Anyone whose car or light truck has broken down knows the importance of the service technician's job. Continued advancements in technology have created and redefined the role of the automotive technician. Although hand skills remain important, physical work is no longer the major aspect of automotive servicing. Today, the emphasis is on diagnostics, a process that requires an ability to think through problems in the abstract. The ability to diagnose the source of the problem quickly and accurately, one of the mechanic's most valuable skills, requires good reasoning ability and a thorough knowledge of automobiles. In fact, many mechanics consider diagnosing "hard to find" troubles one of their most challenging and satisfying duties.

Specialties

Automotive technicians in larger shops have increasingly become specialized in the following areas:

• Tune-up Technicians
• Front-end Technicians
• Automotive Air Conditioning Technicians
• Electrical Repair Technician
• Automatic Transmission Technicians
• Brake Repair Technicians

Tune-up and Diagnostics
Adjust the ignition timing and valves, and adjust or replace spark plugs and other parts to ensure efficient engine performance. Technicians often use electronic test equipment to help them adjust and locate malfunctions in fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.

Front-end and Steering
Align and balance wheels and repair steering mechanisms and suspension systems. Technicians frequently use special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.

Air Conditioning
Install and repair air conditioners and service components such as compressors and condensers.

Radiator
Clean radiators with caustic solutions, locate and solder leaks, and install new radiator cores or complete replacement radiators. Technicians also may repair heaters and air conditioners, and solder leads in gasoline tanks.

Electrical Repair

Automatic Transmission
Work on gear trains, couplings, hydraulic pumps, and other parts of automatic transmission. Because these are complex mechanisms and include electronic parts, their repair requires considerable experience and training, including a knowledge of hydraulics.

Brakes
Adjust brakes, replace brake linings and pads, repair hydraulic cylinders, turn discs and drums, and make other repairs on brake systems. Some mechanics specialize in both brake and front-end work.

Partsman

The parts department of the dealership is considered part of the fixed operations group, the aftermarket sector responsible for distribution and retail of vehicle parts and accessories. The parts area shares responsibility with the service department for keeping satisfied customers. Duties performed by various technicians include parts, inventory, sales, receiving/shipping, ordering, inspection, sorting, pick-up, and delivery.

Positions with the Parts Department:

• Parts Sales
• Parts Pick up & Delivery
• Shipping & Receiving
• Parts Inventory

Sales

The men and women that make up our sales team are the frontline professionals representing the dealership. The new vehicle salesperson sells new vehicles to meet dealership sales, profit, and customer satisfaction goals. He or she must be a self starter, organized, and an excellent communicator who truly enjoys working with the public. Duties include the understanding of the products sold, finance, insurance, provincial and federal laws, warranties, and the automotive industry in general. Salespeople are kept up to date on the latest product development and sales techniques through training sessions which the dealer and manufacturers conduct on a regular basis. They also take advantage of a wide variety of outside sales and business courses.

Autobody Repairs

The autobody repair department of the dealership is an important part of the business. Its purpose is to repair damaged body parts and bodies of vehicles in accordance with factory and dealership specifications, using hand and power tools. Body repairs and painting are highly specialized skills. Today's technician must be able to research information from manuals, books, bulletins, and resource people. The more education acquired the better one's chances are of being hired as an apprentice and succeeding in the trade.

Administration

The administration department handles the operation of the entire dealership — including secretaries, accounting, cashier, receptionists, bookkeepers, and clerks. The administrative staff coordinate the dealership payroll, set up and manage accounts payable and receivable systems, and manage dealership-wide human resource efforts, among many other business related tasks. These positions require excellent communication, computer, and business management skills.

Finance and Insurance Department

The Finance and Insurance department sells finance, credit life insurance, accident and health insurance, mechanical breakdown insurance/extended warranty and protection packages to customers. Protection packages include undercoating, rust proofing, paint sealant, and fabric/leather protection. It is the responsibility of the Business Manager to sell these aftermarket products as well as ensure that all documentation pertaining to the sale of new and used vehicles is completed and legally accurate. This position requires knowledge in the area of finance/lending and insurance programs as well as computer skills.

Positions within the F & I Department:

• Business Manager
• Assistant Business Manager