Q&A for How to Become an Auto Mechanic

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Do you need to go to college?

Community Answer

No, you do not need a college degree. Usually trade school helps with enhanced knowledge and education in the field.

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Question

Is it necessary to have math skills in order to be an auto mechanic?

Community Answer

It helps a lot to be able to do the basics. If you don't have math skills you can't really expect to grow in this field; chances are you will be a parts-changer. This isn't bad, but the real money comes when you move up the food chain and do more sophisticated work.

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Question

I'm new at a garage, and I'm having a hard time keeping up with the other mechanics. What can I do?

Chris Adamo

Community Answer

Ask the other mechanics for tips and spend time outside work reading up on your field.

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Question

What is the age requirement to become a mechanic? When can you start finding jobs in that field?

Community Answer

There is no age limit other than that mandated by the state in which you live. The more experience you gain and training/classes you have, the more able you will be to find a job in the automotive field.

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Question

Do I have to study for five years before becoming a technician?

Community Answer

No, programs and training don't have to take five years to complete. On average, most people take somewhere between 2 and 5 years to get the education and training needed to become an auto mechanic/technician. If you want to speed the process up a bit, opt for a vocational or certificate program instead of acquiring a college degree.

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Question

What are some examples of injuries that auto mechanics can get?

Community Answer

Some common injuries are busted hands, bumps, bruises and cuts that may or may not require stitches. Rust and metal splinters can get in your eye, so using eye protection is a must. Longer term issues are cancer, bad back, arthritis and lung problems. A worst case scenario could be death, from something like getting crushed by a vehicle.

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Question

Can I become a mechanic if I am not good at math?

Community Answer

Sure you can. However math is a good skill to have because you will need to do (or know) some basic algebra for oil changes, sizing tires, using certain tools, etc.

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Question

How can I go about becoming a mechanic with a modern workshop?

Community Answer

Get a lift kit installed in your workshop. This will make life a lot easier for you. Having the lift allows you to easily work underneath the vehicle and especially helps with major mechanical works (i.e. transmission work, oil changes, tires, brakes, CV axles, drive shaft work, exhaust system, etc.).

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Question

What subjects do I need to become a mechanic?

Community Answer

You need to graduate from high school and then take BE (automobiles).

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Question

Can I become a master automobile technician and start a career at the same time?

Community Answer

While this may be very challenging and require a lot of hard work, yes, you may be able to strive for both of these things at the same time. Each state varies in their qualifications for master status, so check with your state on what you need to do. In the state of Michigan, for example, to become a master, you must pass at least 8 out of the 11 certification exams that the state offers.

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Question

I don't have a lot of time for school or training. Are there other options for starting a career with only some training?

Community Answer

If you don't have the time to complete the necessary education and training, consider working towards it over a longer period of time. For instance, if you want to get an associate's degree, take the minimum amount of classes at a time. If you're hoping to get into the field quicker without devoting a lot of time to training and education, look into the possibility of doing an apprenticeship.

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Question

Do you need a high school diploma to become an auto mechanic?

Spaceship

Community Answer

Yes, a high school diploma is one of the first requirements for becoming a mechanic. After graduating high school you will need to go to vocational school to earn a certificate in mechanics.

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Question

Is possible to get any certifications before graduating from high school?

Spaceship

Community Answer

If your school offers it, you can take a dual enroll program which allows you to attend community college and high school at the same time.

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Question

Is there a certain type of high school diploma I need to become an auto mechanic?

Spaceship

Community Answer

The type of high school diploma does not matter if you want to go to technical school. Most if not all of them take any form of high school diploma or GED.

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