Mechanic assistants

Support Lead Mechanics

• Many of the core duties of a mechanic assistant involve providing direct or indirect support to lead mechanics. They may work on projects under the lead mechanic's supervision or may help out by ensuring that the lead mechanic has ready access to the tools and parts they need to finish repair and maintenance activities.

Perform Preventive Maintenance Tasks

• In many cases, mechanic assistants conduct routine maintenance activities that don't require a high level of expertise or specialization. A mechanic assistant may change a vehicle's oil, rotate tires, flush and replace fluids, and change bulbs. Early in their career, the mechanic assistant may perform these tasks under the direct supervision of a lead or more experienced mechanic, but they tend to act with more autonomy as they demonstrate their knowledge.

Repair and Replace Automotive Parts

• Mechanic assistants repair and replace parts in cars or trucks, including belts and tubes that have worn out or could soon fail. These replacements generally don't require a high level of technical knowledge, but a mechanic assistant may also make more advanced repairs or replacements under the supervision of lead mechanics, such as swapping out engine components or transmissions.

Provide Diagnostic Support

• Experienced mechanic assistants provide diagnostic support for lead and senior mechanics. As they begin their career, the mechanic assistant learns about methods for diagnosing vehicle performance issues and eventually gains a thorough knowledge of common diagnostic tests and indicators. Additionally, the mechanic assistant may work with diagnostic tools and provide reports and data to the lead mechanic to assist with repairs.

Support Shop Cleanliness and Safety

• Finally, mechanic assistants maintain workspaces and promote shop safety by cleaning work areas and removing hazardous materials such as oil, gasoline, or other fluids. The mechanic assistant follows established procedures for safe disposal of motor oil, tires, and other vehicle fluids. They may also conduct periodic checks of equipment and work areas to ensure that they are free of clutter and dangerous materials like broken glass.

Qualification:

• basic working knowledge of automotive parts and service is very helpful in this role and provides a basis upon which mechanic assistants can build expertise
• experience with vehicle diagnostics and problem-solving is also extremely beneficial, as this helps mechanic assistants contribute to the shop's activities
• support to one or more lead mechanics, so they should be able to successfully work in a team setting and coordinate their activities with other mechanics
• excellent attention to detail, both in providing support to lead mechanics and gaining familiarity with repair and maintenance practices for career advancement
• communicate with lead mechanics to provide them with tools or input. They may also directly interact with customers