Comments on: Being A Car Mechanic

By: Geekwrench

Geekwrench — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 22:03:07 +0000

Your post reminded me of when I worked at a used car lot many years ago. It was fun, and I do remember trips to the Riverside auto auction. My job is still fun. I now work for a small independent shop, (only 2 of us) nearly across the street from that auto auction. I specialize in European cars, and have a reputation for solving strange electrical issues, and getting anything to pass smog. Customers bring us tons of sugar during the holidays. My 2nd “car” job was the most fun, until i got in a disagreement with the owner. I worked at a facility specializing in the restoration of old European cars. I once drove a 1965 Volvo 544 to a car show an hour away, on behalf of the customer, with a convoy of 9 other similar cars.

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:40:46 +0000

MartiG: I have to say that I have come full circle on the issue. I use to think that technician was the proper word to describe what I do. But have gone back to the reality that I am a Auto Mechanic. There is no shame in the word mechanic for me. Although many in my field do find it offensive.

By: MartiG

MartiG — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:30:55 +0000

I have the utmost respect for Auto technicians. I think they’re awesome because they have skills that most people do not posses. With that said, I have a friend who is an auto technician. He gets really angry when I mistakenly say the word “mechanic.” He says I’m insulting him and his entire industry with that word.
What do you in the industry say: Is calling someone a “mechanic” really insulting?

By: tyre changers

tyre changers — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:59:13 +0000

I would say being a car mechanic is a lifetime career.It’s a profession,a job,passion and source of income.My dad is a mechanic for eight years and he’s teaching me the basic for now.I will be glad to learn everything and be a good mechanic too.

By: dennisb

dennisb — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:04:18 +0000

Mark, good advice I enjoyed your article. I too have made a good living as an auto tech over the years – never had a demo though, that sounds great! I think that one of the best benefits to being a mechanic is being able to repair most problems yourself. Even if I decide to get someone else to do a repair, I have a good idea if what they are telling me makes sense or not. Anyways keep up the good work

By: self defense Rob

self defense Rob — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:24:15 +0000

My dad isn’t a certified mechanic, but he more than knows his way around under the hood. When I was little and my dad would tinker with the family cars, either changing the oil, fixing some belt, getting the winter beater running again, etc. I should have paid more attention. My grandfather was a mechanic, and taught my dad. Unfortunately I didn’t want to be bothered learning from my dad. So now I am stuck paying for all those services I could (should) be doing myself. That is of course unless I give my dad a call.

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:46:40 +0000

There’s part of me that thinks it would be fascinating to be a car mechanic (and practical, too, so I could figure out why my ’99 Sienna makes these odd periodic squeek noises when I drive around 65-70).

I’m thinking someday (maybe even near retirement) of taking some classes, just for the heck of learning. Maybe by then, the technology will all be different and cars will just have two parts: a computer and a big battery…