From alternative fuels to GPS navigators, automotive technicians
have to be tech-savvy. Find out what it takes to begin a career
as an automotive technician in today’s changing world.
“Technician” versus “Mechanic” Automotive technicians aren’t
called mechanics any longer for a reason: the amount of
technological knowledge that goes into fixing today’s cars
requires more than just a good ratchet set. Automotive
technicians still fix and perform preventative maintenance on
customers’ cars and trucks, but they also must adapt to quickly
changing technology in the automotive industry. Cars aren’t what
they used to be. A great automotive technician needs to
understand electronics and how a car’s computer runs mechanical
components. A great automotive technician stays up to date on
alternative fuel technology, from how to repair the transmission
on a hybrid to how to maintain top performance of an ethanol-
fueled car. A great automotive technician knows how to access
and use digital manuals and understands how comp