figure out: 1) what is working ok; 2) what may be not working. Don't just change parts to see if it solves the problem.
If you get into electrical systems, you will need to know how to read wiring diagrams and use a volt/Ohm meter. Knowing where to put the test leads is a critical aspect of doing the job.
Another important tool: being able to communicate with others: your boss or supervisor, the customer, your co-workers. Be willing to listen to them; they may have some useful information that you can't get otherwise.
Good luck Della.
Knowing how different systems of the vehicle work is crucial. And, knowing how different systems interact is also important.
Sometimes the problem is visually evident, or it is just a given - something like: "I need a new set of tires.," or, "I want an oil change." But always be looking for other signs of a problem. The second-most important tool may be a computer or read-out device that reads the diagnostic codes from different systems on the vehicle. So, you need to be able to follow fault trees and use logic to decide what to check next.
Use your knowledge of vehicle systems to figure out: 1) what is working ok; 2) what may be not working. Don't just change parts to see if it solves the problem.
If you get into electrical systems, you will need to know how to read wiring diagrams and use a volt/Ohm meter. Knowing where to put the test leads is a critical aspect of doing the job.
Another important tool: being able to communicate with others: your boss or supervisor, the customer, your co-workers. Be willing to listen to them; they may have some useful information that you can't get otherwise.
Good luck Della.
Updated
michael’s Answer
A typical day for a automotive technician.
ive been professionally a mechanic for 7+ years now.
a day for me starts by coming to work opening up bay doors, if i have no prior jobs then i will grab the next "ticket" which can range anywhere from a oil change/inspection to engine diagnostics.
ill do a inspection, find x and y wrong. service writer writes up a estimate for futher repairs and talks with the owner and trys to get it approved. if its approved then i do the approved job. if not then i put it all back together, make sure its safe to drive and send it on its way. continue on to the next vehicle. until the end of the work day.
starting in the field one will usually just do oil changes (and tire changes if the shop does them) and be a helper to other techs when not busy himself. in a well employed location. but generally guys who are new to the field will be stuck doing oil changes and low level work.
you will gain experience over time and also make a fair amount of mistakes. we all do and even the best make mistakes time to time.
starting tools.
wrenchs 8mm to 24mm
sockets 3/8 and 1/2 drive sockets 6mm (if you can find it in 3/8) to 19 (if you can get higher, then even better), 1/2 sockets will normally come in 10mm to 24mm
3/8 and 1/2 ratchets
couple pliers, slip joint, needle nose. i HIGHLY SUGGEST getting a pair of channel locks 410. they are fantastic for many things.
thats bare bones. itll get you started.
for a more experienced technician.
they will for 20,30,40,50000+ dollars worth of tools
multiple sets wrenchs, sockets, many different types of pliers, dozens of specialty tools. compression tester, fuel pressure tester, torque wrenchs multiple, electrical testers, power probe, vise grips, tap and die set. several impact tools, air guns, air hammer, regular hammers, rubber-nylon-brass-normal hammers. many many more tools that can be listed and it always depends on what your focused on.
myself, im more of a undercarriage tech. suspension, brakes, ofcourse i do engine and transmission work, im able to do moderate electrical diagnostic work.
one of the most important tools you can own. a decent laptop. aslong as you are at a place that will allow you to login on their repair service. alldata, prodemand, identifix. having that without having to fight over a shop computer is nice. plus portability that you can take over to the job.
know your rights too. many mechanics get hurt or pushed to hard, you are allowed to take a lunch break. wear gloves when you can. hydrate your hands (your partner will appreciate that) theres no shame in wearing a mask too to prolong your lung health. theres alot of stuff in the air in the shop that can cause harm.
ive been professionally a mechanic for 7+ years now.
a day for me starts by coming to work opening up bay doors, if i have no prior jobs then i will grab the next "ticket" which can range anywhere from a oil change/inspection to engine diagnostics.
ill do a inspection, find x and y wrong. service writer writes up a estimate for futher repairs and talks with the owner and trys to get it approved. if its approved then i do the approved job. if not then i put it all back together, make sure its safe to drive and send it on its way. continue on to the next vehicle. until the end of the work day.
starting in the field one will usually just do oil changes (and tire changes if the shop does them) and be a helper to other techs when not busy himself. in a well employed location. but generally guys who are new to the field will be stuck doing oil changes and low level work.
you will gain experience over time and also make a fair amount of mistakes. we all do and even the best make mistakes time to time.
starting tools.
wrenchs 8mm to 24mm
sockets 3/8 and 1/2 drive sockets 6mm (if you can find it in 3/8) to 19 (if you can get higher, then even better), 1/2 sockets will normally come in 10mm to 24mm
3/8 and 1/2 ratchets
couple pliers, slip joint, needle nose. i HIGHLY SUGGEST getting a pair of channel locks 410. they are fantastic for many things.
thats bare bones. itll get you started.
for a more experienced technician.
they will for 20,30,40,50000+ dollars worth of tools
multiple sets wrenchs, sockets, many different types of pliers, dozens of specialty tools. compression tester, fuel pressure tester, torque wrenchs multiple, electrical testers, power probe, vise grips, tap and die set. several impact tools, air guns, air hammer, regular hammers, rubber-nylon-brass-normal hammers. many many more tools that can be listed and it always depends on what your focused on.
myself, im more of a undercarriage tech. suspension, brakes, ofcourse i do engine and transmission work, im able to do moderate electrical diagnostic work.
one of the most important tools you can own. a decent laptop. aslong as you are at a place that will allow you to login on their repair service. alldata, prodemand, identifix. having that without having to fight over a shop computer is nice. plus portability that you can take over to the job.
know your rights too. many mechanics get hurt or pushed to hard, you are allowed to take a lunch break. wear gloves when you can. hydrate your hands (your partner will appreciate that) theres no shame in wearing a mask too to prolong your lung health. theres alot of stuff in the air in the shop that can cause harm.