Specifics of the Job

Small engine mechanics perform routine maintenance checks on equipment to reduce the number of breakdowns. During these performance checks, mechanics inspect brakes, electrical systems, spark plugs, carburetors, and fuel systems. Necessary repairs or replacements are made at this time. When malfunctioning machinery is brought into a shop, a mechanic must diagnose the problem. Larger shops utilize computerized diagnostic tools to determine the trouble spot. Adjustments or repairs are then completed.

Small engine mechanics use a variety of tools. Hand tools, such as wrenches and screwdrivers are used often. Drills, grinders, and other power tools are utilized for customized repairs. They also use hoists for lifting heavy equipment and ammeters or voltmeters for locating faulty parts.

Motorcycle mechanics repair motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, dirt bikes, and all-terrain vehicles. Many specialize in one kind of equipment. Others work for dealerships repairing a certain make or model of motorcycles or equipment.

Motorboat mechanics are often referred to as marine equipment mechanics. They repair and maintain inboard or outboard engines for small or large motorboats. The engines on small boats can be removed and taken to a repair shop. Larger boats with inboard-outboard engines are taken by water to a repair location. Repairs are done at the dock.

Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics service lawnmowers, chainsaws, edge trimmers, go-carts, snowmobiles, or snow blowers. This kind of work is very seasonal.

Necessary Qualifications

Most employers prefer candidates with formal training experience. However, very few vocational and trade schools offer programs in small engine mechanics. Therefore, the majority of small engine mechanics are trained on-the-job. Many employers send mechanics to programs offered through motorcycle or engine manufacturers.

Small engine mechanics should possess a basic knowledge of electronics. Mechanical aptitude is necessary. Communication skills are also needed when dealing with customers.

Earnings and Advancement

Some small engine mechanics gain enough experience and are promoted to shop supervisor or service manager. These individuals must demonstrate superior interpersonal and leadership skills.

Earnings fall between $7.00 and $21.00 an hour. Outdoor power equipment mechanics tend to earn less due to the seasonal nature of their businesses. Small engine mechanics who are employed by larger companies receive health benefits and paid vacation. Uniforms are often supplied, as well.

By: Dave B.

About the Author:

Osceola County Mechanic

Currently in the United States of America there are many job openings for auto mechanics and it is estimated that there will be a 185,000 person shortage by the end of 2006. This means that if you are trainable and have learned the skills you may find yourself in a very good position for getting that perfect job. Now then, how can you convince a potential high-end, good paying employer that you have the right stuff?

You must convince your future employer that you are organized, knowledgeable and can pass the certification tests required by the manufacturers. Each certification on your resume will be a feather in this cap. Completion of a degree in college also helps even if it is only a two-year degree. The employer once they know you are trainable will take your application seriously and you may find yourself with a decent starting wage too.

It is advisable when picking out a resume format for a professional auto mechanics job to not try to get too tricky with fancy fonts or formats. Simply choose a standard, basic resume design and put in the necessary and needed information. They are not looking for pencil neck geeks or graphic artists, they are looking for real auto mechanics who can get the job done right the first time. Consider all this in 2006.

By: Lance Winslow

About the Author:

Osceola County Mechanic

Automotive mechanics are responsible for servicing and repairing motor vehicles. At various times, their work may involve inspection of problems, routine or preventive maintenance, replacement of parts, diagnostic troubleshooting, performance testing, and/or vehicle repair.

Mechanics make use of a wide variety of tools, ranging from traditional hand tools to larger power tools to the computerized shop equipment needed for interfacing with the integrated electronic systems and complex computers which regulate most of today’s vehicles. During routine service inspections, mechanics will test and if necessary, repair or replace worn parts using a checklist to ensure that they examine every critical part. To handle more intensive repair jobs, mechanics may need to replace or overhaul major systems or components of the vehicle. Troubleshooting problems on many of today’s vehicles often requires a mechanic to compare readouts from a computerized diagnostic testing device with benchmarked standards provided by the manufacturer.

Education, Certification, Licensing

Strictly speaking, there are no mandated educational requirements for becoming an automotive mechanic. Some mechanics still learn the trade by assisting and learning from experienced workers. However, successful completion of a vocational training program in automotive service technology in high school or in a postsecondary vocational school or community college is highly recommended.

Courses in math, physics, and to an increasingly important degree, electronics and computer science, will be extremely helpful. Even those who graduate from a formal automotive training program will still need a year or two of experience to become a fully qualified automotive mechanic. Complex specialties, such as air conditioning or transmission repair, normally require another year or two of training and/or experience.A standard credential for automotive mechanics is the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. While not mandatory for automotive service work, certification is becoming increasingly common to the point where today there are about 400,000 certified professionals.

Certification can be earned in one or more of 8 different areas of automotive service (e.g., engine repair, brake systems, electrical systems, etc.) and is based on a combination of education/experience and the ability to pass a certification exam. Those who are skilled in multiple auto repair services and would like to increase their marketability as an all-around mechanic can pursue ASE certification in all eight areas, which will earn them the designation of Master Automobile Technician.

By: U Urbano

About the Author:

Mechanic in Kissimmee

Aircraft mechanics are responsible for ensuring that planes are flying in top operating condition. They do this in a variety of ways: by performing scheduled maintenance, doing repairs, and conducting inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Mechanics usually work in hangars although they are occasionally required to work outdoors. Ear protection is required due to noise and vibration when testing engines. There is frequent lifting of heavy objects and a good deal of awkward or precarious positioning required when working. Although a 40-hour work week is common, aircraft mechanics can frequently count on overtime and/or weekend work. The job can be somewhat stressful due to the high level of responsibility to maintain safety standards and the time pressure to meet flight schedules.

Education, Certification, Licensing

Due to the high degree of responsibility associated with the job, the FAA requires that all aircraft mechanics be certified. In order to become certified, a person needs 18 months of practical experience with either power plants or airframes; or (to earn a combined certification as both an airframe and a powerplant mechanic, known as an A&P certificate) 30 months of practical experience working on both at the same time.

Completion of a program at an FAA-certified mechanic school can be substituted for the work experience requirement. Mechanics also must pass an exam for certification, which has a combination of written, oral, and practical test components. Once certified, mechanics must take at least 16 hours of training every two years to keep their certificate current. There are presently about 170 schools certified by the FAA.

Coursework normally lasts from 18 to 24 months and the schools are required by law to offer students a minimum of 1,900 class hours. Many of these schools award 2-year and 4-year degrees in avionics, aviation technology, or aviation maintenance management. Courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, electronics, computer science, and mechanical drawing are helpful because knowledge of the principles taught in these subjects is often needed to make repairs. A strong background in electronics is especially important. Courses that develop writing skills are also valuable due to the fact that mechanics need to submit reports on the maintenance and repair work they perform. In addition to the educational and experience requirements, mechanics must be able to read, write, and understand English in order to become certified. Those who wish to work for an airline should also be aware that most airlines require their mechanics to have a high school diploma and an A&P certificate.

By: U Urbano

About the Author:

Mechanic in Kissimmee

So you want to start an auto repair shop business here are 6 tips to get you started off right.

1) First as with any business write a business plan.

Business that do not write a business plan usually fail you must know what you expect for the business. Where is it headed? Will you some day have a franchise or will you only have one location? What type of advertising should you do? How much will it cost for shop equipment employees tools lifts ect. You must write a plan to know where you are headed. You would not plan a trip with out looking at a map would you? Make sure to map out your business to see future plans.

2) Register for a business license:
Call your local SBA they are the best place to start they can tell you about loans, free publications and so much more. You must register your business with the local city hall call the court house to find out what licenses you will need as they vary from state to state. In my county you do not need a fictitious
name if the business is your name such as David’s Car Repair but if you want Elite Car Repair you must file with the state for a fictitious
name which can be done online.

3) Open a business account:

This is very important you will need an account just for the business to pay for business expenses. This is where a lot of businesses fail they spend business profits on personal bills. In the first few years of business the business must keep 80% of income to sustain itself and grow. I know it is tempting but be careful. Contact you local bank and get a no fee checking account for your business.

4) Get insurance:

You must have garage insurance if you will have employees you will need worker comp insurance and you should check into what ever other liabilities there may be for your area fire, hurricanes,tornado ect. Insurance can make or break your growing business if you have insurance and the shop burns down insurance will pay to replace your shop. Or if you have disability insurance for just your self if a one man business. If you break your wrench hand you can sustain the business for months until you get well.

5) Pick a location

The old adage location ,location, location is true with auto repair shops make sure to find a shop right by the interstate or main highway or if you can’t put you shop in the middle of your busy town. If you can find a shop location by the highway it will be very lucrative for your business.

6) Advertise

To me this is one of the most important things you can do for your shop. The old adage when you do not advertise a funny thing happens Nothing is true in the auto repair business. The first thing you do if your car needs repairs and you do not know any one to fix it for you. Most people would check the phone book go online check the newspaper. A good source of advertising is tow truck companies in you area. What do truck drivers see daily that is right broken down vehicles. Offer them a referral fee for every customer they send you. You could pick up 10 or more repair jobs a month from them alone. Marketing is very important in any business get creative have fun and always under promise and over deliver and you will be successful.

By: David Lee Johnson

About the Author:

Best Mechanic Kissimmee

Believe it or not there are lots of employment opportunities in auto detailing and this is a career as it is the type of business you can learn as you work. It only take a few months and you can go from an apprentice to a seasoned of veteran of the industry in a busy detail shop.

Many people who work in the auto detailing business are actually independent contractors and they get paid for every car they do and the shop deals with a customer and cuts them a check at the end of each day or week for all the cars that they have detailed. It is kind of like a running your own business, but someone else is paying all the bills.

Employment opportunities in auto detailing are good because you can learn a new trade on the job and get paid well for doing it. There is a huge shortage in United States of America for auto technicians and mechanics and this problems often spills over into auto detailing as people move up into the maintenance of automobiles. But if you do not see yourself as someone who turns a wrench for a living then perhaps you can be someone who makes cars look beautiful.

If you love automobiles auto detailing is a great job because you work around some of the nicest cars around. There are employment opportunities in the auto detailing business and perhaps you might wish to consider this as a future possible career path or a stepping stone while you learn a new trade. So, think on this in 2006.

By: Lance Winslow

About the Author:

Best Mechanic Kissimmee

It is imperative that you understand your career choices before entering any program of study. For example, a decision must be made whether math majors want to instruct, work for NASA, or become bookkeepers. Someone expecting to become an aircraft mechanic should also be well educated about planes and what licenses are in high demand. It is more difficult to become an aircraft mechanic than an auto mechanic, so pay attention to the following information on the business of aircraft mechanics.

A mechanic who is FAA certified can select either a power plant rating or an airframe rating. An airframe rating is determined by all parts of the body and structure of the plane. A power plant rating is part of the engine specification of aircraft. You must complete 18 months of hands-on plane maintenance to even be able to apply to take the tests if you want one of these certifications. You must either have the signature of the supervising mechanic or a notarized statement from your employer to confirm the time worked. Maintenance work can only be performed after you complete a certified program of study or aircraft maintenance school.

If you want both certificates, you can opt to take a different test after working for thirty months. You will be elevated the the level of A&P mechanic, qualified to work on the entire airplane with the exception of the instrument panel (aka avionics). It is quite common among mechanics to obtain both certificates, and most of them hold A&P certificates.

Avionics repair is a highly specialized field which is worth all of the hard work. Avionics concentrates on the electronic systems and instruments of the airplane and, ironically, many aircraft mechanics have not trained in this area. The focus of avionics technicians is on a plane’s electronics and instrumentation, areas in which most aircraft mechanics are not trained. More licenses are needed for these duties.

The aviation industry, including general aviation, is heading more towards avionics, and industry experts forecast that this will be reflected in the job market for years to come. If a perspective employer sees on your résumé that you are trained in both aviation mechanics and avionics, you can rest assured your name will be at the top of the list of people he will hire because he will be getting two technicians for the price of one. Avionics oftentimes consists of a knowledge of the the most current technology and having the ability to apply this technology as a mechanic.

There is a specific field for each aircraft mechanic to work in. You can choose from several different types of workplaces such as aircraft manufacturing facilities, airfields, and the military. While the majority of aircraft mechanics are generalists, repairing all of the systems on a variety of aircraft, others are specialists, working only on specifics parts.

Before deciding on a career as an aviation mechanic, please understand that maintenance will be a daily requirement that will consume most of your time. FAA certification standards require continuous training, particularly if you have an A&P certificate. So be sure you log in at least 1,000 hours of mechanical work every two years or you will have to take refresher courses.

While you are deciding to become an aircraft mechanic you should know all of the possible opportunities. Your educational and certification requirements will depend on which field of study you wish to pursue and what types of aircraft you want to work on. Enter your field only after cautiously pondering it, making sure you have made a knowledgeable decision.

By: James Bunter

About the Author:

Best Mechanics in Kissimmee

The general public has a misconception that automobile mechanics make a lot of money, more so than most trades are paying. This article will explain that this is not so. In fact for the high technology of today’s vehicles, the amount of training required, the tool investment, the poor labor rate provided by the manufacturers and the plan a technician gets paid with makes him in my opinion grossly under paid. Read on.

This article may be a little long but it is something that has been in the back of my mind for some time now.

A little about myself to justify that I know what goes on in the automotive business. After graduating high school in 1962 I went on to a technical school for training in the automotive field. I started as an apprentice in a gas station. After a two year hitch in the army I started working in a front end repair shop, and then went to a new car dealer as a mechanic. I spent my entire working career in four dealers and six years in an independent transmission shop as the head transmission rebuilder. I have now been at the same dealer for 24 years and retirement is just around the corner.

So, the question is, are automotive technicians making large amounts of money? The rest of this article pertains to mechanics/technicians that are working for the “MAN” and not pertaining to repair shop or dealer owners.

Years ago back in the 60’s or so the auto mechanic was perceived as a dumb looking chap with a dirty overall on with an oily rag sticking out of his back pocket. His face and hands were dirty and grease was all over the wrench in his hand. Not to mention the cigarette clenched in his lips as he acted as though he were above you. If you happen to run into this character today when trying to get your car repaired run away as fast as you can to get away from him. Today’s auto mechanics are now auto technicians and rightfully so. Again, read on.

Most all trades’ people get paid either by the hour or on a yearly salary. Not so an auto technician. He/she only gets paid for what they do and if the problem, no matter how complicated it may be, is not resolved the first time this technician may work hours to correct it for no pay at all whether or not it was their fault. I will explain how ridicules this is as I go on.

The car of today not only has to get you from one place to another but in doing so also has to have; a stereo system, dual climate control, duel heated seats (don’t want your tushi to get cold), garage openers, GDS system, Onstar, automatic windshield wipers turning on (too much trouble to turn a knob?), Automatic parallel parking, automatic headlights, etc, etc, etc. Wow, are we getting lazy!

Sure all these systems make life easier and I will be the first to say I also enjoy some of them. The problem here is that besides the engine, transmission, traction control, anti lock brakes, air-conditioning and all other essential components which require on-board computers (one to six computers per car depending on make) plus numerous smart boxes we now have another dozen features requiring smart boxes which are monitored by the half dozen or so computers. Most of these systems are running using not the normal 12 volts but are reduced to ½ volts for many components.

The connectors, wire harnesses and grounds are not located at convenient places. They are behind the engine by the firewall were no fingers can reach. They are between radiator and grill, between fender and fender well, under rocker moldings, under seats, under dash, under center or upper consoles, above headliners, behind “A” “B” and ‘C’ pillars and any other inaccessible place you can think of. Try tracing these circuits for the half hour manufactures pay for diagnose. Yes, ½ hour diagnoses for almost anything is all most auto manufactures want to pay the technician. With all this technology this is kind of ridicules but it is a way of life.

This brings me to what we call heavy metal work. This would include engine and transmission removal, overhaul and replacement. This work is hard on the back after years of doing it plus if not working at a feverish pitch there is no way to make a decent salary working under manufacturer’s time allowances. The times are based on the fact that after finishing one job you move on to the next one working at this same feverish pitch just to try and make a half way decent pay check by the end of the week. No wonder there are fewer and fewer trained and experienced technicians in this field.

Most middle aged technicians are worn out and discouraged and are looking for a less strenuous way to make a living. The people who came up with the labor operation time limit for these repairs have obviously never worked in the repair field nor have they ever seen the inside of a shop. Quite frankly I don’t think they know the difference between a box wrench and a left handed tweeker pin. How they can dictate a technician’s time allowance for certain jobs is beyond me. This time allowance I will explain at the end of this article.

Again, if a drivability problem is intermittent it is very difficult to find and repair it. Often this will require a second or third visit to repair yet the manufacturer and/or the customer will only be willing to pay for this repair one time meaning the technician is expected to do any follow up repairs for free. This can result in hours of work at no pay even if the technician is not at fault. How do you set the standard of where the pay starts and stops? With heavy metal the labor rates are equal to about half the time it actually takes to do the job at a normal work speed. Most manufacturers don’t allow for extra time if bolts are rusted and require extra time for removal using the torch. If these engine and transmission jobs are rushed and a simple mistake is made by doing so it could lead to hours of unpaid and heavy work the technician will be expected to do for free.

So, how does this pay system work? The technician gets paid per flat rate hour. Meaning, the “book” gives X amount of time to do a job. Half hour to diagnose a drivability or electrical problem is not feasible. Six hours to remove and replace a transmission? In most cases this can’t be done. Again, eight hours to replace an engine is ridicules. These times are off the top of my head to set an example. Times do vary as to make and model but the times are still well below normal working speeds of the best technicians.

With all these electrical components the technician has thrown away his dirty overalls and oily rags and has to have extensive training to repair the complicated vehicles on the market today. Doing this with the pay rate given is a very taxing situation.

Depending on what part of the country you live in the average labor rate is $90 to $100 per hour. This is what the owner charges and the technician will only receive approximately $20 to $30 per flat rate hour. Not exactly “big bucks” by any means. Also every technician is required to have their own tools which can come to as much as $30 thousand dollars.

I know what some people who are reading this are thinking. If you no longer like the business, get out! This is easier said than done. By the time a technician is getting tired of this he/she is middle aged and has a family and house to support not alone the large investment in tools. The salary in the automotive field is just barely enough to get by but starting a new career for less income is for most too difficult.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and that I shed a little light on a subject many people did no know about. Thank you for letting me vent. Bottled up for 40 years and now ready to retire.

By: Guenter Hohmann

About the Author:

Best Mechanic Kissimmee

Let’s face it. Most people go to work because they need money, not because they love going to work. And for many of these people, they don’t even care what they are doing just so that they make the most money possible. For those of you who fall into this category, what follows is a list of some of the more higher paying jobs for college and non college folks. Hopefully, you’ll find something that pays you what you’re looking for.

For those of you who don’t have a college degree, don’t fret, There are actually some pretty high paying jobs out there that don’t require you to have a formal education.

If you’re interested in cars and know your way around the insides of one, you may want to consider becoming an auto mechanic. This job pays an average of about $14.71 per hour depending on where you live of course. That’s well over $550 for a 40 hour work week. Just plan on going home good and dirty each night.

If you’re not good with fixing cars but are great at driving them, you might want to consider becoming a truck driver. You average truck driver makes about $15.97 per hour. One good thing about the job is that you’re pretty much on your own for the day and don’t have to worry about your boss being all over you from 9 to 5.

Believe it or not, one of the higher paying jobs that don’t require a college degree is that of a police officer. The average cop makes about $22.00 per hour. Sure, you have to contend with bullets flying all over the place but after a while even that gets to be pretty mundane. Okay, being a cop is dangerous. But it does pay well. If you like to live dangerously, this may be just the thing for you.

Of course, if you have a college degree, you’re going to get the higher paying jobs.

One of the most common jobs today, especially with the advances in technology, is the job of computer programmer. The average computer programmer makes about $23.19 per hour and this is actually one of the lower paid college required jobs. That’s probably because of the glut of programmers on the market.

Of course if you really want to get technical and make even more money, you can become an engineer, of which there are many kinds such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, chemical engineers, civil engineers and on and on. The average engineer makes $33.50 per hour. That’s well over $1300 a week or over $65,000 a year. Not too shabby.

But if you’re really looking for big bucks and have 20-20 vision, then maybe you’d like to become an airline pilot. Don’t laugh. Airline pilots make an average of $95.80 per hour. Sure, there’s always the dangers involved, which we won’t even get into here, but that is one great hourly rate for taking people from one place to another.

There are many good high paying jobs in the world. You just have to be qualified to do them. That is the hard part.

By: Michael Russell

About the Author:

Mechanics in Kissimmee