Automotive Service Technicians examine, test and repair the parts and systems on cars and light trucks. Automotive Service Technician is a nationally designated trade under the Inter-provincial Red Seal program. (Find out about Red Seal in the Trades Lingo section.)



What do these workers do?
(Source: BC Work Futures)

Tune and perform service work on vehicles. Routine maintenance and scheduled servicing are needed to keep vehicles running and to ensure they last a long time. Manufacturers suggest service intervals and describe the work that should be done at these intervals.

Note wear patterns and make maintenance recommendations. With experience in the service and mechanic trades you will begin to recognize patterns of component wear and make predictions about the problems indicated by certain types of wear. With this knowledge you can recommend early replacement of parts or suggest specific maintenance programs.

Communicate with customers. Your ability to communicate technical information in ways your customers can understand will help them make informed decisions.

Stay current on technical bulletins. Vehicle manufacturers frequently issue service bulletins and your job will be easier if you stay current with them.

Order parts and track down hard to find equipment. Knowing how used and new parts sales operate can be a huge advantage in tracking down the right part at a reasonable price for your customer.

Keep accurate and detailed service records. On large transport vehicles, it is particularly important to record the work carried out and the mileage interval.

Read the full Automotive Service Technician Profile (44kb pdf).

Enter your own tags for this trade below
(separate each tag with a comma).